Nico Parker, the 20-year-old British actress lighting up screens in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (released June 13, 2025), is having a moment. From her fierce portrayal of Astrid to her stunning red-carpet looks—like the Chanel Fall 2025 outfit at the Los Angeles premiere—Nico’s star is shining bright.
But fans are just as curious about her personal life, especially when it comes to her boyfriend. Let’s dive into the latest updates on Nico Parker’s relationship status.
Who Is Nico Parker?
Born on December 9, 2004, in Kensal Rise, London, Nico Parker is the daughter of acclaimed actress Thandiwe Newton and filmmaker Ol Parker. At 20 years old, she’s already made a name for herself with roles in Dumbo (2019), The Last of Us (2023), and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025).
Her mixed ethnicity—her mother is of Zimbabwean descent, and her father is British—adds to her unique presence in Hollywood. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches with striking green eyes and dark brown hair, Nico’s charm goes beyond her looks; she’s grounded, talented, and passionate about representation in film.
Nico grew up with an older sister, Ripley, a screenwriter, and a younger brother, Booker. Her family’s creative background gave her a head start in the industry, but she’s quick to acknowledge her “nepo baby” status while proving her own worth.
In a June 2025 interview with The Times, she said, “I work really hard, but to say my entry into the industry wasn’t abnormal would be unfair.”
Is Nico Parker Dating Anyone?
Yes, Nico Parker is rumored to be dating actor Cooper Hoffman. Speculation about the pair began in July 2025 and has intensified with recent sightings. In a June 8, 2025, interview with Sunday Times Style, Nico casually mentioned having a boyfriend, describing him as “a sweetheart.”
The Cooper Hoffman Rumors
Cooper Hoffman, 22, son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman and known for roles in Licorice Pizza (2021) and the recent Poetic License (2025), has been linked to Nico after they co-starred in the latter film. Rumors heated up in September 2025 when they were seen interacting affectionately at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), including playing with a puppy.
The buzz peaked on October 1, 2025, when they attended the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, sitting together and appearing couple-like. Fans on platforms like X and Reddit have dubbed them as cute nepo baby couple, though neither has confirmed the relationship.
Clearing Up the Mason Thames Rumors
One of the biggest rumors swirling around Nico’s dating life involves her How to Train Your Dragon co-star Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup. Their on-screen chemistry as Astrid and Hiccup has fans swooning, with some calling their dynamic “Clark Kent-Lois Lane vibes” (Variety, June 10, 2025). Off-screen, Nico and Mason’s friendship is just as heartwarming.
In a Seventeen interview, Mason gushed about their time filming in Ireland, saying, “I couldn’t have done this without Nico. That’s my Astrid.” Nico echoed the sentiment, calling Mason her “best friend” on Late Night with Seth Meyers (June 11, 2025).
They’re not dating. Fans have speculated based on their flirty interview moments, with some even joking that Mason’s got a crush (StyleCaster, June 13, 2025). Their bond is built on nine months of filming together and late-night movie hangouts with co-stars like Julian Dennison. So, while they make an adorable on-screen pair, their real-life connection is all about friendship.
Debunking Other Dating Rumors
One notable claim from December 2024 linked her to Euphoria star Jacob Elordi. A post suggested they were spotted together and shared a mutual respect for each other’s work. The article even claimed they posted glimpses of their relationship on social media.
However, there’s no evidence to support this, and by June 2025, these rumors have fizzled out. Nico’s recent mention of her boyfriend doesn’t align with Elordi, and no credible sources have confirmed this pairing.
Another name that popped up in 2023 was Noah Jupe, a fellow young actor seen hanging out with Nico in London (Just Jared, June 30, 2023). They were photographed walking around town, but there was no hint of romance—just two friends enjoying a day out.
Nico’s Life Beyond Romance
Her role as Astrid in How to Train Your Dragon has been a game-changer, earning praise for her strength and charm. She’s also tackled backlash about her casting, addressing critics who questioned her not being blonde like the animated Astrid.
“For people who hate inclusivity, I just don’t care,” she told The Times (June 10, 2025). Her confidence and commitment to representation make her a role model for young fans.
Nico’s also been busy with Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, playing Chloe, the nanny to Bridget’s kids. Her emotional connection to The Last of Us co-star Pedro Pascal, whom she calls a mentor, shows her depth—she admitted on Late Night with Seth Meyers (June 11, 2025) that she can’t watch Season 2 because of his character’s death. These moments highlight her passion for acting and her ability to form meaningful connections in the industry.
Her Instagram (@nicoparkr) offers glimpses into her world, from behind-the-scenes photos to red-carpet glamour, like her Schiaparelli look at the Tribeca Festival premiere. While she doesn’t post about her boyfriend, her feed reflects her vibrant personality and love for her craft.
Nico’s Ethnicity and Family Ties
Nico’s ethnicity is mixed—her mother, Thandiwe Newton, has Zimbabwean heritage through her grandmother, Nyasha, a tribal chief’s descendant, while her father, Ol Parker, is British. This blend shapes Nico’s perspective on representation, as she’s spoken about the lack of mixed-race or Black role models growing up. Her family, including sister Ripley and brother Booker, is tight-knit, and her parents’ success has both opened doors and inspired her to carve her own path.
What’s Next for Nico?
Looking ahead, Nico’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She’s rumored to be in talks for a role in Poetic License (2025), and her How to Train Your Dragon performance has cemented her as a leading young actress.
Whether she’s soaring on dragon wings or navigating Hollywood, Nico’s staying true to herself. Her boyfriend, whoever he is, is lucky to have such a talented and grounded partner by his side.
Conclusion
With a sweet mention of her “sweetheart” in a recent interview, she’s confirmed she’s dating but isn’t spilling the details. Rumors about her and Mason Thames or Jacob Elordi have been debunked, while speculation about Cooper Hoffman continues to grow following their Paris Fashion Week appearance.
As Nico shines in How to Train Your Dragon and beyond, her focus on career, friends, and representation makes her a star worth watching.
