Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse have signed on to voice-star in “How to Train Your Dragon,” the CGI fantasy feature from DreamWorks Animation.
Based on Cressida Cowell’s first novel in the children’s book series, the story centers on the timid son of a Viking chief who must capture and train a dragon in order to be initiated into his tribe.
Baruchel will voice the boy, named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, who is saddled with an undersized and uncooperative dragon.
Butler is the father and chief of the tribe, Stoick the Vast, while Ferrera voices Astrid, who partners with Hiccup for the initiation.
Hill will play Snotlout, a bully who thinks he should be the next chief, and Mintz-Plasse portrays Fishlegs, a Viking big in size but small in brains.
Peter Hastings is directing the project, which recently was moved to a March 26, 2010, release from its original Nov. 20, 2009, date.
Bonnie Arnold is producing the feature, which will be the studio’s second film that will be made in Ultimate 3D.
Baruchel, who worked with Hill in “Knocked Up” and next appears in “Tropic Thunder,” is repped by CAA and Thruline Entertainment.
Butler (“300”) is repped by CAA and Alan Siegel Entertainment, while “Ugly Betty” star Ferrera is repped by Endeavor.
Hill and Mintz-Plasse, who both starred in “Superbad,” are repped by UTA. Hill, who lent his voice to “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” additionally is repped by Principato/Young.