I'll never forget the first time I saw Gerard Butler as Stoick in the animated How to Train Your Dragon—a mountain of a man with a heart as big as Berk itself. So when Universal Pictures dropped this live-action poster for the 2025 remake, I was ready to feel that same Viking fire. And boy, does it deliver. Stoick the Vast, sword in hand, horned helmet gleaming, stands like a Norse god on a ship ready to battle dragons—or maybe even the gods themselves. But here's the kicker: this poster isn't just eye candy—it's a battle cry for what this live-action adaptation might become.
Let's break it down. The poster, released by Universal Pictures, screams epic with its stormy skies and Stoick's commanding presence. He's gripping a rope with one hand, a sword in the other, and a dragon's shadow looms overhead. It's like a Led Zeppelin album cover met a Viking saga—raw, untamed, and ready to rock. The text “STOICK THE VAST” towers above, while “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON” and the June 13, 2025, release date anchor the bottom. This isn't just a poster; it's a promise of a fiercer, grittier tale.
Now, let's talk about what this means for the film. Directed by Dean DeBlois—who helmed all three animated films—this live-action version pulls from Cressida Cowell's books but centers on Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Toothless, his injured dragon. The story's core remains: a young Viking and his dragon fighting prejudice, loss, and first love. But Stoick, played by Butler, has always been the emotional bedrock. In the animated trilogy, he's the stubborn father who learns to see his son's worth. Here, the poster suggests he's not just a side character—he's the storm Hiccup will have to weather. Butler's casting makes sense; his role in 300 proved he can roar like a lion and still break your heart. DeBlois himself said Hiccup “represents all teh oddballs out there,” and with Thames' “awkwardness and vulnerability” at 15 during auditions, the dynamic between father and son feels like it'll hit harder than a dragon's tail.
Historically, How to Train Your Dragon changed animation when it debuted in 2010. It grossed $494 million worldwide (Box Office Mojo) and spawned two sequels, a TV series, and a loyal fanbase. Its mix of heart and humor—think The Lion King with wings—set a new bar for DreamWorks. But live-action remakes are tricky. Disney's The Lion King (2019) made $1.6 billion but was criticized for lacking soul (Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%). Will this film avoid the same trap? The poster's focus on Stoick hints at a bolder approach—less cutesy, more visceral. Add Nico Parker as Astrid and Nick Frost as Gobber, and you've got a cast that can balance grit with warmth.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: this poster isn't just selling Stoick—it's selling a new vibe. The animated films were about Hiccup's growth, but this image screams Stoick's dominance. Is the film shifting focus to the Viking chief's legacy? If so, it's a smart move. Fans have always loved Stoick's arc—his sacrifice in the second film still makes me tear up. A deeper dive into his leadership could make this remake soar where others have crashed.
So, what's next? Mark your calendars for June 13, 2025, and let's see if this film can tame the dragon of live-action remakes. You'll either love this fresh take or hate it. Here's why: it's a risk—but a damn good one. What do you think—will Stoick steal the show? Comment below.
