Filming for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake was no easy feat, especially for Gerard Butler. Set for release in June 2025, the movie required months of filming in Northern Ireland’s harsh winter. However, Butler’s layered Viking costume, while physically demanding, helped him endure the freezing conditions.
Battling the Cold with Seven Layers
In an interview with Collider, Butler shared how he prepared for filming in sub-zero temperatures. “I took ice baths every morning at 5 am,” he said, describing the freezing wind outside his hotel room. Despite these challenges, Butler’s heavy costume acted like “a furnace.”
The actor explained, “I had seven thick layers, a beard, and a bearskin or wolfskin over it. My full costume weighed about 90 pounds. Even on the coldest days, I was sweating, while everyone else was shivering.”
While the costume’s weight made filming tough, it mirrored the practicality of real Viking attire, which prioritised warmth and protection in harsh conditions.
Returning as Stoick the Vast
Gerard Butler will reprise his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father and the Chief of Berk. His layered costume and thick beard promise a faithful adaptation of his animated counterpart from the original films.
The remake’s dedication to realism and character detail is evident, with Butler’s comments shedding light on the effort to stay true to the spirit of the franchise.
A Star-Studded Cast
The live-action adaptation introduces a new cast alongside Butler. Mason Thames will play Hiccup, while Nico Parker stars as Astrid. Thames, known for his role in Black Phone, and Parker, who gained acclaim in The Last of Us, aim to capture the emotional depth of the animated characters.
Supporting roles include Nick Frost as Gobber, Julian Denison as Fishlegs, Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, and Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Ruth Codd will portray Viking Phlegma, bringing diverse talent to the cast.
Franchise Legacy
The original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, based on Cressida Cowell’s books, became a global success. The first film, released in 2010, grossed $494 million and earned a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Two sequels followed, solidifying its place as a beloved animated series.
With its coming-of-age themes and breathtaking visuals, the live-action remake has big shoes to fill. However, with a committed cast and Universal Studios at the helm, the film aims to honour its animated predecessor while bringing a fresh perspective.
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