While there may be some uncertainty about the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake, Gerard Butler has expressed his excitement and enthusiasm for the film. As one of the few creatives from the original animated trilogy to return for the remake, Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, father to protagonist Hiccup and chieftain of the Viking village of Berk.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Butler shared his initial thoughts on the live-action remake, stating that it is “incredible” and “amazing”, even seeing it without its effects. He also mentioned how challenging it was to fit into his various hair prosthetics, with Butler joking about the experience. “It was like five pieces of hell. Hours every day and then another hour just to get into the costume. I’d always wondered making those movies, you know, seeing the animated version, ‘What would it be like to actually have to be that size? To be that character and to live?’ Because, for me, one of the great things about being an actor is you get to live in those other worlds, but you don’t when it’s animated. But now they’ve made the live-action, and suddenly you’re in those arenas, and you’re in that Viking village. The movie’s incredible. I’ve seen it without effects. It’s amazing. But I cannot wait for the world to see it.”
This glowing review from Butler is a promising sign for the movie’s success. While some fans have expressed concerns about the remake, Butler’s experience offers a more optimistic outlook, suggesting that the film is likely to meet expectations. The movie’s production has also been praised for its practical approach, with the use of real-life sets and props, rather than relying heavily on CGI. This hints at a more grounded and authentic portrayal of the Viking world, which could help to revive the franchise’s magic.
The success of the original trilogy is evident, with the three films receiving critical and commercial acclaim. The first film holds a 99% Critical Score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 91% audience score. The subsequent films, How to Train Your Dragon 2 and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, also received high praise, with scores of 92% and 90% respectively.
With Butler’s endorsement and the film’s practical approach, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake is shaping up to be a promising new chapter in the beloved franchise. With a release date set for June 13, 2025, fans have a lot to look forward to.
