Gerard Butler Praises Upcoming Live-Action 'How to Train Your Dragon' as "Incredible"
Gerard Butler, who reprises his role as Stoick in the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake, has shared his experiences and early impressions of the film. Having voiced the character in the animated trilogy, Butler offers unique insights into the transformation from animation to live action.
According to Butler, the physical demands of portraying Stoick were significant. The costume alone required an hour to put on, with several additional hours of preparation daily. "It was like five pieces of hell," Butler revealed to Entertainment Tonight, describing the challenge of embodying the imposing Viking chief physically rather than just vocally.
The actor expressed particular interest in experiencing the world of Berk in a tangible way, noting that live-action brought a new dimension to the role that animation couldn't provide. "You're in those arenas, and you're in that Viking village," Butler explained, highlighting the immersive nature of the physical sets.
Despite the demanding production process, Butler speaks highly of the final product, even in its unfinished state. "The movie's incredible. I've seen it without effects. It's amazing," he stated, expressing enthusiasm for the public release.
While Butler's positive assessment should be considered alongside his involvement in the project, early marketing materials, including the teaser trailer, suggest a faithful adaptation of the beloved animated film. The live-action remake aims to bring the magical world of Vikings and dragons to life in a new, physically realized way.