“If Stoick had a mum, that would have been my mum" — Gerard Butler speaks about How To Train Your Dragon (2025) being dedicated to his mother

How to Train Your Dragon, the live-action remake of the beloved 2010 animated classic, has officially arrived in theaters on June 13, 2025. Directed by Dean DeBlois and produced by Universal Pictures, the film breathes new life into the story of Hiccup and Toothless.

The adaptation remains true to its roots, adding more emotional arcs and utilizing the latest visual effects to enhance the dragons. The movie brings back the Viking island of Berk with a talented cast that includes Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Nick Frost.

In a touching tribute revealed ahead of the premiere, Gerard Butler shared how the film is deeply personal to him. Butler told Magic Radio on June 12, 2025, that How to Train Your Dragon is dedicated to his mother, Margaret Butler. He expressed,

“If Stoick had a mum, that would have been my mum.”

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The actor, who reprises Stoick the Vast, said his mother always supported his acting career.

This dedication adds a poignant layer to the film’s emotional depth. Director Dean DeBlois, who wanted to honor Butler’s loss, worked closely with Universal to include the tribute. With the note “Dedicated to the loving memory of Margaret Coll” appearing at the end of the credits, this film is more than a remake; it is a personal homage.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is dedicated to Gerard Butler's mother

Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick the Vast in How To Train Your Dragon (2025) is not just another performance; it is a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Margaret Butler, who passed away in February at the age of 81.

In a recent interview with Magic Radio aired on June 12, Butler revealed how meaningful this dedication is to him. He said,

“She was an amazing woman, strong, fiery, graceful, and beautiful.”

Butler shared that his mother always supported his dream of becoming an actor.

“Since I was a kid, I wanted to be an actor. She knew that and supported me all the way,” he said.

He recalled a touching letter she once wrote to him, saying,

“I want you to be happy, and I love you no matter what. And if this is what you want to do—go for it.”

Director Dean DeBlois made the decision to dedicate the film to Butler’s mother, understanding the emotional impact of her loss. DeBlois told The Hollywood Reporter, published on June 12, 2025.

“I knew the loss of his mother was a deeply felt wound. So to honor her with a dedication in the credits just seemed like the right thing to do in that moment.”

This thoughtful act adds emotional weight to Stoick’s scenes in the film, especially in moments where he shares wisdom and strength with his son Hiccup.

Everything to know about How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a live-action remake of the popular animated movie from 2010. It tells the story of Hiccup, a creative Viking teen who changes how everyone in his village thinks about dragons after making friends with one. The movie is about bravery, acceptance, and growth.

Cast and characters

The movie stars new and established actors. Mason Thames stars as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the smart and kind son of the Viking chief who must choose between tradition and a dragon.

Nico Parker plays Hiccup's brave and determined love interest, Astrid Hofferson, who eventually sees his point. Gerard Butler plays Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father and Berk's stoic leade.

Also Read: How many How To Train Your Dragon movies are there? Chronological watch order, streaming options, and more

Nick Frost plays Gobber the Belch, the village blacksmith and Stoick's loyal friend, with humor and heart. Julian Dennison plays Fishlegs Ingerman, Hiccup's loyal friend who knows a lot about dragons.

Gabriel Howell plays Snotlout Jorgenson, Hiccup's bragging rival. Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn play the troublemaking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston. Peter Serafinowicz plays Snotlout's strict father, Spitelout Jorgenson.

Also Read: Is there a post-credit scene at the end of How to Train Your Dragon? Explained

Stay tuned for more updates on How to Train Your Dragon and similar projects as the year progresses.

About the author

Rajan is an Entertainment Writer at Sportskeeda with previous experience of 6 years in writing about the genre. While he has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Application, it was his passion for the domain that led him to pursue a career in the field. He firmly believes that research is key when reporting on any topic, and glances through a wide array of articles to produce informative and accurate content.

Rajan admires Robert Downey Jr., Bob Dylan, and John Mayer since he feels they are the best at their trade. He is passionate about music and has had the opportunity to interact with popular Bollywood music directors A. R. Rahman, Pritam and Vishal-Sekhar.

If he could go back in time, he would jump at the opportunity to be part of Coldplay's hit track, 'A Sky Full of Stars.'

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Edited by Somava