Gerard Butler discusses Stoick transformation in How to Train Your Dragon live-action, shedding light on the demanding physical and emotional journey he underwent for the film’s upcoming release on June 13. Butler, reprising his role from the 2010 animated original, opened up about the intense preparation and unique challenges involved, during an interview with Terri Seymour from Extra.
Stepping Into Stoick’s Heavy Armor
Returning to the How to Train Your Dragon universe, Gerard Butler faced a starkly different experience inhabiting Stoick in the live-action reimagining compared to his prior voice acting. He described the practical aspects of the transformation, particularly the challenge of donning an exceptionally heavy costume that tested his endurance throughout long shooting days.
“That costume was 90 lbs. and I had it on all day, and there’s not really a break from it because it took so long to take off and then put back,”
Butler explained. —Gerard Butler, Actor
Despite the discomfort, Butler found that physically becoming Stoick offered a deeper sense of immersion. The costume, combined with hair and makeup excellence, allowed him to lose himself in the role and approach the character’s psyche with newfound depth.
“I felt so transformed when I put all that hair, makeup, and costume and then stepped into that world…It wasn’t hard to forget about me and step into the mind and soul of Stoick, and therefore I felt I could go way deeper which, ultimately, I think is what is brilliant about this movie.”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
Exploring the Film’s Emotional Complexity
How to Train Your Dragon’s storyline continues to resonate through its exploration of relationships between fathers and sons, as well as the bond with dragons. Butler emphasized how the emotionally charged narrative is heightened by sending Stoick onto a more nuanced journey than before.
Butler called this
“emotional complexity of watching this story between father and son and the son and the dragon.”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
Bringing Dragons to Life on Set
A significant challenge for Butler and his fellow actors was convincingly interacting with the dragons. The production team used life-size puppet dragons during major action sequences, enabling a real sense of impact and presence for the cast.
“Most of the time was spent with the puppeteers and with these built dragons… because the difference between swinging and there’s nothing there and swinging and hitting something makes such a difference.”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
Butler shared the unexpected realism that using physical props brought to set, making every scene feel authentic and emotionally true.
“I know it sounds weird, but I think everybody felt the same thing. You kind of felt like you were dealing with a living being, a creature.”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
Memorable Moments and Powerful Interactions
Towards the film’s conclusion, Butler recalled an especially poignant scene with Toothless that left a deep impact on him. The presence of a physical stand-in for the dragon lifted the emotional weight of the moment.
“My scene towards the end where I kind of really break down and I’m looking into the eyes of Toothless, it was incredibly emotional and thank God, because doing that to a tennis ball… You might pull it off, but you’re not going to get the same richness and depth and feeling which therefore also transfers to the audience.”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
Finding Stoick’s Voice in a New Setting
Returning to Stoick after years away required an adjustment, especially as the live-action context meant re-discovering the character’s voice in real time.
“It actually changed a lot when I put on the costume because suddenly it was like, ‘Well, wait a minute, now I feel this way.’”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
Butler also shared the humorous side of his association with Stoick, describing encounters with young fans who often seem skeptical until he delivers a signature line in Stoick’s voice.
“I can’t tell you over the last 15 years, probably a hundred times a parent has stopped next to me with their kid and they’ve gone, ‘Look , it’s Stoick!’ and the kid’s, like, looking at me like, ‘Yeah, you’re not Stoick,’ you know? So they’re just looking at me confused, and I’m like, ‘Hello.’ And then I go, ‘Oh, Hiccup, we’re gonna fight till Odin!’… And they kinda go, I know this, and I know that’s coming from him, but he doesn’t… Yeah.”
—Gerard Butler, Actor
New Generation Joins the Adventure
Alongside Butler, Mason Thames and Nico Parker step into the iconic roles of Hiccup and Astrid. Both young actors discussed their excitement at joining a franchise they’ve loved since childhood. Mason described the experience of seeing himself suited up for the part as unforgettable.
Mason says it was
“one of the greatest moments of my life.”
—Mason Thames, Actor
Nico Parker and Mason Thames also recounted their first time watching the live-action movie together in Brazil. The crowd’s enthusiastic reactions reinforced just how meaningful their dynamic was to viewers.
“I think we were both kind of surprised at how much people were enjoying our dynamic. They kept applauding when me and Mason would do anything, like, when we would do anything together.”
—Nico Parker, Actor
Mason added,
“I remember right before the big kiss, we were just like,”
—Mason Thames, Actor
Nico continued,
“I turned to Mason, I was like, ‘They’re gonna think it’s amazing.’ He goes, ‘They’re gonna eat this up!’ And then it got a big applause.”
—Nico Parker, Actor
Anticipation Builds for the Release
How to Train Your Dragon lands in theaters on June 13, promising audiences a visually striking, emotionally rich new take on a beloved story. With Gerard Butler’s strenuous transformation, vibrant performances from Nico Parker and Mason Thames, and innovative on-set techniques, the film aims to leave a lasting impact on longtime fans and newcomers alike. The project continues to highlight the evolving relationships at its heart, setting expectations for an intense exploration of family, legacy, and adventure.
