Actor and novelist Harry Trevaldwyn talks his multi-faceted background and starring role in the new live action rendition of How To Train Your Dragon.

Published author, social media sweetheart, rising actor… Harry Trevaldwyn has fingers in plenty of pies. The British polymath is finding success in his mosaic of pursuits too. His debut novel, The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is set to be made into a TV show. His internet profile only continues to grow and flourish. And, perhaps most consequentially, he is stepping into his Hollywood era in How To Train Your Dragon. 

Trevaldwyn is starring as Tuffnut in the all new live action adaptation of the much loved animation. Also boasting Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Mason Thames and Nico Parker in the talented cast, and three-time Oscar nominee Dean DeBlois behind the lens, the film has been met with a strong early critical and audience reception, and looks set to be one of the biggest films of the summer. 

As he continues to bridge creative medians and rise through the ranks, Trevaldwyn stops by Wonderland to discuss his social media background, his favourite collaborators, and his role in the new film.

Watch the trailer for How To Train Your Dragon…

Read the exclusive interview…

Hey Harry! What have you been up to this year?

To be perfectly honest buying lots of similar sized bowls I don’t need for my flat. And working, writing, errands, moisturising, living, laughing, loving. Mostly the bowls, though.

How did you first become enchanted with acting?

I was in a school production of the BFG when I was about eleven and I’m brave enough to tell you I nailed it! So my career has largely been trying to replicate that. Important to say I didn’t get the titular role of the Big Friendly Giant but I think that kept me humble?

You made your name on social media before traversing further into the big screen world. How do you reflect on that period and your rise?

Imagine if I was like: yeah, I saw it coming- didn’t happen quick enough in my opinion! But really, I don’t take for granted that I’m doing exactly what I dreamed of doing when I was younger- or dreamed of doing four years ago. It’s all very exciting.

You’ve appeared in several TV shows across the last few years. What did those experiences teach you?

It’s taught me so much in terms of how a set works and how a show is made- how much collaboration goes into it. Directors, DOP’s, grips, hair and make-up, costume, transport, assistant-directors, runners, actors; there’s so many moving parts and I love being part of the hubbub. It also taught me that you say “I’m going ten/one” if you want to go to the bathroom and that was important.

Who, to date, has been the most impressive person that you’ve worked with? In their craft, the way they carry themselves, etc?

I really have been so lucky that I’ve got the chance to work with so many people I have admired for a long time. One person who springs to mind because I was chatting to her recently is Gemma Burgess who was the show runner of My Lady Jane — she was someone who ran a set with so much energy and love and enthusiasm. Also Jessica Gunning who is completely deservedly receiving every accolade under the sun- she’s the real deal people!!

You’re set to star in the live action remake of globally adored picture How To Train Your Dragon. How did you first come attached to the project?

Dean DeBlois (the director) BEGGED me for months and I said ‘ugh fine’. Jk, jk, jk. It was quite a long audition process and a few chemistry tests because Dean and Lucy Bevan and her team (the casting directors) really wanted the dynamic between ‘the recruits’ to feel right. I remember when I first met Bronywyn who plays my twin in the film just really hoping we could do it together and thank goodness we could!

How was the energy on set?

It really was so fun. Terrifying of course, because it was such a big project and it was a story that people care about so you want to honour that but when I think back about the whole experience I just think about how much fun we had and how much we laughed. I think if the vibe on set is still fun when you’re shooting in the freezing cold of Belfast in January then you are onto a winner.

How was working with the cast that includes Gerard Butler and Nick Frost, and with iconic director Dean DeBlois?

The cast really was stacked!! (Is that a thing people say? If it’s not, never tell me!) Dean is truly such a wonderful director but more importantly a wonderful person. It’s a world he cares about so much and that care can be seen in every decision in the film. I think all of the cast just wanted to make him proud which hopefully we did.

Talk us through your role as Tuffnut. Who is he? How did you step into his shoes for the performance?

Tuffnut is one of the recruits of Berk who is training to be the next generation of dragon-fighters. He’s completely convinced that he’s the best to ever exist despite no evidence suggesting this. Delusions of grandeur? We love to see it! He’s also training with his twin, Ruffnut, who he is viciously competitive with.

What can viewers expect from the film?

I think they can expect a truly epic film that has a lot of heart. It’s something I’m so proud to be a part of and I’m so excited for people to see it. Also they really can expect dragons. There’s so many of the little guys in the film!

What else have you got on the cards this year and beyond?

I’ve got a film coming out in August called My Oxford Year on Netflix which I’m excited for- and I’m doing the first edit of my second book at the moment (a sequel to The Romantic Tragedies of A Drama King). I’m of course thrilled to say there are things I can’t announce yet (because it sounds chic) but what I can announce is that I just got tickets for Haim’s new tour so that is very much ON the cards. Love you girls!!!

Photographer – David Reiss

Stylist – Michael Miller

Groomer – Charlie Cullen