The live-action How to Train Your Dragon adaptation has just announced its leading man, Mason Thames, as Hiccup, and the internet is on fire. Far from being celebrated, this casting decision has sparked a wave of outrage and ridicule, with many fans already labeling it as a catastrophic mistake that could ruin the beloved franchise.
The wrong face for a legendary role?
Fans of the original films are calling Mason’s casting an unbelievable misstep, claiming he lacks the quirky, awkward charm that made Hiccup a household name. “He looks like a generic teen heartthrob, not someone who grew up with dragons,” one critic said online. Many argue that his clean-cut, polished image doesn’t align with Hiccup’s scrappy, underdog energy.
A Darker, Edgier Hiccup No One Asked For
Rumors suggest the live-action film will take a gritty and hyper-realistic approach, with Mason’s Hiccup leaning into action-hero territory. Fans are furious, accusing the studio of pandering to trends and abandoning what made the original story magical. “If I wanted another moody, brooding teenager, I’d watch any other reboot,” one angry fan tweeted. Critics predict the film will strip away the heart and humor of the franchise in favor of a hollow cash grab.
Backlash Builds Before Filming Even Begins
Social media is ablaze with hashtags like #NotMyHiccup, as fans question whether Mason Thames can handle the pressure of bringing this iconic character to life. Memes mocking the casting choice are already circulating, with one user calling it “the worst casting since the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.” The studio, meanwhile, has stayed silent, likely bracing for more backlash.
This casting decision has turned what should’ve been a celebration into a full-blown PR nightmare. Can Mason Thames silence the critics and prove everyone wrong, or is this already shaping up to be the biggest flop of the decade?
One thing’s clear—dragons won’t be the only thing crashing and burning in this live-action adaptation.
