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Best Gerard Butler Movies of All Time Ranked

Gerard Butler as John Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Gerard Butler is the king of the sequels!

He’s helped created popular franchises from film’s like ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘, ‘Den of Thieves‘, and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ with an upcoming sequel for ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ and a follow up to ‘Plane‘ in the works.
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In his latest sequel, ‘Greenland 2: Migration‘, which is a follow up to 2020’s ‘Greenland‘, opens in theaters on January 9th.

In honor of the new remake, Moviefone has compiled a list of the 25 best Gerard Butler movies of all-time, including his latest.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Talk ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’

25. ‘Gamer‘ (2009)

Gerard Butler in ‘Gamer’. Photo: Lionsgate.

Mind-control technology has taken society by a storm, a multiplayer on-line game called “Slayers” allows players to control human prisoners in mass-scale. Simon (Logan Lerman) controls Kable (Butler), the online champion of the game. Kable’s ultimate challenge becomes regaining his identity and independence by defeating the game’s mastermind (Michael C. Hall).
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24. ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)

Captain Glass (Butler) of the USS Arkansas discovers that a coup d’état is taking place in Russia, so he and his crew join an elite group working on the ground to prevent a war.
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23. ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life‘ (2003)

Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) ventures to an underwater temple in search of the mythological Pandora’s Box but, after securing it, it is promptly stolen by the villainous leader of a Chinese crime syndicate. Lara must recover the box before the syndicate’s evil mastermind (Ciarán Hinds) uses it to construct a weapon of catastrophic capabilities.
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22. ‘Reign of Fire‘ (2002)

In post-apocalyptic England, an American volunteer (Matthew McConaughey) and a British survivor (Christian Bale) team up to fight off a brood of fire-breathing dragons seeking to return to global dominance after centuries of rest underground. The Brit — leading a clan of survivors to hunt down the King of the Dragons — has much at stake: His mother was killed by a dragon, but his love (Izabella Scorupco) is still alive.
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21. ‘Timeline‘ (2003)

A group of archaeological students (Butler, Paul Walker, and Frances O’Connor) become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve their professor (Billy Connolly). The group must survive in 14th century France long enough to be rescued.
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20. ‘Greenland 2: Migration‘ (2026)

(L to R) Gerard Butler as John Garrity, Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Having found the safety of the Greenland bunker after the comet Clarke decimated the Earth, the Garrity family ( Butler, Morena Baccarin and Roman Griffin Davis) must now risk everything to embark on a perilous journey across the wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
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19. ‘The Bounty Hunter‘ (2010)

A revered bounty hunter’s (Butler) latest gig is rather satisfying, as his bail-skipper is his ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston), who has no intention of getting nabbed without a fight.
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18. ‘The Phantom of the Opera‘ (2004)

Deformed since birth, a bitter man known only as the Phantom (Butler) lives in the sewers underneath the Paris Opera House. He falls in love with the obscure chorus singer Christine (Emmy Rossum), and privately tutors her while terrorizing the rest of the opera house and demanding Christine be given lead roles. Things get worse when Christine meets back up with her childhood acquaintance Raoul (Patrick Wilson) and the two fall in love.
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17. ‘Greenland‘ (2020)

John Garrity (Butler), his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin) and their young son embark on a perilous journey to find sanctuary as a planet-killing comet hurtles toward Earth. Amid terrifying accounts of cities getting leveled, the Garritys experience the best and worst in humanity. As the countdown to the global apocalypse approaches zero, their incredible trek culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven.
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16. ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)

After a treacherous attack, Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). Chased by his own colleagues and the FBI (Jada Pinkett Smith), Banning begins a race against the clock to clear his name.
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15. ‘Machine Gun Preacher‘ (2011)

Gerard Butler in ‘Machine Gun Preacher’. Photo: Relativity Media.

The true story of Sam Childers (Butler), a former drug-dealing biker who finds God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who’ve been kidnapped and pressed into duty as soldiers.
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14. ‘Copshop‘ (2021)

On the run from a lethal assassin, a wily con artist (Frank Grillo) devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station. However, when the hit man (Butler) turns up at the precinct, an unsuspecting rookie cop (Alexis Louder) finds herself caught in the crosshairs.
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13. ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)

Five years have passed since Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless (Randy Thom) united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons — and a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup’s mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Hiccup and Toothless then find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago (Djimon Hounsou).
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12. ‘Coriolanus‘ (2012)

Caius Martius, aka Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes), is an arrogant and fearsome general who has built a career on protecting Rome from its enemies. Pushed by his ambitious mother (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the position of consul, Coriolanus is at odds with the masses and unpopular with certain colleagues. When a riot results in his expulsion from Rome, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius (Butler). Together, the pair vow to destroy the great city.
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11. ‘Chasing Mavericks‘ (2012)

Surfer Jay Moriarity (Jonny Weston) sets out to ride the Northern California break known as Mavericks.
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10. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
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9. ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera‘ (2025)

Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (O’Shea Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
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8. ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)

In London for the Prime Minister’s funeral, Mike Banning (Butler) discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.
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7. ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)

When a Russian mobster (Karel Roden) sets up a real estate scam that generates millions of pounds, various members of London’s criminal underworld pursue their share of the fortune. Various shady characters, including Mr One-Two (Butler), Stella the accountant (Thandiwe Newton), and Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell), a druggie rock-star, try to claim their slice.
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6. ‘Plane‘ (2023)

After a heroic job of successfully landing his storm-damaged aircraft in a war zone, a fearless pilot (Butler) finds himself between the agendas of multiple militias planning to take the plane and its passengers hostage.
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5. ‘300‘ (2007)

Gerard Butler in ‘300’. Photo: Warner Bros.

Based on Frank Miller‘s graphic novel and directed by Zack Snyder, ‘300’ is very loosely based the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta (Butler) led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world’s first democracy.
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4. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless (Randy Thom) – much to the chagrin of his warrior father (Butler).
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3. ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)

When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President (Aaron Eckhart) is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning (Butler) finds himself trapped within the building. As the national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning’s inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President and avert an even bigger disaster.
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2. ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)

A frustrated man (Butler) decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family’s killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney (Jamie Foxx) and others involved in the deal.
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1. ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)

(L to R) Maurice Compte and Gerard Butler in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms.

A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.
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February 8, 2026
Cate Blanchett Joins Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
(Left) Cate Blanchett, Oscar® presenter, poses backstage during the live ABC Telecast of The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Credit/Provider: Mark Suban / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Preview:
- Cate Blanchett will play Viking warrior Valka in ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2.’
- She’s reprising her role from the animated adventures.
- Dean DeBlois is once more writing and directing.
Cate Blanchett is ready to hang with dragons once more.

The actor is becoming the second person from the animated ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise to reprise their voice role in live-action, following Gerard Butler.

Blanchett will join Butler and the rest in ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2,’ which is following last year’s first adaptation.
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Franchise overseer Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed that first live-action entry is back pulling double duty again for this new one.

Related Article: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Home Entertainment Release Exclusive Interviews

What’s the story of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’?

Mason Thames (right) as Hiccup with his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Based, like the animated movies, on Cressida Cowell’s books, the stories follow young Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames), who goes against his society’s dragon-battling ways when he befriends one called Toothless.

The second instalment will continue Hiccup’s adventures. Blanchett’s Valka is the long-lost mother of Hiccup, and wife of Viking leader Stoick the Vast (Butler, who also appeared in the first live-action movie).

In addition to Thames, Butler and now Blanchett, Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn will all appear in the sequel.

Where else can we see Cate Blanchett?

(L to R) Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper in ‘Nightmare Alley’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures.

Blanchett last year starred in Steven Soderbergh’s critically acclaimed espionage thriller ‘Black Bag,’ whose cast also included Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela and Naomie Harris. She was part of the ensemble of ‘Father Mother Sister Brother,’ Jim Jarmusch’s drama that premiered at the Venice Film Festival and where it won the Golden Lion.

And she had a cameo in the final episode of Netflix series ‘Squid Game. ’

She has a few movies either in development or headed our way, including new drama ‘Sweetsick’ and sci-fi comedy ‘Alpha Gang.’ And Blanchett is a producer on a comedy called ‘Peaches.’

When will ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ be in theaters?

Universal Pictures has already scheduled the sequel for a June 11, 2027 release date.

Which isn’t all that surprising, given that the first live-action movie earned $636 million worldwide.

Stoick (Gerard Butler) and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘How to Train Your Dragon:’
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)
Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
January 16, 2026
Movie Review: ‘Greenland 2: Migration’
(L to R) Gerard Butler as John Garrity, Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Opening in theaters on January 9 is ‘Greenland 2: Migration,’ directed by Ric Roman Waugh and starring Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, Amber Rose Revah, William Abadie, Trond Fausa Aurvag, Sophie Thompson, Nelia Da Costa, and Tommie Earl Jenkins.
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Related Article: Hayley Atwell and Gerard Butler to Star in New Thriller ‘Empire City’

Initial Thoughts

Gerard Butler as John Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

It’s hard to say what’s weirder: that a movie with the word ‘Greenland’ in the title is coming out right now during the current geopolitical crisis, that the movie is a sequel to a surprise COVID-era hit, or that the film it’s following is one of Gerard Butler’s better efforts.

Nevertheless, ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ is here, and we can tell you that it’s a worthy successor to the original Ric Roman Waugh-directed action disaster movie. Gerard Butler is back, of course, with his now-perfected balance of gruff hyper-competence and jarring vulnerability, and the film is the kind of fast-moving, no-nonsense afternoon-filler that Roland Emmerich wishes he could make.

Story and Direction

(L to R) Gerard Butler as John Garrity, Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, Amber Rose Revah as Dr. Casey Amina, and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

2020’s ‘Greenland’ was a tense, surprisingly emotional actioner in which Butler’s John Garrity, a structural engineer, is selected along with his family for emergency sheltering when it’s learned that a comet will pancake into the Earth in two days. The clan must make their way to an underground bunker in the title country, but even though they survive, the impact of Clarke — as the comet is dubbed — wipes out most of human civilization.

‘Greenland 2: Migration’ picks up five years later and jiggers the continuity a little: while the first film ended on a sad but cautiously hopeful note, ‘Migration’ finds the community in the bunker running out of food and resources while pieces of Clarke still fall from the sky, causing earthquakes, lava flows, bad air, and radioactive storms. There are rumors that the original impact crater in the south of France has become not just habitable, but is flourishing (due to some wonky, hand-waving science), although reports of war between the remnants of Europe and Asia make clear information hard to come by.

When one of those storms takes out the bunker for good, the Garritys decide to make their way to France and see if the stories about the Clarke crater are true. They and a small band of steadily dwindling survivors make their way in a boat across the Atlantic to a submerged Liverpool, and from there it’s onto London and beyond by whatever means possible. Along the way, the Garritys encounter both the best and worst of humanity on their presumed road to salvation, while we also discover that John is hiding a secret of his own.

(L to R) Gerard Butler as John Garrity and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

As with the original ‘Greenland,’ Waugh judiciously uses visual effects (some, like the submerged streets of Liverpool or a bent-over Eiffel Tower, are striking; others look a little too Volume-y) but keeps the focus on his human characters, which is what makes both movies work despite their familiar disaster movie beats. All the people in ‘Migration’ are recognizably human and doing what they think they must to survive, wrong or right. And it’s the very ordinary nature of John, his wife Allison (Morena Baccarin), and their now-teen son Nathan (Roman Griffin Davis, aging up from the first film’s Roger Dale Floyd) that keeps us engrossed in their story and fate, even as implausible as some of it seems.

Even with the occasionally dodgy visuals and episodic script, the director consistently turns up the tension with his action set pieces, including a scary walk across a rope bridge and sudden bursts of violence from marauders, and the pace rarely flags, with the film even delivering a surprisingly moving conclusion. ‘Migration,’ like the 2020 original, knows exactly what kind of film it is, but aims a little higher nonetheless.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, Gerard Butler as John Garrity and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

There isn’t a ton of character development here, but this is Gerard Butler doing what he does best, playing a beefy, working-class kind of guy who’s good at everything but not so tough that he doesn’t get scared or hurt. He’s in his element here as Garrity, and if you’re already a fan you’ll find his solid performance as comfortable as an old shoe.

The always appealing Morena Baccarin (‘Deadpool & Wolverine’) does fine work here as the dutiful and resourceful Allison, while no one else really sticks around long enough to make much of an impression, save Sophie Thompson as a kindly friend they catch a break with in London and William Abadie as a Frenchman who comes to their aid at a critical moment.

Final Thoughts

Gerard Butler as John Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

What makes the ‘Greenland’ movies work are the fact that they’re centered on a single, relatable family, and that we see how humanity can both rise and fall without resorting to horror movie extremes (not that there’s anything wrong with those). No one’s going to mistake this for high cinema, but ‘Migration’ keeps its core elements in place while expanding its scope.

At a time when it feels like 2026 is kicking off with the world on fire (and not even a comet to get the flames going), the heartfelt sensibility of this film and its predecessor will take your mind off real world problems for a couple of hours. Not bad for a movie about the end of human civilization.

‘Greenland 2: Migration’ receives a score of 77 out of 100.

A scene from ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

What is the plot of ‘Greenland 2: Migration’?

Ten years after the Clarke interstellar comet destroyed most of Earth, the Garrity family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the wasteland of Europe to find a new home.

Who is in the cast of ‘Greenland 2: Migration’?
- Gerard Butler as John Garrity
- Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity
- Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity
- Amber Rose Revah as Dr. Casey Amina
- William Abadie as Denis Laurent
- Nelia Da Costa as Camille Laurent
- Susan Eljack as Julia Laurent
- Sophie Thompson as Mackenzie Matthews
- Trond Fausa Aurvag as Adam Shaw
- Tommie Earl Jenkins as General Sharpe
‘Greenland 2: Migration’ opens in theaters on January 9th.

List of Gerard Butler Action Movies:
- ‘300‘ (2007)
- ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)
- ‘Gamer‘ (2009)
- ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)
- ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)
- ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)
- ‘Geostorm‘ (2017)
- ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)
- ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
- ‘Greenland‘ (2020)
- ‘Copshop‘ (2021)
- ‘Last Seen Alive‘ (2022)
- ‘Plane‘ (2023)
- ‘Kandahar‘ (2023)
- ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera‘ (2025)
- ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ (2026)
Buy Tickets: ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Gerard Butler Movies on Amazon
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January 8, 2026
Hayley Atwell and Gerard Butler Starring in ‘Empire City’
(Left) Hayley Atwell stars in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One’. (Right) Gerard Butler stars in ‘Plane.’

Preview:
- Hayley Atwell and Gerard Butler are aboard ‘Empire City.’
- It’s a new hostage thriller set in New York.
- Michael Matthews will direct the movie.
It’s always nice when projects you think might have vanished into the development ether pop back up again with people attached.

In this case, hostage thriller ‘Empire City,’ whose rights were up for sale at Cannes last year, now has two leads –– that would be Hayley Atwell and Gerard Butler –– on board, and a director in ‘Love & Monsters’ Michael Matthews.
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According to Deadline, the script has been through some tweaks (more on the story below) and is now aiming to kick off shooting this month.

Related Article: 25 Best Gerard Butler Movies of All-Time!

What’s the story of ‘Empire City’?

(L to R) Maurice Compte and Gerard Butler in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms.

The story kicks off when a hostage crisis erupts inside New York’s landmark Cleburne Building, firefighter Rhett (Butler), his squad, and his NYPD wife Dani (Atwell) must fight and navigate their way through the building to rescue the captives.

Definite shades of ‘Die Hard’, then, but the script comes from S. Craig Zahler (‘Bone Tomahawk’) and Brian Tucker (‘Broken City’) so they’ve hopefully added some fresh twists.

Where else can we see Hayley Atwell and Gerard Butler?

Hayley Atwell plays Grace in ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Atwell was most recently seen reprising the role of pickpocket Grace in ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ and has a voice in the English dub of new animated movie ‘Grand Prix of Europe.’

Alongside ‘Empire City,’ she’s part of the cast for director Duncan Jones’ adaptation of ‘Rogue Trooper’ and will also show up in the second season of TV drama ‘Rivals.’

As for Butler, he was back this year in two memorable roles: he played the live-action version of his Stoick character in the new adaptation of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and returned as Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brien for ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.’

Coming up, he has disaster sequel ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ and a third ‘Den of Thieves’ movie is in the works.

When will ‘Empire City’ be in theaters?

Even with international distribution rights already sold to finance production, this one is still at the sales stage for the U.S., so we’ll have to wait and where it lands.

And who doesn’t want to see Agent Carter and Big Nick team up to take down baddies?

Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate.

List of Gerard Butler Action Movies:
- ‘300‘ (2007)
- ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)
- ‘Gamer‘ (2009)
- ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)
- ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)
- ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)
- ‘Geostorm‘ (2017)
- ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)
- ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
- ‘Greenland‘ (2020)
- ‘Copshop‘ (2021)
- ‘Last Seen Alive‘ (2022)
- ‘Plane‘ (2023)
- ‘Kandahar‘ (2023)
- ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera‘ (2025)
Buy Gerard Butler Movies on Amazon
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November 14, 2025
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Home Entertainment Interviews
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Available on digital July 15th and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray August 12th is the live action remake and box office smash ‘How to Train Your Dragon’.

Directed by original franchise filmmaker Dean DeBlois, the film stars Gerard Butler (‘Den of Thieves’) reprising his role as Stoick, as well as new cast members Mason Thames (‘The Black Phone’), Nico Parker (‘Dumbo’), and Nick Frost (‘Shaun of the Dead’).

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)

(L to R) 2025’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ director Dean DeBlois, and actors Nico Parker and Mason Thames.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of traveling to Oslo, Norway, home of the Vikings, to speak exclusively with writer and director Dean DeBlois, as well as young actors Mason Thames and Nico Parker about their work on 2025’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and the home entertainment release.

DeBlois discussed adapting his own animated movie into live action, the design of the dragons, and deleted scenes, while Thames and Parker talked about joining the beloved franchise, their experience working with DeBlois and Gerard Butler, and the home release’s gag reel.

You can read our full interviews below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews.

(from left) Writer-Director Dean DeBlois (left), Gabriel Howell (center) and Nico Parker (right) on the set of Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Moviefone: To begin with, Dean, can you talk about the challenges of remaking a live action version of your own animated movie?

Dean DeBlois: Well, I think the biggest challenge is I’m very close to it, so the benefit I think, is the distance. It was 15 years ago. I tend never to watch movies that I’ve worked on again. By the time we get through the whole process of mixing and coloring it and putting it out in the world, I’m kind of done. So, I had the benefit of sense memory of the movie and then revisiting the script and looking for opportunities where we could go deeper with character relationships or with mythology and leaning into even more so into the aesthetic of live action. I think those were all directions that were set in place from the very beginning. So, it meant revisiting old material through a new lens.

MF: Mason, what was it like for you to join this franchise and bring the character of Hiccup to life in live action?

Mason Thames: I mean, Hiccup is a character that means so much to me. He’s always meant so much to me, so it’s kind of a factor of going into it that, what can I do differently? But also keep the character the same and respect what Jay (Baruchel) did, and Hiccup’s sarcasm, his wittiness, and his kind of awkward loneliness is something that makes him Hiccup. But going into it, me and Dean had a lot of time to talk about new colors that we wanted to explore. So, it was fun.

(from left) Astrid (Nico Parker) and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Nico, were you a fan of the franchise before making this film and what was it like for you to step into this incredible world Dean has created?

Nico Parker: Yes. Me and Mason both were huge fans of the animated movies. Such a huge fan. I feel like anyone in our age demographic grew up with these movies and so to get to be a part of it is amazing. I remember even just in the audition process meeting Dean and, regardless of getting the part or anything, just meeting Dean was entirely surreal because this is a person who has so much responsibility in something that has been such a huge part of my childhood. There’s something kind of strange about meeting someone that has that kind of weight in your life. But he is just the loveliest and such a brilliant director and a wonderful person. So, to get to be here and doing all of this is kind of still constantly a pinch-me moment, but is very exciting. He’s literally the best person on the planet.

MF: Mason, what was it like for you collaborating with Dean on set?

MT: Dean is my favorite human being ever. He’s like, the sweetest. No, genuinely. You just want to hug him all the time and it’s like, “Oh, personal space, Mason, remember”. But he genuinely is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and such a fantastic director and filmmaker and artist. I love him so much and I trust him, which is something I value so much. He’s great.

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Dean, can you talk about the deleted scenes available on the home entertainment release and why those scenes didn’t make the final cut?

DD: The two deleted scenes that we included are “Beach Break”, which is the moment that follows “Test Drive”. So, when Hiccup and Toothless are up flying in the clouds, they become detached and then reattach and fly on intuition. In the animated movie, there’s a scene where they’re now taking a break, just kind of relaxing, cooking some fish, and they get accosted by Terrible Terrors who try to steal the fish. It’s a moment where Hiccup realizes A, dragons aren’t so fireproof on the inside and B, everything we know about them is wrong. We had our live action version of that. We shot it, but we found in the edit, it was in an area of the movie where you could feel the lag, and something was weighing it down. So experimentally, we tried snipping that out thinking we’re kind of telling that story anyway with other scenes and just visually through the narrative, and it survived without it. So, it allowed the pace to increase, but it also just allowed us to move on. Another one is where Astrid almost catches Hiccup red-handed at night in the blacksmith stall with Toothless. Similar, it’s a cute little moment, nice little interaction, but at the end of the day, no real new information was being given to the audience and it helped with the overall pacing to remove it.

MF: Nico, I understand that there will also be a gag reel on the home entertainment release. How much fun was it being on the set, and was it hard not to laugh in between scenes?

NP: It was. I mean, Mason’s so funny, and all the recruits are so funny, and the crew is so funny. I can’t even believe that we made a cohesive movie with how much everyone was laughing. I remember the first time going into the arena. I remember, we turned to Mason and everyone started being like, “Who let you in?” Like belittling him, and I remember they were shooting from behind Mason’s head and the whole time everyone was so funny. Harry (Trevaldwyn) is so funny, Gabe (Howell) is so funny, and Julian (Dennison). Everyone’s so funny. I honestly am surprised that we even had a movie at the end of it because of how much we were breaking.

Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Dean, can you talk about the design of the dragons, particularly Toothless? Did you want them to look like the animated versions, or more realistic?

DD: Both. We wanted to try to keep the overall silhouettes and coloring and personality traits, certainly from the animated movie, and migrate them into a more naturalistic photoreal world where these creatures feel like they could have been part of our animal kingdom. So, I think in every case, except for Toothless, we were able to go back much more to the animal references, whether it was a crocodile or a tropical bird or a big walrus or so on and so forth. But I think when it came to Toothless, he’s meant to be a black panther meets a salamander, but the more we went toward black panther, the more we were losing his character. So, we found that we had to keep the big eyes and the big mouth and the ear plates as part of his personality.

MF: What was it like working with Gerard Butler again and watching him bring his animated character to life in live action?

DD: Well, I think when Gerard Butler was finally able to join us, because at first, he couldn’t do it due to his own schedule, I had such a breath of relief because I know Gerry well even off camera. So, I think we just have this free-flowing energy between us, and I credit him as co-creator of the character. He brought so much to it, the emotion, the nuance, the arc, even in the animated form. So being able to hand that to him and then let him use all his physicality, everything he can bring to the camera as an actor, embodying Stoick with all this mass and that costume. I knew it was going to be great from the start. He completely delivers. He’s a force of nature.

Gerard Butler in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Finally, Mason, what was your experience like acting opposite Gerard Butler on this movie?

MT: He’s very funny, but what I love about him is, the energy he brings to set. I mean, he is Stoick the Vast, through and through. Nobody else could play that character like him. When he gets on set and he brings this raw energy to each scene, and whenever we’re in that room, it’s Stoick and Hiccup. Running through the scene repeatedly, it really brings something to it. He’s so amazing and such an incredible actor that I love him so much. But in between takes and stuff, we all joke around and he’s a prankster.
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What’s the story of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?

As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.

Who is in the cast of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler as Stoick
- Nick Frost as Gobber
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut
- Murray McArthur as Hoark
- Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout
2025’s ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ will be available to own at home beginning July 15th.

Exclusive Bonus Features When Purchasing at Participating Retailers:
- Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois
- Gag Reel
- Love and Legacy: Making ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ – Go behind the scenes to see how the beloved characters and intricate fantasy world were brought to the live-action medium.
- Building Berk – Walk onto the set of ‘How To Train Your Dragon‘ and take in the scale, detail, and heart that went into building Berk.
- Dreaming Up the Dragons – A glimpse at the technology, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing life-like dragons to the screen.
- Fit for a Viking – Witness the elaborate transformations the cast made to embody the Vikings we see in the film.
- Forbidden Friendship with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Watch Mason Thames perform the full Forbidden Friendship sequence with a puppeteer in the early stages of creating one of the film’s most iconic scenes.
- Test Drive with Introduction by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Hold on tight as we join Hiccup on his first flight with Toothless, and see the various elements that came together to construct the thrilling scene.
- Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe – Explore ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ – Isle of Berk and discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony.
- Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois
Buy Tickets: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
July 15, 2025
Every ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Movie and TV Show, Ranked

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Everyone loves dragons!

2010’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ became so popular that it has spawned two sequels, a two TV series, several specials and now, opening in theaters on June 13th, a live-action remake starring Gerard Butler reposing his role form the original.

In fact, before the new film is released, Universal Pictures has already announced a sequel to the live-action remake, which is scheduled for release on June 11th, 2027.
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In honor of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025), Moviefone is counting down every move and TV show in the popular franchise, including the live-action remake.

Let’s begin!

10. ‘Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing‘ (2020)

‘DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

When a musical dragon with a beautiful voice hypnotizes the dragons and people of Huttsgalor, the Rescue Riders have to find a way to break the spell.

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9. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Snoggletog Log‘ (2019)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: Snoggletog Log’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

When Hiccup and Toothless begin sharing stories of their special relationship with their respective families as they prepare for the Snoggletog Festival, it quickly becomes clear that the new generation of Vikings don’t remember the bond between dragon and human.
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8. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Legends‘ (2010)

Unlock the secrets of the Dragon Eye and come face to face with more dragons than anyone has ever imagined as Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Toothless and the Dragon Riders soar to the edge of adventure.
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7. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

It’s been ten years since the dragons moved to the Hidden World, and even though Toothless doesn’t live in New Berk anymore, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) continues the holiday traditions he once shared with his best friend. But the Vikings of New Berk were beginning to forget about their friendship with dragons. Hiccup, Astrid (America Ferrera), and Gobber (Craig Ferguson) know just what to do to keep the dragons in the villagers’ hearts. And across the sea, the dragons have a plan of their own…
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6. ‘Dragons: Race to the Edge‘ (2015 – 2018)

‘Dawn of the Dragon Racers’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

Unlock the secrets of the Dragon Eye and come face to face with more dragons than anyone has ever imagined as Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Toothless and the Dragon Riders soar to the edge of adventure.
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5. ‘DreamWorks Dragons‘ (2012 – 2014)

‘DreamWorks Dragons’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

From the creators of “How to Train Your Dragon” comes a new series that takes Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless to the edge of adventure.
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4. ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

Five years have passed since Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons — and a mysterious dragon rider. Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior.
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3. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

As Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.
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2. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)

Gerard Butler in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
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1. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)

2010’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.
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June 15, 2025
Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)
Mason Thames (right) as Hiccup with his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Opening in theaters on June 13th is ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ which looks to re-imagine the 2010 DreamWorks Animation title as a blend of live-action and CG creatures.

With Gerard Butler (‘Den of Thieves’) reprising his role as Viking chief Stoick, the new movie also features Mason Thames (‘The Black Phone’), Nick Frost (‘Shaun of the Dead’), Nico Parker (‘Dumbo’), Gabriel Howell (‘Bodies’) and Julian Dennison (‘Deadpool 2’).

Related Article: Gerard Butler to Appear in Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Initial Thoughts

(from left) Astrid (Nico Parker) and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Disney has turned the conversion of its animated back catalogue into something of a cottage industry, one that has proved profitable for the most part –– a few misses aside, but with a recent mega-hit in ‘Lilo & Stitch.’

So, somewhat naturally, DreamWorks is going the same route, dusting off a classic from its animation arm’s shelf and giving it a coat of live-action (with the usual CG enhancements) paint.

But even with original co-writer and co-director Dean DeBlois aboard to shepherd it, can this re-envisioned trip to the island of Berk succeed to the same degree as the original, 2010 ‘How to Train Your Dragon’?

Script and Direction

(from left) Writer-Director Dean DeBlois (left), Gabriel Howell (center) and Nico Parker (right) on the set of Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

DeBlois, who launched the original franchise alongside Chris Sanders and then effectively took it over for two other movies, is back here in full charge. And, at least for the most part, he’s going the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” route.

Which in itself is both blessing and curse. This is, once again, the story of inventive young Viking Hiccup (voiced in the original by Jay Baruchel and here played in live form by Mason Thames), who is the son of powerful chief Stoick (Gerard Butler, reprising the role he brought to vocal life). An awkward dreamer, Hiccup wants nothing else but to impress his dad by slaying a dragon, and proving himself in the eyes of the village, which faces endless issues with the marauding reptiles.

Hiccup, largely considered a joke by the other local teams finally manages to down a dragon –– a legendary, mysterious Night Fury, only to discover that things are not exactly what they seem, as the dragons have their reasons for hostility, and the creature he’s encountered soon becomes a friend, one he names Toothless.

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

This new movie really is, for the most part, a copy and paste of that 2010 offering, which is not really a bad thing per se, since the first ‘Dragon’ was an emotional and stylish thrill ride with a fine line in comedy.

Keeping to the template, the 2025 example makes tiny tweaks to the narrative, including a little more for Astrid (here played by Nico Parker, inheriting a role played vocally by America Ferrera) to do and some positive nods towards diversity by re-positioning the Viking society as part of a global effort to combat the perceived dragon threat.

And that could well be a winning formula, though the changes that ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made to its own story, while seemingly controversial to some, haven’t hurt its box office results. There was scope to do something a little fresher with Hiccup and Toothless’ adventure, but for the most part, that option wasn’t taken.

As director, DeBlois does a solid joke, helped by a good cast and the cinematography skills of Bill Pope, who helps the island locales (film in Ireland) and the rocky Dragon’s Nest come to vibrant life.

The effects team is also to be congratulated for bottling what makes Toothless work in animated form in his live-action doppelganger –– though once more by sticking closer to the original.

Cast and Performances

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Stoick (Gerard Butler) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Butler throws himself into the role of Stoick, and finds more than simple bluster and bravado as he did last time. In his and DeBlois’ hands, he’s a more complicated character, a father dealing with the loss of his wife and hoping against hope that his son will grow into something more like himself.

Thames ably fills the role of that son, and his Hiccup channels plenty of the energy of the cartoon version.

Parker, boosted by the minor changes to her character, is a winning Astrid, finding her own nuance.

Nick Frost is swapped in to replace Craig Ferguson as blacksmith Gobber, and while his role is different than the crankier Ferguson version, it’s perhaps a little less memorable. But still, perfectly watchable.

Everyone else is either an archetype or a tiny supporting role, but there are some good moments from Julian Dennison as dragon fact aficionado Fishlegs, while Gabriel Howell is a solidly arrogant Snotlout.

Final Thoughts

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Astrid (Nico Parker) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Was there a compelling reason to remake ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ other than to squeeze more value out of the franchise? Honestly, not really –– this is a true “grab the audience that grew up with the original, and have them bring their own children” play.

But when the result is a solidly enjoyable as this one, we’re quite happy to give it a pass. And try to keep a dry eye when Toothless is in danger!
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What’s the story of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?

As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.

Who is in the cast of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler as Stoick
- Nick Frost as Gobber
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut
- Murray McArthur as Hoark
- Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout
Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘How to Train Your Dragon:’
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon – Legends‘ (2010)
Buy Tickets: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
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June 10, 2025
CinemaCon 2025: Universal Pictures Presentation
(L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Granda is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

Preview:
- ‘Wicked: For Good’, ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ and more were showcased at Universal’s CinemaCon show.
- There was news of sequels to the live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘The Bad Guys.’
- The likes of Jon M. Chu and Scarlett Johansson were on stage to support their movies.
Universal’s 2024 was successful partly thanks to Jon M. Chu’s musical adaptation ‘Wicked,’ and with follow-up ‘Wicked: For Good’ on the way this year, some of the studio’s focus was always going to be on the movie –– which features two new songs not found in the stage source material.

Beyond that, we were expecting peeks at movies from the studio’s various arms and partners at this year’s CinemaCon presentation, including horror home Blumhouse and DreamWorks Animation, which continues to push the likes of the ongoing ‘Shrek’ franchise and others.

And not forgetting dinosaurs: another jewel in Universal’s crown in the ‘Jurassic Park’/‘Jurassic World’ movies, and with ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ headed to theaters this summer, we’d have been shocked to not see something fresh from that.

(L to R) Luna Blaise and the T-Rex in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Related Article: ‘Superman,’ ‘F1’ Spotlighted in Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon Presentation

Here’s what happened at the studio’s show and tell…

Universal’s big display kicked off sonically, with the company’s President of music and publishing Mike Knobloch introducing Rickey Minor and an all-star orchestra playing a collection of tunes from the studio’s back catalogue –– ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Fast & Furious,’ ‘Despicable Me,’ ‘Jaws’ and even the likes of DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Shrek’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ with clips from the movies on screens.

And, naturally, last year’s huge smash was among them, with ‘Wicked’ fully represented.

Universal chairman Donna Langley arrived on stage to celebrate the fact that the studio has released more theatrical movies since the pandemic than any other. She bypassed the idea that shrinking theatrical windows were to blame for audiences skipping cinemas.

Pete Levinson, the chairman of Universal distribution took over to essentially praise the company for its $3 billion in grosses last year. And to remind us all that ‘Wicked: For Good’ is on the way in November.

But properly first?

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

As the orchestra stuck up John Williams’ classic ‘Jurassic Park’ theme, stars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali arrived on stage alongside director Gareth Edwards to talk about the movie.

Noted dino fan Johansson related how she’s tried to get cast in all three previous ‘Jurassic World’ movies without success, eventually collaring Steven Spielberg to plead her case.

Edwards joked she was probably too expensive for the films –– which didn’t seem to sit well with Scarlet (probably all in good fun?)

The director also recalled watching the original ‘Jurassic Park’ as a kid (10 times in a day!) and how much of an honor it is direct this talented cast in a ‘Jurassic’ movie. He dropped mention that Mahershala is an Oscar winner, to which Ali comically corrected him that he has two!

Mahershala Ali is Duncan Kincaid in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ filmed in Thailand, with Johansson recalling many “pinch me’ moments on set and on location.

The trio introduced some fresh footage from the movie –– some of it unfinished. Mahershala said he’d seen it, to which Scarlet joked she was supposed to see everything first per her contract.

As for the footage, it largely tracked what we saw in the first trailer, with Johansson’s specialist leading a team to an abandoned ‘Jurassic Park’ staging island to retrieve genetic material to source lifegiving medical cures. A new hybrid dino we’ve yet to meet
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‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ stomps into theaters on July 2nd.
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On to DreamWorks Animation!

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’

Margie Cohn, President of DreamWorks Animation, followed to announce that the movie based on the popular Netflix series is in the works.

Gloria Estephan and Kristen Wiig lead the cast of the movie which blends animation and live-action, and the first trailer played on stage.

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’ heads to cinemas on September 26th.
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‘The Bad Guys 2’

(from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Following their short before ‘Dog Man,’ the ‘Bad Guys’ crew will be properly back on our screen later this year.

Craig Robinson and Awkwafina were on stage to discuss it (and crack wise, including joking that co-stars Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron and Anthony Ramos aren’t there because they’re banned from Vegas).

Holding inflatable versions of their characters, Robinson said:

“We’ve got a legit franchise now, baby!”

The first trailer for the movie was played, showing that our Bad Guys are lured out of do-gooding by a group of bad girls.

‘The Bad Guys 2’ will be released on August 1st.
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‘How to Train Your Dragon’

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Stoick (Gerard Butler) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

The live-action/CG take on the tale (which screened earlier in the day at the event to generally great acclaim) had stars Gerard Butler and Nico Parker on stage alongside director Dean DeBlois to talk it up.

They also announced that a sequel has already been greenlit, and that that one will fly into theaters on June 11th, 2027.

Butler was also given the chance to set the orchestra playing some of John Powell’s recognizable score.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake will be flying into cinemas on June 13th.
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The whistlestop presentation moved onto…

‘HIM’

Produced by Jordan Peele, the blend of sports story and horror sees a promising young football player joining an isolated compound to train under a dynasty team’s aging quarterback.

Directed by Justin Tipping, the movie had stars Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers on stage to promote it.

Wayans began by quipping:

“I’m finally the only Wayans here. I’m tenth of ten kids. I don’t think Keenan (his brother) knows my name!”

Withers, meanwhile, told the crowd that they’ve never seen Wayans like this before.

The pair then cued up the creepy first look at the movie, which promises a blend of ‘The Substance’ and American Football.

‘HIM’ will touch down at theaters on September 19th.

From there, to…

‘Nobody 2’

Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

The sequel to the 2021 Bob Odenkirk-starring action movie showcased its first trailer, full of more bone-crunching action, with Sharon stone joining the cast. The story this time finds Hutch Parker (Odenkirk) taking the family on vacation, only to run afoul of Stone’s criminal organization. Cue vengeance!

The movie hits cinemas on August 15th.
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Next, it was the turn of Focus Features…

Focus chairman Peter Kujawski took the stage to hype his studio arm’s upcoming titles and say that every film by the company is made for theatrical.

He dropped word of Wes Anderson’s latest, ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ Chloe Zhao’s ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Anemone,’ which Ronan Day-Lewis co-wrote with his father, Daniel Day-Lewis, who left retirement to appear in the movie. And, of course, there’s reportedly final ‘Downton Abbey’ movie ‘The Grand Finale.’

‘The Phoenician Scheme’

Anderson’s new cine-baby features much of his regular players, with Benicio Del Toro leading the cast.

It’ll be out on June 6th.
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‘Bugonia’

That was followed by the first trailer for ‘Kinds of Kindness’ director Yorgos Lanthimos’ next movie, ‘Bugonia,’ which reunites that movie’s Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.

It’ll creep into theaters on November 7th.
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And finally from Focus?

‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’

2022’s ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’. Photo: Focus Features.

The last ‘Downton’ movie is set in the 1930s and includes much of the regular cast plus Paul Giamatti.

That one will grace our screens on September 12th.
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From there, to a horror theme via Blumhouse…

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’

Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures Toy Freddy in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

The orchestra struck up music of the video game adaptation, which heralded one of the animatronic characters (well, a suit based on them) striding on stage.

After some confusion as to how to remove the head, it turned out to be company boss Jason Blum, who joked he so loves to save money that he was in the costumes the whole time for the original movie.

The original ‘Freddy’s is Blumhouse’s biggest hit of all time, so of course the sequel is already in the works. Blum also apologized for the decision to make that movie day and date on Peacock, so this follow-up will be cinemas only upon release.

And that release? December 5th.
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Blum also cued up a teaser, which sees the return of Josh Hutcherson’s Mike and more animatronic chaos.
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And we moved to…

‘The Black Phone 2’

Ethan Hawke as The Grabber in ‘The Black Phone,’ directed by Scott Derrickson.

Not done with the costume theatrics, Blum arrived back on stage in a Grabber mask to offer that the sequel to Scott Derrickson’s 2021 kidnap horror thriller will be in theaters on October 17th.

Actor Madeleine McGraw, who returns for the new movie (and is CinemaCon 2025 Rising Star of the Year), joined Blum on stage to talk about the movie, which is Derrickson’s first-ever sequel.

We were treated to a first look trailer for the new movie. The footage finds the two kids (played by McGraw and Mason Thames) dealing with the repercussions of the first movie. Ethan Hawke’s Grabber is back –– even though he died –– but we only hear his voice in the trailer.
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From there to…

‘M3GAN 2.0’

M3GAN in ‘M3GAN 2.0’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo: Universal Pictures.

It’s convenient that Madeline McGraw was already on stage, because she could introduce sister Violet, who appears in the AI killer doll sequel.
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The follow-up takes the ‘Terminator 2’ approach, with an even more threatening AI system going online and M3GAN has to be re-activated to stop it.

Is that a good idea? Probably not!

M3GAN in ‘M3GAN 2.0,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Following the arrival of 30 M3GAN dolls (or Las Vegas dancers dressed like M3GAN) on stage, the new trailer played for the movie.

‘M3GAN 2.0’ strides on to screens on June 27th.
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That was followed by…

‘Soulm8te’

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ director James Wan at CinemaCon 2022. Photos by Eric Charbonneau.

Atomic Monster boss James Wan –– whose company has formed a creative partnership with Blumhouse –– came on stage to talk up ‘Soulm8te,’ which if it sounds like a more grown up take on ‘M3GAN’ (or really, ‘Companion,’ with its story of a female robo-partner who turns out to be an issue), that’s because it’s set in the same universe as the devious doll.

‘Soulm8te’s first look played, followed by word of a January 2md. 2026 release.
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And then…

2026 Universal Preview

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ will open in theaters on April 7, 2023.

Jim Orr, the studio’s president of theatrical distribution, came on stage to discuss even further in the future. To coin a phrase, more sequels!

He confirmed the likes of ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie 2′ (April 2026), ‘Minions 3’ (July 2026) and ‘Shrek 5‘ (yes, featuring Zendaya in a voice role, arriving Christmas 2026).

But there are originals too, including Christopher Nolan’s epic ‘The Odyssey’ (July 2026) and a certain Mr. Steven Spielberg’s still-to-be-titled new event movie, which will arrive in June 2026.
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But for the big finish, the expected…

‘Wicked: For Good’

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

To the strains of ‘Defying Gravity,’ the presentation wrapped with ‘Wicked’ stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking the stage –– and, yes, referring to holding space as per the viral interview meme –– to discuss the follow-up, and thank theater owners for their support.

They were joined by producer Marc Platt and director Jon M. Chu, who joked that this is the third year his movie(s) have closed out a Universal CinemaCon presentation.

Chu quipped:

“It all worked out!”

(Center L to R) Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of ‘Wicked’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Getting serious to discuss how the new movie follows the ramifications of the young women’s choices from the original.

We got a first look at the movie via an extended trailer, which finds Glinda and Elphaba meeting again after some time has passed since the end of ‘Wicked.’

Elphaba uses her powers to write, The Wizard of Oz Lies!” in the sky, while we get our first clear look at Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

‘Wicked: For Good’ soars on to screens on November 21st.
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And with that… Universal was done for CinemaCon 2025!

Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Editorial Note: Moviefone Editor in Chief Jami Philbrick contributed to this reporting.
April 2, 2025
‘Den of Thieves 3’ in the Works
(L to R) Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Preview:
- A third ‘Den of Thieves’ movie is in development.
- Gerard Butler will return as Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brien.
- Christian Gudegast is in talks to write and direct.
Since it opened domestically back on January 10th, action thriller sequel ‘Den of Thieves: Pantera’ has proved to be something of a success for Lionsgate –– which certainly needed one after its nightmare run of box office bombs last year.
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So it won’t surprise you to learn that the studio is looking to get a third entry in the ‘Thieves’ franchise up and running as soon as possible.

Lionsgate has announced that star/producer Gerard Butler and co-star O’Shea Jackson Jr. are both likely to return for the new entry, while writer/director Christian Gudegast is also in talks to make it.

The new movie is now in active development.

Related Article: Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Talk ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’

What’s the story of ‘Den of Thieves’ so far?

(L to R) Maurice Compte and Gerard Butler in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms.

The original, directed by Gudegast from his script (itself based on a story he concocted with Paul Scheuring), is a gritty L.A.-set crime saga following the intersecting and often personally connected lives of an elite unit of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew.

The outlaws, led by Ray Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber), make a violent armed attack and hijack an armored truck. Police officers arrive on the scene and engage in a shootout with the robbers.

Eventually, Merrimen and his crew escape with the empty armored truck. In the morning, Detective Nick O’Brien (Butler) investigates the crime scene, having been monitoring Merrimen and his crew for a while. Suspecting a local bartender named Donnie (Jackson Jr.) for involvement, Nick finds him at the bar and kidnaps him for interrogation. Donnie reveals Merrimen is planning to rob the Federal Reserve on Friday of that week by covertly removing about $30 million in old bills which are scheduled to be shredded after their serial numbers are deleted from computer records…

The cast also included the likes of 50 Cent, Meadow Williams, Brian Van Holt and Maurice Compte.

(L to R) Pablo Schreiber as Ray Merrimen and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms.

That first movie, released by STX and Relativity in January 2018, carried a $30 million budget and opened to $15.2 million, eventually ending up with more than $80 million worldwide.

Following STX’s financial difficulties the producers brought the sequel to Lionsgate.

‘Den of Thieves: Pantera’ picks up the story as Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

Through the past three weeks in theaters, ‘Pantera’ has grossed $32 million at the domestic box office, standing as Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film in theaters since the start of 2024.

The film was released on premium on-demand last week and has earned more than $41 million worldwide so far.

What will ‘Den of Thieves 3’ be about?

(L to R) O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson and Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

At this early stage, Lionsgate is keeping the potential plot for the new movie quiet but given that ‘Pantera’ ends with Big Nick double crossing Donnie and Donnie ending up in prison, only to be broken out and find himself summoned by the gangster he stole the jewels from, we’ll see them both back in action.

However it turns out, Tucker Tooley Entertainment and Butler‘s G-BASE companies will once more be producing the mayhem.

Here’s what Jackson Jr. told Variety about a potential future for the franchise before the new one was announced:

“I’m not gonna sugarcoat it: I’m trying to Vin Diesel this thing. To quote Ryan Reynolds, I want to work with Gerard until he’s 90. I have such a family feel with these guys. I know how much I want to do these other films, but we cannot cheapen this beautiful thing that we made. This one took six or seven years to get done. I hope the next one doesn’t. In our heart of hearts, we won’t make it if it’s not right and if it’s not the same thing that made audiences fall in love with the franchise in the first place.”

Given how quickly this new one has dashed into development, he may get his wish… And we could be looking at ‘Den of Thieves: Care Home Heist’ in a couple of decades.

When will the third ‘Den of Thieves’ movie be in theaters?

Lionsgate hasn’t yet announced when the new ‘Den of Thieves’ might head to theaters, but given the success of the second, we’d expect this one to be fast-tracked.

Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate.

Other Gerard Butler Action Movies:
- ‘300‘ (2007)
- ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)
- ‘Gamer‘ (2009)
- ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)
- ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)
- ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)
- ‘Geostorm‘ (2017)
- ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)
- ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
- ‘Greenland‘ (2020)
- ‘Copshop‘ (2021)
- ‘Last Seen Alive‘ (2022)
- ‘Plane‘ (2023)
- ‘Kandahar‘ (2023)
- ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera‘ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘Den of Thieves’ On Amazon
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January 31, 2025
‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’s Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr.
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Opening in theaters on January 10th is the follow up to 2018’s action classic ‘Den of Thieves’, entitled ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’, which is once again written and directed by Christian Gudegast.

The movie features Gerard Butler (‘Law Abiding Citizen’) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (‘Straight Outta Compton’) reprising their roles as Big Nick and Donnie, respectively, but also includes new cast members Evin Ahmed (‘Girls of the Sun’), Michael Bisping (‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’), and Salvatore Esposito (‘Fargo’).

Related Article: Gerard Butler and Mike Colter Talk New Action-Adventure Thriller ‘Plane’

(L to R) Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. star in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. to talk about their work on ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’, what fans of the original can expect from the new sequel, the incredible action sequences and how Jackson portrayed Donnie this time around.

You can watch the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Butler and Jackson Jr., as well as writer and director Christian Gudegast, and producer Tucker Tooley.

Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate.

Moviefone: To begin with, Gerard, what would you say to fans of the first movie sitting down in a theater right now to watch the sequel to prepare them for the theatrical experience they are about to have?

Gerard Butler: Well, I wouldn’t say anything if they’re about to sit down and have the theatrical experience because I wouldn’t want to mess it up. That’s for real because I think this is delicious, fun, enjoyable, and everything is turned up a notch, and yet it doesn’t get away from the tension and the reality and the danger that is in there. But it has a lot of fun too, right? We kind of went, what could we do now? Let’s see these guys together more and let’s see them on the same side. There are a lot of great places to go. But if you were literally about to sit down, I’d go, “I’m just going to shut up and let you enjoy the experience because there’s a great amount of experience to be enjoyed.”

MF: O’Shea, what would you say to add to that and hype the film up for audiences?

O’Shea Jackson Jr.: I mean, we all know what it’s like to sit down for a sequel of a movie that we loved the first one, and it’s kind of a feeling you have when you’re like, “Man, here it is. Part two is happening.” When you see the title card, it’s like, “Man, I’m really in it.” We had our audience wait quite a long bit, letting them rewatch and get ready again. But what I love about this one, a lot of the times with sequels, there’s a lot of, you’re playing the jokes that you might’ve saw in the first one, but this one is all fresh and new and it shows you the characters that you know, and they still have the traits that you know, but they’re bigger and they’re put onto a bigger and wider display. There is just something about having us team up. When I first heard Christian tell me that the team-up was happening, I was like, “Oh man, the can of worms is open now.” The directions are all over the place. It becomes a much bigger story and a much bigger experience for you guys.

O’Shea Jackson Jr as Donnie Wilson in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate.

MF: Gerard, the Benihana sequence in ‘Den of Thieves’ is one of the most iconic scenes from the first movie. Is there a scene, set piece or action sequence in the sequel that you are really excited for fans to watch?

Gerard Butler: Oh. God, we have so many good scenes in this movie, but since what I do think as well as the great action and all that, but the centerpiece of this movie is really him and I together. It’s so much fun and everybody I know who’s seen the movie, they all come out going, “Those guys are great together.” I think the scene when we finally meet up, when I’ve kind of found my way into his house and we have a very nice dinner together and a few things are explained and a few things are revealed, that was an awesome scene. It was a great fun scene to play. It turned out great in the movie and it is the start. It’s really, I think where the movie kind of takes off and launches into another stratosphere.

MF: Finally, in the first film, Donnie is really pretending to be someone else through most of the movie. O’Shea, now that Big Nick and the audience know who Donnie really is, what was it like playing the character this time around?

O’Shea Jackson Jr.: It was refreshing. It kind of felt like when you get off a long day at work and you get to get comfortable in your house clothes, because it allowed me to have new things, new challenges for the character. It allowed me, as a performer, to learn more about the character and help him spread his wings a little bit. I’ve said this before, but in ‘Den of Thieves’, that was my third movie ever. So, I had the same kind of feeling of just wanting to keep my head down, do my job, get a positive approval, and then move on. With this one, I’m much more comfortable, I feel much more set into my ways as an actor and I feel like that comes out on the screen.
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What is the plot of ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’?

Immediately following the events of ‘Den of Thieves’, sheriff “Big Nick” O’Brien (Gerard Butler) is tracking down Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), who escaped to Europe and is planning another heist.

Who is in the cast of ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’?
- Gerard Butler as Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brien
- O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson
- Evin Ahmad as Jovanna
- Jordan Bridges as Lobbin Bob
- Salvatore Esposito as Slavko
- Meadow Williams as Holly
- Michael Bisping as Connor
- Orli Shuka as Dushko
- Nazmiye Oral as Chava
(L to R) O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson and Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Other Gerard Butler Action Movies:
- ‘300‘ (2007)
- ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)
- ‘Gamer‘ (2009)
- ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)
- ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)
- ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)
- ‘Geostorm‘ (2017)
- ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)
- ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)
- ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)
- ‘Greenland‘ (2020)
- ‘Copshop‘ (2021)
- ‘Last Seen Alive‘ (2022)
- ‘Plane‘ (2023)
- ‘Kandahar‘ (2023)
Buy Tickets: ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘Den of Thieves’ On Amazon
January 6, 2025