In the fresh adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon into a live-action film, Gerard Butler is the sole performer returning to his character from the initial animated version – he will yet again portray the Viking leader Stoick the Mighty.
But interestingly, there was a time when it looked like Butler may not be able to return.
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Currently, there’s an exciting wave of new film premieres captivating audiences across the UK, with blockbusters like Wicked, Nosferatu, The Brutalist, and Moana 2 creating quite a stir in our cinemas.
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He expressed, “You know, I find myself deeply attached to this series, regardless of its current state. I genuinely hope it thrives… yet, I must admit, I would have felt a pang of disappointment if I hadn’t played Stoick. After all, I’ve often wondered what that role would be like.
When assuming a role, you might ask yourself, “What if I were truly this character? What if I were immersed in that environment?” Then, you could also wonder, “Would I be capable of it? Am I perhaps not suited for it?
He added: “And then, when you are actually there, you go, ‘OK, the proof’s in the pudding.’
Indeed, it might have felt unusual to comment something along the lines of, ‘That’s an odd way to approach it! If I were in his shoes, I would have done it differently.’ Alternatively, it could be quite disconcerting to exclaim, ‘Wow, fantastic! I wouldn’t have even considered that!’
Despite Butler being the sole actor who appeared in both the animated and live-action adaptations, it’s worth noting that DeBlois, who had previously co-directed the original version, was also part of the production team behind the scenes.
Initially, the director harbored doubts about the concept of a remake. However, upon learning that it was going forward, he couldn’t help but feel compelled to take charge of the project.
He clarified that this appears to be the initial occasion when a studio approached the original movie creator with the query.
In simpler terms, I had publicly stated my dislike for this particular trend. As someone from the animation industry, it has always puzzled me why resources aren’t invested in something fresh and unique, rather than replicating or building upon the foundation laid by past animated classics.
However, when Universal mentioned exploring the concept of a remake, I responded by expressing that I prefer not to see someone else’s interpretation of it, truthfully.
Or:
In response to Universal discussing revamping the idea, I expressed my preference for not watching another person’s take on it.
I propose you entrust this task to me. I will guarantee that the essence and essence of our project are preserved, and we will create a film that stands independently and doesn’t serve as a substitute for the original animated movie, which I continue to hold in high regard.
He went on to say: “This development unveiled numerous opportunities. We can explore the legends and the myths, further develop the characters and their connections, and fully embrace the interactive nature of the scenario using all the resources of live-action.
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2025-06-10 18:06