Nico Parker is gearing up to soar into the skies as Astrid in the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, and while promoting her latest film Suncoast, she gave The Movie Dweeb an exciting tease about one of the movie’s most anticipated moments.

“We haven’t filmed too much, so I don’t have anything I could give that I know people would be incredibly excited for,” Parker admitted. “But something that’s exciting—I think the first flight on the dragon with Mason [Thames], who plays Hiccup. That first flight, and then mine and his together, I think will be incredibly exciting. Everything is being executed with incredible amounts of love and care, and I’m very excited for people to watch it.”

Could Pedro Pascal Play Toothless? (Not Really… But What If?)

Given Parker’s previous work with Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us, I couldn’t resist throwing out a wild theory: what if Pedro Pascal was playing Toothless?

While she (probably wisely) avoided confirming this dream casting, she did offer a little insight into what might be the internet’s favorite actor’s one true flaw.

“He’s honestly not bad at anything,” she admitted. “He’s got a beautiful singing voice, he’s a wonderful dancer, he’s a good driver. He’s just good at everything. He’s honestly, like, the best person ever. But if there would be one thing… oh, he can be grumpy. When he’s grumpy, it’s so annoying. Other than that, he’s honestly more charming than you could ever imagine a human being to be.”

From The Last of Us to Berk: Nico Parker and Pedro Pascal’s Bond

Parker and Pascal first teamed up in HBO’s critically acclaimed adaptation of The Last of Us, where she played Sarah, Joel’s beloved daughter. While her time on screen was brief (anyone who played the game knew what was coming, but it still hurt), her performance left a lasting impact on fans. Their on-screen father-daughter dynamic was so strong that it’s no wonder Parker speaks so fondly of Pascal—grumpy moments and all!

The How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Remake: Everything We Know

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon franchise has been a massive success since the first animated film took flight in 2010, earning critical acclaim, box office success, and even Oscar nominations. The story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his bond with the dragon Toothless has since spawned two sequels, TV spin-offs, and a dedicated fanbase.

Now, the beloved series is getting the live-action treatment, directed by Dean DeBlois (who helmed the original trilogy). Mason Thames (The Black Phone) will take on the role of Hiccup, while Nico Parker steps into the boots of the fearless Astrid. While we still have to wait until June 13, 2025, to see it, Parker’s excitement—and assurance that it’s being made with immense love and care—suggests that fans are in for something special.

What is Suncoast About?

Before she takes to the skies in How to Train Your Dragon, Parker is making waves in Suncoast, a heartfelt drama inspired by real-life events. The film follows a teenager (Parker) who, while caring for her terminally ill brother, unexpectedly bonds with an eccentric activist. The cast also includes Laura Linney and Woody Harrelson, making for an emotional and powerful film that showcases Parker’s impressive dramatic range.

Between dragons, post-apocalyptic survival, and emotional dramas, Nico Parker is proving to be one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood. And if her How to Train Your Dragon teaser is anything to go by, we’re in for one thrilling ride when the film finally lands in 2025.