Gerard Butler: How to Train Your Dragon Return Explained
- Fifteen years after the animated film's debut, the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is underway.
- Butler, who voiced Viking chief Stoick the Vast in the animated trilogy, initially questioned the remake. "I was like, 'Are you guys crazy?
- DeBlois invited Butler to Belfast to preview the project.
Gerard butler’s return to the live-action How to Train Your Dragon has been confirmed! News Directory 3 reports that Butler is set to reprise his role as Stoick the Vast, bringing his iconic portrayal to a new format. Director Dean deblois, who helmed the animated trilogy, is also on board, promising to recapture the wonder and emotion that captivated audiences. But how did Butler ultimately decide to return, and what can fans expect from this fresh take on the beloved story? The actor aimed for a fresh take on the character, while Nico Parker steps into Astrid’s role, hoping to honor America Ferrera’s legacy. Learn why this remake, set fifteen years after the original animated film, is poised to be a hit. Discover what’s next for the franchise and its stars.
Gerard Butler Returns to ‘how to Train Your Dragon’ live-Action Role
Updated June 8, 2025
Fifteen years after the animated film’s debut, the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is underway. Gerard Butler and director Dean DeBlois are reprising their roles in the franchise.
Butler, who voiced Viking chief Stoick the Vast in the animated trilogy, initially questioned the remake. “I was like, ‘Are you guys crazy? that’s going to be terrible,'” he joked.
DeBlois invited Butler to Belfast to preview the project. Seeing the dragons and the world being built convinced butler. “I mean I kind of got it anyway, just wanted to play a bit hard to get,” Butler said at the premiere.
Butler aimed for a fresh take on the character. “What I did want to do was be fresh, coming in there and starting as a new story,” he said. “I didn’t get to do that when I was just doing the voice. I wore my pajamas every day.”
deblois said Butler’s return almost didn’t happen due to scheduling conflicts. The actors strike shifted production, allowing butler to participate.”When Gerry came in I felt a great sense of confidence and comfort like, ‘Oh, this going to work now,'” DeBlois said.
DeBlois, directing his first live-action film, acknowledged initial reservations about live-action remakes replacing animated classics. Though, Universal offered him the chance to direct. He promised to deliver the “wonder and the emotion” of the original stories.
DeBlois noted some scenes mirror the original, particularly those involving Mason Thames as Hiccup and Toothless. Other parts of the movie allowed for more experimentation.
one meaningful change involves expanding Astrid’s character. Nico Parker plays Astrid, originally voiced by America Ferrera.Parker hopes Ferrera approves of her portrayal. “She’s so splendid and I hope that she sees and she likes it,” Parker said.
Parker recalled her excitement upon auditioning. “Guess what I’m auditioning for?’ Because I knew that even if I didn’t get it I’d be seeing it on opening day,” she said