Introduction
Training imaginary creatures may seem like a daunting task, but the cast of How to Train Your Dragon will tell you otherwise. Since the release of the first film in 2010, the franchise has been entertaining millions of viewers worldwide with its magical world-building, lovable characters, and remarkable animation. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the main cast of the movies, their experiences on set, and share tips and techniques on how to train your own dragon like a pro.
Behind the Scenes: Getting to Know the Cast of How to Train Your Dragon
The How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise, based on the books by Cressida Cowell, features an ensemble of voice actors who brought life to the film’s intrepid young hero, Hiccup, his loyal dragon friend, Toothless, and their allies and adversaries. The films were directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the first movie.
The moviemakers used motion capture technology to record the performances of the voice actors, which added depth to the dragon’s lifelike movements and expressions. The films’ stunning visuals, coupled with a compelling storyline and lovable characters, made it one of DreamWorks’ most successful film franchises.
The main cast consists of Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), America Ferrera (Astrid), Jonah Hill (Snotlout), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fishlegs), and TJ Miller (Tuffnut). Each of these actors brings a unique energy and personality to their roles that makes the characters so memorable.
Some of the interesting trivia about the casting process includes Jay Baruchel not auditioning for the role of Hiccup but receiving an offer from DreamWorks after they saw his performance in another film. Additionally, Jonah Hill initially auditioned for the role of Hiccup but got the role of Snotlout instead.
Step-by-Step Guide: Training Your Own Dragon like the Cast
While training a dragon may not be feasible in real life, the training methods used in the film can be applied to training pets or other animals.
The primary training method used in the movie is positive reinforcement, where the trainer rewards desirable behavior to encourage the animal to repeat that action. DreamWorks worked with experienced animal behaviorists to develop their methods, and these techniques have been effective for training dogs, cats, and even horses.
To train your pet using positive reinforcement, you must identify the desired behavior and use a reward that motivates your pet, such as a treat or a toy. You can start by teaching them simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” When your pet performs the desired behavior, immediately give them the reward and praise them. With time and practice, your pet will learn to associate the behavior with the reward, making it a habit.
The cast of How to Train Your Dragon also provided some useful tips for training your dragon. According to Jay Baruchel, the key to training is consistency and patience. He advises that training a dragon, like any pet, takes time and repetition, but the end result is worth the effort.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse also shared a tip for bonding with your pet. He recommends spending time with your pet and getting to know their quirks and personalities. By understanding what motivates them and how they think, you can build trust and form a stronger bond.
10 Fun Facts about the How to Train Your Dragon Cast
In addition to their impressive performances, the How to Train Your Dragon cast has some interesting stories and facts up their sleeves:
- Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who played Snotlout and Fishlegs respectively, previously starred together in the hit movie Superbad.
- America Ferrera, who played Astrid, has won numerous awards for her role in the TV series Ugly Betty.
- TJ Miller, who played Tuffnut, is also a comedian and writer and has starred in the HBO series Silicon Valley.
- Jay Baruchel is Canadian, and his accent can be heard in his portrayal of Hiccup.
- The dragons in the movie were designed to reflect different types of animals, such as birds, fish, and snakes.
- Toothless, the main dragon, was modeled after a combination of cats, dogs, horses, and even bats.
- The films’ music score was composed by John Powell, who also composed the music for other DreamWorks films such as Kung Fu Panda and Shrek.
- The main dragon species, Night Fury, was named after a type of poisonous dart frog.
- The franchise has spawned two sequels, multiple spin-offs, and even an animated series on Netflix.
- The franchise has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of DreamWorks’ most successful franchises.
Exploring the Characters: What the Cast Says About their Roles
One of the highlights of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is its relatable and multifaceted characters. According to the cast, the characters’ diverse personalities and motivations make them so beloved by audiences worldwide.
Jay Baruchel, who played Hiccup, said that he related to Hiccup’s vulnerability and tendency to question authority. He sees Hiccup as a character who overcomes his fear and proves that even a small person can make a big impact.
America Ferrera, who played Astrid, saw the character as a strong and independent young woman who is not afraid to speak up and lead. She also appreciated that the movie did not exaggerate her femininity but instead focused on her bravery and skills.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who played Fishlegs, found the character to be a fun and unique role for him to play. Playing a character who was both intelligent and loyal was a great experience for him, and he enjoyed being part of the ensemble cast.
Lessons Learned: How the Cast Prepared for their Dragon Training Scenes
The cast had to undergo extensive preparation to voice their characters, especially during the action and training scenes. Understanding the physical and mental challenges of training a dragon allowed the cast to bring authenticity to their roles.
Jay Baruchel worked with a vocal coach to achieve the right intonation and emotion for Hiccup’s lines. He also did research on dragon mythology and history to get a deeper understanding of the world that the film was set in.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse also underwent vocal training but also spent time studying animal behavior and learning more about the role of Fishlegs in the story.
Johah Hill, who played Snotlout, said he enjoyed the challenge of playing a character who was the opposite of what he usually portrayed. He underwent voice modifications to get the right pitch and also worked on his breathing techniques during intense physical scenes.
The Evolution of the How to Train Your Dragon Cast: From Auditions to Fame
For many of the cast members, How to Train Your Dragon was a significant turning point in their careers. The movies allowed them to expand their range as actors and bring new energy to their performances.
Jay Baruchel, who was already a well-known actor, saw his profile increase even more after the release of the first film. He went on to play other memorable roles, including the protagonist in the TV series Man Seeking Woman.
America Ferrera, who was best known for her role in Ugly Betty, saw a significant increase in her fan base due to her standout performance as Astrid. She has since starred in other TV shows and films and has also won accolades for her activism work.
TJ Miller, who had worked in comedy before How to Train Your Dragon, saw the role as an opportunity to showcase his depth as an actor. Although he did not continue to reprise his role in the sequels, the movie expanded his fan base and opened doors for him in Hollywood.
Interview with the Cast: Inside Look at the Making of How to Train Your Dragon
A conversation with the cast members on their thoughts on the movies can provide invaluable insights into the filmmaking process. The actors shared their favorite moments and memories, as well as some behind-the-scenes anecdotes that make the movie even more endearing.
Jay Baruchel admitted that his favorite scene in the film was the climax, where Hiccup and Toothless battle the dragon army. He said that the scene took over six months to put together but was well worth the effort.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse shared that his favorite scene was when Fishlegs gets his own dragon, Meatlug. He said that it was a touching moment that added a lot of heart to the movie.
The cast members also shared their thoughts on the impact of the movie. America Ferrera said that the movie taught important lessons about friendship, bravery, and empathy that she hoped children would take to heart.
Conclusion
In essence, the How to Train Your Dragon cast has brought magic and life to the franchise, and audiences worldwide have fallen in love with the dragons and the characters. The franchise demonstrates how bringing together talented actors, writers, and animators can create something truly special and leave a lasting impact on audiences. With the cast’s training tips and techniques, viewers can transform those imaginary creatures into beloved pets and cherished companions.