Butler Hails Mason Thames’s Turn In How To Train Your Dragon
Famed performer applauds his 'Viking son' for bringing Hiccup’s heart and humor truly live.
Image: Instagram
Gerard’s Instagram Tribute
Gerard Butler took to Instagram this week to shine a spotlight on rising young star Mason Thames, calling him “the real deal” after catching his performance as Hiccup in DreamWorks’ latest sequel. In a heartfelt post, Butler wrote:
“I’ve worked with a lot of young actors, but @masonthames, he’s the real deal. Proper heart, grit, and just… magic on screen. Watching him bring Hiccup to life, funny, vulnerable, brave, it blew me away. Couldn’t be more proud to call him my Viking son. As you can see, this sentiment is backed up by all the troops that went into battle with us last night. Go see #HowToTrainYourDragon and watch this kid soar. He’s gonna break your heart in the best way.”
The accompanying photo shows Butler standing among his castmates, all smiles beneath Berk banners and dragon motifs—an image from the film’s star-studded premiere event.
A Viking Reunion At The Premiere
On the day #HowToTrainYourDragon hit theaters, Butler shared another behind-the-scenes glimpse. “Premiere day, baby! What a ride this has been,” he wrote, thanking director Dean DeBlois for “trusting me with Stoick again and for the sword wrap gift that nearly broke me (in the best way). To Mason, my boy, sharing that final day on set with you was something I won’t forget. … Hope you all love watching it as much as we loved making it.”
Photos from the premiere show Butler in full Viking regalia, surrounded by dragons and the hair and makeup team that transformed him into Stoick the Vast. It was a fitting celebration of the actor’s return to voice work after more than a decade away from the animated franchise.
From Sparta To Berk: Butler’s Career
Best known for his breakout role in 300, Butler has carved out a versatile career from action epics to animated features. According to his Wikipedia profile, the Scottish actor first caught global attention as King Leonidas, and later made audiences laugh and cry as Stoick in the 2010 original How to Train Your Dragon. Now, more than ten years later, he reprises the role for the final installment, handing much of the emotional weight over to Thames’s Hiccup.
At 17, Mason Thames is stepping into the shoes of a character that’s been beloved by fans for generations. His co-star’s public endorsement highlights how the young actor balances Hiccup’s trademark humor with new depths of vulnerability and courage.
What Critics Are Saying
Early reviews note that Mason’s work carries the film’s heart. Variety praised his “winning charm,” while The Hollywood Reporter singled out moments where “you can almost see the kid grow up before your eyes.” Butler’s Instagram endorsement adds a stamp of approval from one of the franchise’s most familiar voices.
Why It Matters
In an era where sequels can feel risk-averse, Butler’s praise for Thames signals more than just star support—it points to a passing of the torch. The original trilogy built a loyal fan base around the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless. Now, with a new generation of voice talent at the microphone, DreamWorks hopes to win hearts all over again.
With a June 13 release, How to Train Your Dragon is best experienced on the biggest screen you can find. Whether you grew up with the first films or are discovering Berk for the first time, Mason Thames’s take on Hiccup offers a fresh yet familiar ride.
From the red carpet to the silver screen, Gerard Butler’s shout-out reminds audiences that some roles are built to last—and some performances can truly soar.
Catch How to Train Your Dragon in theaters now, and see for yourself what “magic on screen” really feels like.
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