Gerard Butler reprises Stoick role in live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, marking the only actor from the original animation to step back into his character in the upcoming adaptation. The Scottish star resumes his role as the Viking chief Stoick the Vast, a character that has become synonymous with the franchise’s heartfelt storytelling and Viking lore.
This return nearly didn’t happen, as scheduling conflicts during the 2023 entertainment industry strikes temporarily put his involvement in doubt. According to director Dean DeBlois, changes caused by the strikes eventually allowed Butler to become available for the film, securing his return as the iconic chieftain.
Inside the Casting and Production Challenges
The live-action transformation of the beloved animation maintained only one original cast member, with Butler standing out as the sole returning voice from the earlier films. Director Dean DeBlois explained in an interview that assembling the cast was complicated by industry delays and that Butler’s participation was secured relatively late in the process.
The director’s persistence and changes in availability played a crucial role. DeBlois further shared his personal skepticism and eventual enthusiasm for returning as director of the remake. While the project initially struck him as another example of the industry trend toward revisiting animated classics, he quickly recognized how important his involvement would be for ensuring the new film stayed true to its roots and resonated with the franchise’s fan base.
Butler expressed his own excitement and relief at being able to take part. He admitted that watching someone else interpret Stoick would have been difficult due to his attachment to the character, especially after playing Stoick for so long in the original trilogy and wondering what it would be like to embody the persona on screen.
Actors Reflect on the Emotional Experience
The presence of director Dean DeBlois, who co-helmed the animated trilogy, also tied the remake closely to its origins. His continued leadership set the stage for a film aiming to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling, exploring the relationships and mythology that made the original series resonate so deeply.
Gerard Butler shared his personal connection to Stoick and discussed what made reprising the role meaningful for him. He explained his longstanding curiosity about stepping into the “real world” of How to Train Your Dragon, emphasizing the unique challenge of not just voicing, but physically becoming the character.
Well, listen, I love this franchise no matter what’s happening,
—Gerard Butler, Actor, “Stoick”
He reflected further on the emotional complexities of reprising Stoick. Butler described how observing another actor take on his signature role might have been challenging and even uncomfortable, underlining his deep sense of ownership and responsibility towards the character.
When you do the voice, you go, ‘What would it be like to actually be this character? What would it be like to actually be in that world?’ And then you go, ‘Would I do it? Would I be terrible at it?’
—Gerard Butler, Actor, “Stoick”
That journey, he said, was confirmed only after fully embracing the live-action role, noting the pressure to do justice to fans’ expectations and his own vision for Stoick.
But yeah, it would have been weird, I think, you know, kind of saying, ‘Why’d he do it like that? I’d have said it like this.’ Or, even worse, like, ‘God, that’s great. I would never thought of that!’
—Gerard Butler, Actor, “Stoick”
DeBlois’s Evolving Approach to the Franchise
Dean DeBlois, now at the helm of both animated and live-action adaptations, explained how unique it was for the original filmmaker to be invited back to oversee a remake. His role became crucial for preserving the essence of the story and the complex emotional arcs of its central characters.
I think it’s the first time, actually, that a studio has come to the original filmmaker and asked the question,
—Dean DeBlois, Director
DeBlois had previously voiced concern over the increasing trend of live-action remakes, arguing that studios might better spend their resources on new creative projects. However, he conceded that being in charge of this adaptation gave him the confidence the story’s spirit would be maintained, rather than simply repeating past successes.
The director wanted to explore deeper themes, allowing the narrative to evolve with the added dimensions that a live-action format can provide. As Universal moved ahead with the film, he advocated for expanding the world’s mythology and highlighting the intricate relationships among the characters.
Like, hire me to do it, and I’ll make sure that we keep the heart and soul intact and that we make a movie that’s worthy to stand on its own and isn’t intended to be a replacement of the animated movie, which I’m still very proud of.
—Dean DeBlois, Director
DeBlois also described how the new project opened opportunities for further exploration of the folklore and emotional depth that had previously been touched on in the animation. Utilizing live-action technology, the creative team sought to bring a more immersive and dynamic experience to viewers.
So it opened up a bunch of possibilities. We could delve into the folklore and the mythology and go deeper with the characters and the relationships and really lean into the immersive quality of the action with all of the tools of live action.
—Dean DeBlois, Director
The Broader Impact on the Franchise and Fans
With How to Train Your Dragon now released in UK cinemas, movie lovers and longtime fans of the story are eager to see how the live-action retelling builds upon the themes of bravery, family, and understanding between humans and dragons that have defined Dean DeBlois’ vision from the start. The fresh take offers not just nostalgia, but a promise of new adventures and deeper connections within this rich universe.
Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick offers continuity that many fans will appreciate, while Dean DeBlois’ continued stewardship ensures the emotional heart of the story remains intact. As the film takes flight on the big screen, the creative decisions made during production highlight the importance of honoring beloved characters while reaching for new storytelling heights in the live-action realm.
