Gerard Butler on his return as Stoick the Vast in How To Train Your Dragon, “I’ve always seen myself as a guardian of this story”

The cast of How To Train Your Dragon is led by Mason Thames.

June 9, 2025 - 7:01 PM IST

Universal Pictures (distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery) and Dreamworks Animation are all set to release the much awaited live action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon in cinemas on June 13, 2025, bringing the beloved Viking saga and its fire-breathing dragons to life with unparalleled realism. Directed by Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean Deblois, the classic tale returns with a whole new vision– combining epic adventures, heartfelt storytelling, and the stunning visuals from the world of vikings.

Gerard Butler on his return as Stoick the Vast in How To Train Your Dragon, “I’ve always seen myself as a guardian of this story”

Bringing this magic is a stellar cast led by Mason Thames as Hiccup, BAFTA Nominee Nico Parker as Astrid, along with Gerard Butler returning as Stoick the vast. Joining them are Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur, rounding out the ensemble with their dynamic performances.

Set in the Viking village of Berk—where battling dragons is a way of life—the story centres on Hiccup, a bright but overlooked young inventor and the son of the fearsome Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). Hiccup’s world shifts when he encounters Toothless, a rare and powerful Night Fury. Rather than slay the dragon as tradition demands, he makes a bold and compassionate choice: to spare him. This unexpected decision forges a ground-breaking friendship and sets in motion a journey that challenges generations of fear and hostility. As their bond grows, Hiccup emerges as an unlikely hero, forging a path toward peace and proving that true strength lies in empathy and courage.

Having originally brought the character of Stoick the Vast to life into the franchise, actor Gerard Butler opens up about his personal connection to the story, sharing, “I love this franchise so much—I’m deeply invested in it,” the Scottish actor further said, “For most of my acting career, I’ve been part of this project, watching it grow from a seed into something truly beloved. It has captivated generations with its emotional complexity, beauty, inspiration, heartbreak and thrills. Being part of this journey has felt like belonging to a family, and I’ve always seen myself as a guardian of this story.”

He added, “So, when Dean said, ‘We’re doing a live-action version—are you in?’ It was a profound moment. The opportunity to return felt like both an honor and a responsibility—to carry the heart of the original into this new medium. And there’s no writer or director like Dean. His intelligence, creativity and emotional depth are woven into every story he tells. When he asked me to play Stoick again, I was just as excited about working with him again as I was about reprising the role.”

Also Read: From Hiccup to Toothless: The enduring legacy of How To Train Your Dragon