Gerard Butler Celebrates ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Premiere
Cast, crew, and friends get tribute from set’s first dawn through tonight’s opening night!
Image: Instagram
A Legendary Journey
Gerard Butler marked the premiere of How to Train Your Dragon by sharing a heartfelt Instagram tribute to the team behind the film. The Scottish actor, best known in the franchise for bringing Viking chief Stoick the Vast to life, praised everyone from the director to the makeup artists for their “legendary” efforts across every stage of production.
Heartfelt Shout-outs From Butler
“Premiere day, baby! What a ride this has been. From day one to the very last shot, this cast and crew have been nothing short of legendary,” Butler wrote. He singled out director Dean DeBlois for “trusting me with Stoick again” and thanked young co-star Mason Thames for making their final day on set “something I won’t forget.” He also mentioned a sword-wrapped gift that “nearly broke me (in the best way).”
Stoick’s Set Snap
In his post, Butler included a behind-the-scenes image of himself in full Viking makeup—complete with braided beard and battle-ready armor. He credited the hair and makeup department for “transforming me into a true Viking every single day.” Previously, Butler had shared another photo captioned, “Stoick on set! What an incredible experience it was bringing Stoick from voice to screen. I’ve loved this character for so many years, and stepping into his boots (literally) has been a dream come true.”
Scenes From The U.s. Premiere
Last night’s U.S. premiere saw Butler step out in a classic dark suit, smiling for fans and photographers under the marquee lights. Sharing red-carpet shots, he wrote: “What a night at the U.S. premiere of How to Train Your Dragon. Stoick’s back and bigger than ever.” The images—credited to Alex J. Berliner for Universal and DreamWorks—showed Butler flanked by dragon-themed décor and co-stars in full Viking regalia.
Stoick’s Legacy On Screen
This chapter marks Butler’s third time portraying Stoick, a role he first voiced in the original 2010 film. Fans have praised his gravelly warmth and the balance he brings between fierce leadership and tender fatherly moments. On the carpet, Butler reflected, “Stoick has grown alongside the fans for nearly 14 years. It’s an honor to bring him back.”
From Spartans To Vikings
Before Vikings, Butler led the Spartans in 300 and headlined romantic comedies and thrillers alike. His shift into animation showcases his versatility, marrying commanding presence with comedic timing. Early reviews of How to Train Your Dragon highlight his chemistry with Mason Thames and the emotional pull of their on-screen father–son bond.
Behind-the-scenes Tributes
Beyond co-stars and directors, Butler singled out the craft teams: special effects artists for seamless dragon flights, costume designers for authentic tunics, and the hair and makeup department for every painstaking braid and weathered scar. “Every laugh and tear came from the heart you all poured into every frame,” he wrote, underlining the collective effort behind the film’s spectacle.
Global Tour Continues
Following promotional stops in London and Brazil—where he shared local-language thank-you messages—Butler is preparing for the Middle East premiere. In Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom Tower was illuminated with How to Train Your Dragon imagery, a first in regional cinema events. Butler thanked audiences there for their “incredible energy,” calling the moment “truly unforgettable.”
As How to Train Your Dragon soars into theaters today, Butler’s social media celebration offers fans an inside look at the journey from that first day of shooting to tonight’s opening night. His gratitude underscores the passion and teamwork that brought Berk’s world to vivid life.
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