Hollywood actor Gerard Butler has said he felt like Belfast's "adopted son" while filming How to Train Your Dragon in Northern Ireland. The first live-action remake of the hit animated trilogy was produced across a number of locations in early 2024. Ahead of its release in cinemas on 9 June, Universal confirmed a sequel will be made. Gerard Butler told BBC News NI he "can't imagine" it being filmed anywhere other than back in Northern Ireland. He plays the role of Viking leader Stoick, in the Dean DeBlois-directed story of a conflict between dragons and Vikings on the fictional isle of Berk. The real-life locations that make up Berk in the film are in Belfast, Dunseverick Castle on the north Antrim coast and Tollymore Forest in County Down. Speaking of his time living in Belfast, Gerard Butler described the locals as "his people". "There's not much of a difference whether you're in Glasgow or if you're in Belfast," he added. "I felt like they felt like I was their son. "Everybody just kind of adopts you, it was great, I loved being there." The production spent several months filming at Belfast Harbour Studios and Titanic Studios. "These sets are some of the best ever built," he said. "And that was the Northern Irish crew and they did a great job. That wasn't easy to do. "Because when you watch these animated films, you say how [are] you ever making this? How [are] you going to pull this off. "And we did it." The Scottish actor, who was born in Paisley, said he loved filming in Northern Ireland and was well used to the cold temperatures - when he wasn't wearing his huge costume. "I say it was cold, [but] I was cold when I wasn't working. When I was working, I was hot. "Everyone else was cold, but I had seven layers on. That costume was really heavy. I wore that for nine weeks. "When I'd everything on, it was 90 lbs. "It was intense, but it also meant I could fully transform into Stoick - I felt like when I stepped onto that set, I've got that helmet, I'm like eight feet tall, like 'I'm here, it's hard not to notice'." Filming took place between mid-January to Mid-May 2024 in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen has told BBC News NI that the production returned over £59m to the local economy. It also created a workforce of over 900 local people, employed across crew, cast and extras. Northern Ireland Screen provided £2,050,000 to the production. Away from the set, Butler caused quite a stir when spotted out and about in Belfast and nearby towns. He said it could "get a bit crazy" at times, with fans keen to say hello. On one occasion, he thought one bar, described as "an old man's pub", would be "cool" with him and create no fuss. "I walked in and there were three different people who recognised me. "And I'm saying hello to them. "The whole bar started moving our way, it was late at night, everyone was drunk. "These guys said to us, we'll help you and they kind of pushed us back out the door - basically because it got so crazy in there. "I had said to my manager before, this one's good, this is an old's man's pub. They'll be cool… then barged back out the door, like OK, OK maybe not tonight," he added, laughing at the memory. Speaking about the film's sequel, he said he was "sure it will happen in Northern Ireland". "I can't imagine it happening anywhere else. I know Dean [DeBlois] our director loved it there, loved the crew, everybody did. "The people worked really hard. It's a lot of work to make these movies. This one was huge. So people there did a great job. He was over the moon with the whole crew. So I can't imagine it going anywhere else." Meanwhile Butler's castmate Nick Frost also proclaimed his love of the city. "It's full of history, it's beautiful and I got to see the H&W cranes," the Shaun of the Dead star said. "As a bit of an engineering fan, I loved that they were right where we shot. It's incredible. Love it." As for returning to Northern Ireland to shoot a sequel, Frost admitted he had another preference. "I'd like them to shoot in my house or in the garden, if they could build a little set somewhere near my house." Referring to the types of dragon featured in the movie, he added: "I could probably fit a Terrible Terror, but I couldn't fit a Night Fury." The young stars of the film - Mason Thames who plays Hiccup and Nico Parker who plays Astrid - said it would be a joy to film "whereever it is". "Northern Ireland would obviously be amazing because it would be like a big reunion," Thames said. "I think we'll go back there regardless." The pair described the filming conditions as "freezing on the north coast", but "gorgeous". They admitted their love for the Northern Irish accent, and also revealed a case of food poisoning that afflicted the entire crew - except, that is, for Mason Thames who said he escaped the bug thanks to his first attempt at cold-water swimming. Given the temperatures however, he said it was an activity he wouldn't be trying again.
How to train your dragon star Gerard Butler on Belfast, remote pubs and Viking helmets
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Gerard Butler Reflects on Filming 'How to Train Your Dragon' in Belfast"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Gerard Butler, the Hollywood actor known for his role in the animated trilogy 'How to Train Your Dragon,' expressed his deep connection to Belfast while filming the live-action remake of the franchise. This production, which took place in early 2024, utilized various stunning locations across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Dunseverick Castle, and Tollymore Forest. Butler, who portrays the Viking leader Stoick, described his experience in Belfast as one where he felt like the 'adopted son' of the city. He noted that the warmth and friendliness of the locals made him feel at home, drawing parallels between Belfast and his hometown of Glasgow. The filming occurred at Belfast Harbour Studios and Titanic Studios, where Butler praised the local crew for their exceptional work, highlighting the challenges of bringing the animated world to life. The production not only showcased Northern Ireland's beautiful landscapes but also significantly impacted the local economy, returning over £59 million and creating jobs for more than 900 local individuals.
In addition to discussing his filming experience, Butler shared anecdotes about his interactions with fans in local pubs, recalling a humorous incident where he was recognized in what he thought would be a quiet bar. His enthusiasm for Northern Ireland was echoed by his co-stars, including Nick Frost, who appreciated the historical beauty of the region. Frost humorously suggested filming a sequel in his own garden, while young actors Mason Thames and Nico Parker expressed their desire to return to Northern Ireland for future projects. Thames remarked on the joy of filming in such a picturesque location, despite the challenging weather conditions that included freezing temperatures. The film's director, Dean DeBlois, and the cast are optimistic about returning to Northern Ireland for a sequel, as they all experienced a strong sense of community and dedication from the local crew. Butler's fondness for Belfast is clear, as he looks forward to future collaborations in a place he has come to love deeply.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights into Gerard Butler's experience while filming "How to Train Your Dragon" in Northern Ireland, portraying a sense of connection and belonging to the local community. It highlights his role as the Viking leader Stoick and emphasizes the film's production locations in Belfast and surrounding areas. The narrative seems to focus on fostering a positive image of Northern Ireland as a film destination and Butler's affection for the region.
Community Connection and Positive Imagery
Butler's portrayal of Belfast as a second home and his description of the locals as "his people" suggest a deliberate attempt to create a warm, inviting image of Northern Ireland. By emphasizing his comfort and the exceptional quality of the local crew, the article aims to promote the region as a viable and attractive location for future film productions.
Cultural Pride and Identity
The mention of similarities between Glasgow and Belfast may resonate with audiences in both cities, reinforcing a shared cultural identity. By framing his experience in a relatable manner, Butler's comments can foster pride among locals, potentially enhancing tourism and community engagement.
Economic and Political Implications
The announcement of a sequel, coupled with Butler's positive remarks about the production experience, could stimulate local economic growth. Increased film activity in the region may attract investments and create jobs, positively impacting the local economy. Additionally, the article could serve to strengthen Northern Ireland's position in the global film industry, influencing future political discussions surrounding cultural funding and support.
Target Audience and Community Engagement
This article likely appeals to fans of Butler, the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise, and local residents who take pride in their cultural heritage. By portraying Butler's fondness for Belfast, the article encourages community support and engagement with the film industry.
Market Influence
While this article may not directly impact stock markets, the positive portrayal of Northern Ireland as a filming location could influence local businesses and tourism-related stocks. Companies involved in film production or tourism may see increased interest due to the region's enhanced profile.
Geopolitical Context
The article does not explicitly address global power dynamics, but it contributes to the narrative of Northern Ireland's cultural revival and economic development. This aligns with broader themes of regional identity and economic resilience in the face of historical challenges.
Artificial Intelligence Considerations
The writing style and structure of the article suggest that it may have been assisted by AI tools, particularly in crafting engaging narratives or summarizing interview content. AI might have been used to enhance readability and coherence, ensuring the message resonated with a wider audience.
Overall, the article effectively conveys a positive narrative around Gerard Butler's filming experience in Northern Ireland, aiming to foster local pride and promote the region as a film-friendly destination. The authenticity of Butler's sentiments adds to the article's credibility, making it a reliable source of information regarding the film's production.