Gerard Butler Returns As Stoick In ‘How To Train Your Dragon’

The return of Gerard Butler as the beloved character Stoick the Vast in the upcoming ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ film, set to hit theaters on June 13, has been confirmed. The franchise shared a promotional image on Instagram featuring Gerard’s character with the caption “A true legend. #HowToTrainYourDragon – In Theaters June 13.”

The image shows the imposing Viking chief Stoick the Vast, characterized by his massive red beard and traditional Viking attire. The character’s stern yet fatherly demeanor is prominently displayed, highlighting the iconic role that Butler has voiced throughout the franchise.

Stoick the Vast has been a cornerstone character in the ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ universe since the franchise began, serving as the chief of the Viking village of Berk and father to protagonist Hiccup. Butler’s distinctive Scottish brogue has become synonymous with the character, bringing depth and authority to the role of the powerful Viking leader.

The actor’s connection to the role extends back to the original film released in 2010, where his portrayal of the initially dragon-averse chieftain who gradually changes his views became a fan favorite. His performance blended fatherly sternness with underlying compassion that resonated with audiences of all ages.

This post is part of an ongoing promotional campaign for the film, with Butler’s account having shared several teasers in recent weeks. Just days ago, a post captioned “Welcome to the era of dragons” gave fans a glimpse into the fantastical world of the new installment, while another teaser highlighted “The moment that changed everything” – likely referencing a pivotal scene in the upcoming film.

Another recent promotional post emphasized the emotional core of the franchise with the caption: “Their bond will carry them to new heights. Witness the epic adventure of #HowToTrainYourDragon – in theaters June 13!” The film is also specially formatted for IMAX theaters, with posts tagged #FilmedForIMAX suggesting a visually spectacular experience for viewers.

While promoting ‘How To Train Your Dragon,’ Butler has simultaneously been busy with his action franchise ‘Den of Thieves.’ The actor recently shared content from ‘Den Of Thieves 2,’ which is currently playing in theaters, along with an announcement that ‘Den Of Thieves 3’ is officially “Coming Soon” – showcasing his versatility across both family-friendly animation and gritty action films.

The ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ franchise has become one of DreamWorks Animation’s most successful properties, with the previous films receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. The series has expanded beyond films to include television series, short films, and video games.

The franchise explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and coexistence between different species, particularly through the relationship between Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless. Butler’s character Stoick represents the old guard and traditional Viking values, creating dramatic tension throughout the narrative as the world of Berk evolves.

Fans eager for the new installment have been treated to several promotional teasers, including one that invites them to “take flight” this summer. With the film’s release date approaching, the marketing campaign appears to be ramping up, with Butler’s character reveal being a significant part of that strategy.

Trivia

Gerard Butler has played a wide range of roles, including in romantic comedies like 'The Ugly Truth' and action films like 'Law Abiding Citizen'.

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Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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