Explore Gerard Butler's 2025 hits: reprising Stoick in How To Train Your Dragon, Den of Thieves 2, and the new sequel Greenland 2: Migration.
- May 5, 2026
AceShowbiz - Gerard Butler has been a familiar face in action and thriller films, delivering memorable performances in titles like Rock N Rolla, Law Abiding Citizen, the Has Fallen series, and Greenland. In 2025, he found success with the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, where he reprised his role as Stoick, originally from the animated film. That same year, he returned to the Den of Thieves franchise; although that sequel received mixed reviews and modest box office returns, it resonated well with audiences on streaming platforms.
Building on this momentum, Greenland 2: Migration premiered this year, continuing the story of the Garrity family. The film reunites Gerard Butler with co-star Morena Baccarin and director Ric Roman Waugh. Set five years after the original disaster, the sequel follows the surviving Garritys as they leave the safety of their bunker to traverse a frozen and devastated Europe in search of a new sanctuary. Despite the gripping storyline, the film fell short financially, grossing just $44.8 million worldwide against a hefty $90 million production budget.
Critics were lukewarm in their response, assigning the movie a 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, audiences were somewhat more forgiving, granting it a 66% approval score. While the theatrical run was disappointing, fans have embraced the film’s themes of migration, family bonds, and environmental collapse, making it a compelling watch for viewers invested in the survival narrative of a father protecting his loved ones.
Since its premium video-on-demand (PVOD) release, Greenland 2: Migration has gained traction on streaming services. According to FlixPatrol, it recently entered the top 10 most-watched titles on Amazon Prime Video, securing the tenth spot. This streaming surge is notable given the stiff competition from popular releases such as Mark Wahlberg’s Balls Up, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo’s Crime 101, Rebecca Ferguson’s Mercy, and Tom Hardy’s Venom: The Last Dance.
The sequel’s narrative explores the challenges of displacement and moral dilemmas in a post-apocalyptic world, continuing to build on the franchise’s established themes. Gerard Butler remains central to the story, portraying a father determined to ensure his family’s survival amid chaos. This human element, combined with the harsh environmental backdrop, has resonated with streaming audiences, highlighting how the film’s impact extends beyond box office numbers.
While the initial theatrical performance did not meet expectations, the strong streaming presence suggests that Greenland 2: Migration is finding its footing as a digital hit. This trend reflects a growing pattern where certain films underperform in cinemas but excel on home platforms, reaching a broader audience over time.
As the streaming success continues, it could influence how studios evaluate the long-term profitability of mid-budget disaster films like Greenland 2. The movie’s ability to engage viewers post-theatrical release underlines the evolving landscape of film distribution and audience consumption habits.
In summary, despite facing challenges at the box office, Greenland 2: Migration is carving out a niche on streaming services, buoyed by a dedicated fan base and the enduring appeal of its lead actor, Gerard Butler. The film’s blend of action, survival drama, and family themes ensures it remains a noteworthy entry in the disaster genre as it continues to attract viewers worldwide.