Reprising a beloved character can be a challenging endeavor for actors, as they navigate the delicate balance of honoring their original portrayal while infusing new life into the role. This intricate dance becomes even more complex when the character has garnered significant affection from fans over the years. In this unique situation, Gerard Butler faces the task of bringing his animated character Stoick the Vast from How to Train Your Dragon into a live-action realm, portraying him in the highly anticipated upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved franchise.

As he prepares to reprise the role of Stoick the Vast for the How to Train Your Dragon remake premiering this month, Gerard Butler emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between his previous performance and the freshness he aims to inject for both new and returning fans. He remarks, “When I watch myself, there are moments where I think, ‘That’s very similar to how I did it before,’ yet there are instances where I feel I’ve taken a completely different approach. My goal was to feel invigorated, stepping into a new narrative while fully embodying the character throughout the day — a luxury I didn’t have while recording the voice. I was in my pajamas every day.”

However, Gerard Butler is not alone in the challenge of revitalizing a cherished narrative, as Dean DeBlois, the director of the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, is also steering this live-action adaptation. DeBlois understands the complexities involved in crafting a narrative that satisfies both devoted fans and studio expectations. He states, “For better or worse, this project carries that continuity, yet I promised to deliver the wonder and emotional depth of those original stories to the big screen, despite the fact that I hadn’t directed a live-action film before.”

The official plot of How to Train Your Dragon unfolds as follows: “On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been fierce adversaries for generations, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the imaginative yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, defies centuries of traditional dragon-fighting practices when he forms an unexpected friendship with Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their extraordinary bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.” The film is set to open on June 13th, marking just over 15 years since the original film’s release.

Are you planning to see the new live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon next week? It promises to bring a fresh perspective to a story that has captivated audiences for years.