At only 17 years old, actor and Dallas native Mason Thames has already taken flight – literally. The young star can be seen playing the kind-hearted and socially awkward Viking known as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon.

Mason Thames was a toddler living in Dallas when the original "How to Train Your Dragon" animated film was released. At around 7 years old, he dressed up as Hiccup, the film's main character, for Halloween.

The actor, who will celebrate his 18th birthday next month, also explains why he did not try to match original actor Jay Baruchel's voice: "if I did an impersonation like that for this film, it would feel rude.