Mason Thames explains how his version of Hiccup in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon is different from the character in the animated movie. After beginning the hit animated trilogy in 2010, DreamWorks is returning to the Island of Berk through a live-action reimagining. Dean DeBlois also returns to the director’s chair after originally helming the 2010 version. In addition to Thames, How to Train Your Dragon‘s cast includes Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, and Julian Dennison.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Thames addressed how his version of Hiccup is different from the character’s original form. The actor noted that there was always an option to “do the impression” of Jay Baruchel’s original Hiccup. However, he opted to keep “the important characteristics” of Hiccup while also taking time “to explore something new.” This new iteration, in the Thames’ eyes, was the protagonist’s “sadder and lonelier side.” Check out the full quote below:

“I can do the impression, but if I did an impersonation like that for this film, it would feel rude. What Jay did is so incredible and so iconic, but I had to do my own thing. I still wanted to keep all the important characteristics that people love about Hiccup: his sarcasm and his wittiness. But I also wanted to explore something new about Hiccup — a darker, sadder and lonelier side. He’s been cast out by his village, and his father doesn’t accept him. Yet all he wants is to make his father proud and be accepted as a Viking. So getting the chance to explore a new side of Hiccup and show some new colors to the character was a lot of fun.”

What This Means For How To Train Your Dragon

It Has One Key Actor From The Animated Movies

Thames is likely making the right call by opting against a one-to-one impression. The live-action movie already has Butler reprising the role of Stoick after previously voicing him in the original trilogy. In other ways, the film has made an effort to give the cast a new look and feel. For example, its ensemble is far more diverse than Berk was in the original. Astrid is played by a non-white actor, despite being blonde and blue-eyed in the original.

According to the actor, this departure from the original also gave him the chance to delve deeper into Hiccup’s emotions. Narratively, all of these plot elements — including his outcast status and desire to “be accepted as a Viking” — are in the original source material. However, the “sarcasm and wittiness” mostly define the lead in the original animated series, which adds to the charm. It seems like Thames’ Hiccup is recognizing the character more fully for who he is, which could lead to an interesting performance.

Our Take On The Hiccup Changes

The Movie Has Been Well-Received So Far

Unlike in the case of Astrid, who is stated to be more fleshed out in How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup’s arc seems to be truer to the original. However, the plot’s faithfulness still allows for the more subtle changes that Thames is describing. So far, the How to Train Your Dragon reviews are positive, with critics appreciating how the film honors its animated counterparts. Hopefully, audiences will approach the movie with the same optimism as it hits theaters.

Source: THR