Gerard Butler Says One Actor Should Return for 'How To Train Your Dragon 2'

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"How To Train Your Dragon" is already proving to be a massive success, having grossed nearly $200 million since it premiered on June 15, 2025.
While the live-action remake retains a majority of the story and even the director from the original animated film, there were significant changes made in the cast, including lead characters Hiccup and Astrid.
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However, one actor returned from the original film: Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast. And if you ask Butler, he believes one other actor should return for the sequel.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Gerard Butler attends the "How to Train Your Dragon" Immersive Experience Screening at Frameless on June 03, 2025 in London, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Gerard Butler attends the "How to Train Your Dragon" Immersive Experience Screening at Frameless on June 03, 2025 in London, England.In a recent interview with DiscussingFilm, Butler revealed that he believes Cate Blanchett should return for "How to Train Your Dragon 2" to reprise her role as Valka, Hiccup's mother.
"Yeah! Care, come on. Let's go," Butler said. "I know she saw the movie and really loved this movie. I don't know what the deal is, that's not my area, but it feels like she's Valka.
"Just, like, who else would have come and played Stoick the Vast in the live-action? It had to be me. I feel like it kind of has to be Cate."
Gerald Butler thinks Cate Blanchett should return to play Hiccup's mother Valka in the live-action remake of 'HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2'
'Cate, come on let's go.' pic.twitter.com/prZf6Vje9v — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 17, 2025
"I shouldn't say that in case it's not Cate," Butler concluded, laughing. "Then some poor actress is like, 'Do you remember that interview when he said it had to be Cate?'"
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Butler isn't the only person who wants to see Blanchett return to the series. Director Dean DeBlois recently said that he is "wishful" for her to come back and play Valka again.
"Well, I'm wishful as well. It's still early days," DeBlois said, per Patrick Cavanaugh of ComicBook.com.
"I think she is probably waiting for a script, but I've been knocking on that door. I wrote the character of Valka for her, so I told her it'll always be hers to turn down first."
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In general, it's hard to think of anyone replacing Cate Blanchett in any role. She is one of the best actors of her generation, garnering critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards.
However, given DeBlois' love for the material and great eye for detail, there's no doubt that whoever he casts will be perfect for the role.
"How to Train Your Dragon" is currently in theaters. "How to Train Your Dragon 2" is currently expected to be released on June 11, 2027.
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