Gerard Butler Brings Stoick to Life in New Dragon Film
Exclusive on-set look at a Viking leaders transformation ahead of the animated epic sequel
Image: Instagram
Stoick Steps Into Live Action
Gerard Butler took to Instagram this week to share a moment he’s been dreaming about for years. “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,” Butler wrote in a post on June 5 (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKuu80oSCLP/). The Scottish actor, best known for his roles in 300 and The Phantom of the Opera, is suiting up as the Viking chieftain Stoick the Vast for the latest installment of the fan-favorite franchise.
Drawing on more than two decades in front of the camera, Butler brings a rugged gravitas to the role. Stoick, originally introduced as a supporting character in DreamWorks’ animated series, now anchors this live-action epic with a presence that’s equal parts heart and heroism.
Behind The Premiere Buzz
Ahead of its wide release, the cast has been on a global press tour. At the U.S. premiere in Los Angeles, Butler shared photos of the red-carpet gala, writing, “What a night at the U.S. premiere of #HowToTrainYourDragon. Stoick’s back and bigger than ever. See it June 13!” (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKp2QADhUkm/). Paparazzi snaps captured Butler in full costume—fur-trimmed tunic, braided beard, and all—standing alongside fellow cast members and the filmmakers. Fans cheered as clips from the film played on the big screen, highlighting sweeping Nordic vistas and epic dragon battles.
Critics at early screenings have praised the blend of practical effects and digital artistry. One reviewer noted that Butler’s on-set charisma helps shift the story beyond animation, making the Viking world feel tangible.
Global Rollout And Formats
The promotional push extends far beyond Hollywood. In Brazil, the local distributor hyped the release with a Portuguese-language alert: “Alerta de dragões no horizonte! O lendário Pai dos Dragões e os bravos Vikings de Berk estão a caminho do 🇧🇷. Prepare-se para uma aventura épica como nunca antes vista!”
(English: “Dragon alert on the horizon! The legendary Dragon Dad and the brave Vikings of Berk are headed to Brazil. Prepare for an epic adventure like never before seen!”) The film opens in Brazilian theaters a day ahead of the U.S., on June 12 (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJRgU2eArTe/).
For audiences craving the biggest screen experience, the movie arrives in IMAX too. “A world this legendary deserves a screen this epic. Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon in @IMAX. Get your tickets now!” the official IMAX promo urged (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUaO15JBjO/). Early IMAX viewers can expect enhanced sound design and extended aerial sequences showcasing dragon flight.
A Legacy Of Dragon Taming
How to Train Your Dragon began as a bestselling novel, evolved into an Academy Award-nominated animated feature in 2010, and spawned two sequels and a hit TV series. Butler has voiced Stoick in each of the three main animated films, forging a deep connection with the character’s blend of steely leadership and tender fatherhood. This new chapter marks his first time physically embodying the role on a live-action set, blending makeup, prosthetics, and motion-capture techniques.
Behind the scenes, director Dean DeBlois has emphasized authenticity. “Gerard dives into Stoick’s emotional core,” DeBlois told Entertainment Weekly. “We wanted a hero who feels human, someone you can root for even when he’s making tough calls. Gerard delivers that in spades.”
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to June 13 continues, fans are already planning weekend screenings, cosplay meet-ups, and themed watch parties. Butler’s posts have sparked a flurry of fan art depicting Stoick battling dragons in stormy fjords, while toy makers prepare action figures modeled on the live-action design.
Next stop on the promotional trail: Frameless London, where the cast will take over the immersive gallery space to recreate Berk’s Great Hall (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKfW_FPxfhL/). Attendees can walk among life-size dragon sculptures and pose with Stoick’s iconic helm.
With global box office tracking strong and early buzz high, Gerard Butler’s leap from voice booth to battlefield could set a new standard for animated-to-live-action adaptations.
Whether you grew up with the original films or are joining the voyage for the first time, Stoick’s on-screen return promises towering beards, thunderous roars, and a heart big enough to lead both Vikings and dragons alike.
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