EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures‘ live-action adaptation of the DreamWorks Animation franchise How to Train Your Dragon is bringing back a familiar face, as sources tell Deadline that Gerard Butler, who voiced Hiccup’s father Stoick in the original movies, will reprise the role. Mason Thames and Nico Parker are set to star as Hiccup and Astrid, with Dean DeBlois directing, writing and producing.
The film is set to bow on June 13, 2025.
The new pic will draw audiences deep into DWA’s imaginative lore. Working from a single narrative tapestry, the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless have captivated fans across three films that have grossed more than $1.6 billion combined.
Marc Platt is producing the live-action movie for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Marc Platt Productions president Adam Siegel. VP Production Lexi Barta will oversee the film on behalf of Universal.
While the studio went with new faces for Hiccup and Astrid since the actors that had previously voiced the characters are now adults, the idea of having Butler return as Stoick, the strong-willed Viking chief who is also a single father trying to raise his son, was too good to pass up. Known for his action-heavy roles like the Olympus Has Fallen franchise and 300, Butler’s role in How to Train Your Dragon was a fan favorite, and his casting allows the studio to pay a proper tribute to the original cast.
Butler remains one of the busiest action stars in town, with thrillers Plane and Kandahar both bowing this year as is the sequel to his 2018 action movie Den of Thieves.
Butler is repped by Alan Siegel Entertainment and CAA.
