AB6IX’s Lee Dae Hwi to Voice Hiccup in Korean Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Film

Lee Dae Hwi to Voice Hiccup in Live-Action “How to Train Your Dragon”

AB6IX member Lee Dae Hwi has been officially cast to provide the voice of Hiccup in the Korean version of the eagerly anticipated live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. This exciting news was shared on May 20 via the K-Pop group’s official Instagram account, encouraging fans to show their support and share in the anticipation.

About the Live-Action Film

This new rendition of DreamWorks’ beloved franchise is directed by Dean DeBlois, who previously helmed the original animated trilogy. The cast includes Mason Thames portraying Hiccup, with Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson, and Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch. The story centers around Hiccup, a Viking boy who develops a unique bond with a Night Fury dragon named Toothless, defying the long-held animosities between Vikings and dragons.

Lee Dae Hwi’s Background

Born on January 29, 2001, Lee Dae Hwi is a prominent South Korean singer-songwriter and producer, who first gained widespread recognition by finishing third in the reality competition Produce 101 Season 2. Subsequently, he became a member of the popular group Wanna One before joining AB6IX. In addition to his musical endeavors, he has also made a name for himself as a television personality, notably hosting the show M Countdown.

Public Reactions to Casting Choice

The announcement of Lee Dae Hwi’s casting has sparked mixed reactions among Korean audiences. Some fans of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise have voiced their disappointment over the decision, feeling that the role would have been better suited for a professional voice actor. Previous adaptations featured notable actors like Oh Seung Yoon and Shin Yong Woo, leading to criticisms about celebrity involvement in voice acting, with some arguing that it detracts from the professionalism of the craft.

On the other hand, supporters argue that the focus of criticism should be directed at the production companies’ choices, rather than at the performers themselves. This debate reflects ongoing dialogue in South Korea concerning the trend of casting K-Pop idols in voice roles for major animated films, such as Trolls Band Together, which featured Red Velvet’s Wendy and RIIZE’s Eunseok.

Box Office Expectations

The animated trilogy of How to Train Your Dragon has enjoyed significant success in South Korea, with the first film attracting 2.59 million viewers, the second reaching 2.99 million, and the third bringing in 1.5 million. As of May 20, the live-action adaptation has recorded a 6.2% reservation rate, placing it fifth in advance ticket sales. The film is set to debut in South Korea on June 6, 2025, before its global release on June 13. For more information, refer to Gizmodo.