Reprising his role as a Viking on the upcoming 'How to Train Your Dragon' live-action movie, Gerard Butler shares the grueling filming experience in Ireland.
- November 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - Stepping into the world of Stoick the Vast for the live-action adaptation of "How to Train Your Dragon" was no ordinary task for Gerard Butler. The 55-year-old actor, who first brought the character to life in the animated series, found himself facing unexpected challenges while filming in Ireland.
Butler and the rest of the cast embarked on the filming in January 2024. Despite the picturesque Irish landscapes, Butler describes the set as "very cold and kind of miserable" due to the climate, conditions that were far from ideal for a grueling filming schedule. Yet, the cold weather was not Butler's biggest concern.
In an interview with Collider, Butler revealed the discomfort he endured due to his costume's sheer weight and complexity. "I had seven layers, thick layers, and a thick beard, and then I had a kind of bearskin or wolfskin over it. It was heavy as s**t," Butler recounted. The entire ensemble, including a sword, shield, and helmet, added up to a staggering 90 pounds.
The weight, coupled with the multiple layers, turned Butler's costume into a personal furnace. "I was, in the middle of the coldest day, soaking wet from sweat inside because it was like a furnace in there," he laughed. The heat generated inside his costume led to an unusual problem - keeping his makeup intact amidst the sweat.
"My beard's coming off because of the sweat," Butler shared, pointing out the numerous interruptions required to reattach parts of his costume. "You gotta stick it back down. My eyebrows were coming off. I had to stick it down because I was sweating so much."
Despite the relentless physical strain, Butler's dedication to reprising his beloved role shone through. His behind-the-scenes anecdotes paint a picture of the perseverance and professionalism required to bring the animated favorite to live-action reality. While the audience eagerly awaits the film's release, Butler's commitment to his craft ensures that Stoick the Vast's character will be as dynamic and robust as ever.