---
name: "Gerard Butler"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/gerard-butler"
fi1m_id: "gerard-butler"
imdb_id: "nm0124930"
tmdb_id: 17276
wikidata_id: "Q169982"
roles: ["Actor","Producer"]
born: "13 November 1969"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 14
average_fi1m_score: 59
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 14
updated: "2026-10-05T16:41:01.318177+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Gerard Butler

## Identity

Gerard Butler

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/gerard-butler
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** gerard-butler
- **IMDb ID:** nm0124930
- **TMDB ID:** 17276
- **Wikidata ID:** Q169982
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_Butler, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q169982, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124930/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/17276

Actor and producer. Born 13 November 1969 in Paisley, Scotland, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Producer
- **Born:** 13 November 1969, Paisley, Scotland, UK
- **Active:** 1997–present
- **Also known as:** Gerard James Butler
- **Frequently works with:** [Dean DeBlois](https://film.one/person/dean-deblois.md), [America Ferrera](https://film.one/person/america-ferrera.md), [Bonnie Arnold](https://film.one/person/bonnie-arnold.md), [Jay Baruchel](https://film.one/person/jay-baruchel.md), [Cate Blanchett](https://film.one/person/cate-blanchett.md), [Craig Ferguson](https://film.one/person/craig-ferguson.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 59, as actor, over 14 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 70 (2), 2000s 47 (3), 2010s 59 (7), 2020s 66 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 59 to 57 across 14 titles
- **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 7 at 60–79, 6 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 7 of 12 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Adventure 9, Action 7, Thriller 5, Family 4, Fantasy 4, Animation 3
- **Screen time:** 26 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $4,023m across 13 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_Butler, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q169982, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124930/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/17276

## Coming up

- *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2027-06-10), as Stoick

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Coriolanus*](https://film.one/film/coriolanus.md) (74), [*Plane*](https://film.one/film/plane.md) (72), [*Gods of Egypt*](https://film.one/film/gods-of-egypt.md) (40)
- **BritBox:** [*Mrs Brown*](https://film.one/film/mrs-brown.md) (75)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*How to Train Your Dragon 2*](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2.md) (74)
- **Netflix:** [*How to Train Your Dragon*](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon.md) (60)
- **Paramount+:** [*300*](https://film.one/film/300.md) (52)
- **Pluto TV:** [*The Phantom of the Opera*](https://film.one/film/the-phantom-of-the-opera.md) (49)
- **Tubi:** [*The Ugly Truth*](https://film.one/film/the-ugly-truth.md) (39)
- **Apple TV:** [*London Has Fallen*](https://film.one/film/london-has-fallen.md) (38)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Gerard Butler

> Gerard Butler is a dependable physical actor, and his Stoick finds room for a father's awkwardness beneath the bulk. We are less persuaded by the thin action scripts that expect his commitment to do everything.

In *How to Train Your Dragon* (2025), Gerard Butler makes Stoick's size part of the difficulty between father and son. Opposite a slight, visibly frightened Hiccup, he has all the physical authority and little idea how to speak to the boy. We were moved by that awkwardness, because being so imposing leaves him no better equipped to be a father. Butler is a dependable actor when a role gives his bulk a purpose beyond intimidation. Here, the failure to communicate gives him something more particular to play than strength.

There was a major musical lead in *The Phantom of the Opera* (2004) before *300* (2007) established him as an action star. As King Leonidas, his commitment to the physical demands of the part became central to his appeal. *Olympus Has Fallen* (2013) then gave him Mike Banning and a recurring thriller role. That line of work suits his sturdy presence, with *Plane* (2023) a useful example of what he brings to straightforward action. The limitation is the material: the thin plotting of *Kandahar* (2023) leaves commitment doing work a script ought to do.

Stoick offers another way to judge him, and the two versions are instructive. In *How to Train Your Dragon* (2010), directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders give the boy and his dragon the patient attention that the supporting humans lack. Butler's voice supplies the gruffness, but Stoick remains too readily recognisable as a type. The animation's occasional stiffness does not help, and vocal force cannot supply the individuality the writing has missed. We recommend that film warmly, though Butler's part is among the things it handles less well.

DeBlois's 2025 remake reverses that judgement of Butler without improving the film. It repeats almost the same shots, takes longer and adds little, yet putting him bodily opposite Hiccup makes this particular relationship more convincing. Hiccup's quick, dry manner gives Butler a useful contrast, while Gobber gets the best comic timing. The casting works better than the decision to do it all again. Start with the animation for the film; try the remake only if seeing Butler inhabit Stoick is reason enough for another visit.

## Biography

Gerard James Butler is a Scottish actor and film producer. Born on 13 November 1969 in Paisley, he studied law at the University of Glasgow before turning to acting in the mid-1990s.

He appeared in minor roles including *Mrs Brown* (1997) and *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), then gained wider recognition as King Leonidas in *300* (2007). Butler voiced Stoick the Vast in the *How to Train Your Dragon* animated films (2010–2019) and reprised the role in the 2025 live-action adaptation. He has also starred in action films such as *Olympus Has Fallen* (2013) and *Greenland* (2020).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (14)

- *How to Train Your Dragon* (2025), Fi1m 60, as Stoick — [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon.md)
- *Plane* (2023), Fi1m 72, as Brodie Torrance — [page](https://film.one/film/plane.md)
- *How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World* (2019), Fi1m 78, as Stoick (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-the-hidden-world.md)
- *Gods of Egypt* (2016), Fi1m 40, as Set — [page](https://film.one/film/gods-of-egypt.md)
- *London Has Fallen* (2016), Fi1m 38, as Mike Banning — [page](https://film.one/film/london-has-fallen.md)
- *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2014), Fi1m 74, as Stoick (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2.md)
- *Movie 43* (2013), Fi1m 24, as Leprechaun 1 & 2 (segment "Happy Birthday") — [page](https://film.one/film/movie-43.md)
- *Coriolanus* (2011), Fi1m 74, as Tullus Aufidius — [page](https://film.one/film/coriolanus.md)
- *How to Train Your Dragon* (2010), Fi1m 82, as Stoick (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2010.md)
- *The Ugly Truth* (2009), Fi1m 39, as Mike Chadway — [page](https://film.one/film/the-ugly-truth.md)
- *300* (2007), Fi1m 52, as King Leonidas — [page](https://film.one/film/300.md)
- *The Phantom of the Opera* (2004), Fi1m 49, as The Phantom — [page](https://film.one/film/the-phantom-of-the-opera.md)
- *Mrs Brown* (1997), Fi1m 75, as Archie Brown — [page](https://film.one/film/mrs-brown.md)
- *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), Fi1m 64, as HMS Devonshire Leading Seaman — [page](https://film.one/film/tomorrow-never-dies.md)

## Complete filmography (87)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2027), as Stoick
- *Street Smart* (2026), Executive Producer
- *In the Hand of Dante* (2026), as Louie / Pope Bonifacio
- *Greenland 2: Migration* (2026), as John Garrity · Producer
- *How to Train Your Dragon* (2025), as Stoick — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon.md)
- *Den of Thieves 2: Pantera* (2025), as Nicholas 'Big Nick' O'Brien · Producer
- *The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland* (2024), as St. Nick (voice) · Executive Producer
- *Has Fallen* (2024), series, Executive Producer
- *ARK: The Animated Series* (2024), series, as Gaius Marcellus Nerva (voice) · Executive Producer
- *The Bricklayer* (2023), Producer
- *Kandahar* (2023), as Tom Harris · Producer
- *Plane* (2023), as Brodie Torrance · Producer — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/plane.md)
- *Last Seen Alive* (2022), as Will Spann · Producer
- *Copshop* (2021), as Bob Viddick · Producer
- *Greenland* (2020), as John Garrity · Producer
- *Love Reaches Everywhere* (2020), Actor
- *How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming* (2019), as Stoick (voice)
- *Angel Has Fallen* (2019), as Mike Banning · Producer
- *Them That Follow* (2019), Producer
- *The Vanishing* (2019), as James · Producer
- *How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World* (2019), as Stoick (voice) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-the-hidden-world.md)
- *Hunter Killer* (2018), as Captain Joe Glass · Producer
- *Den of Thieves* (2018), as 'Big Nick' O'Brien · Producer
- *Geostorm* (2017), as Jake Lawson
- *A Family Man* (2016), as Dane Jensen · Producer
- *London Has Fallen* (2016), as Mike Banning · Producer — Fi1m 38, [page](https://film.one/film/london-has-fallen.md)
- *Gods of Egypt* (2016), as Set — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/gods-of-egypt.md)
- *Septembers of Shiraz* (2015), Producer
- *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2014), as Stoick (voice) — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2.md)
- *Olympus Has Fallen* (2013), as Mike Banning · Producer
- *Movie 43* (2013), as Leprechaun 1 & 2 (segment "Happy Birthday") — Fi1m 24, [page](https://film.one/film/movie-43.md)
- *Playing for Keeps* (2012), as George · Producer
- *Chasing Mavericks* (2012), as Frosty Hesson · Executive Producer
- *Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen* (2012), as (archive footage)
- *Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury* (2011), as Stoick the Vast (voice)
- *Machine Gun Preacher* (2011), as Sam Childers · Executive Producer
- *Saturday Night Live: The Best of '09/'10* (2011), Actor
- *Coriolanus* (2011), as Tullus Aufidius — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/coriolanus.md)
- *Legend of the BoneKnapper Dragon* (2010), as Stoick (voice)
- *How to Train Your Dragon* (2010), as Stoick (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2010.md)
- *The Bounty Hunter* (2010), as Milo Boyd
- *Law Abiding Citizen* (2009), as Clyde Alexander Shelton · Producer
- *Gamer* (2009), as Kable
- *The Ugly Truth* (2009), as Mike Chadway — Fi1m 39, [page](https://film.one/film/the-ugly-truth.md)
- *Tales of the Black Freighter* (2009), as The Mariner (voice)
- *RocknRolla* (2008), as One-Two
- *Nim's Island* (2008), as Jack Rusoe / Alex Rover
- *P.S. I Love You* (2007), as Gerry
- *Guilty Hearts* (2007), as Peter
- *Butterfly on a Wheel* (2007), as Neil Randall
- *300* (2007), as King Leonidas — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/300.md)
- *Beowulf & Grendel* (2005), as Beowulf
- *Trailer for a Remake of Gore Vidal's Caligula* (2005), as Prefect Cassius Chaerea
- *The Game of Their Lives* (2005), as Frank Borghi
- *The Phantom of the Opera* (2004), as The Phantom — Fi1m 49, [page](https://film.one/film/the-phantom-of-the-opera.md)
- *Dear Frankie* (2004), as The Stranger
- *Timeline* (2003), as Andre Marek
- *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life* (2003), as Terry Sheridan
- *Reign of Fire* (2002), as Creedy
- *The Jury* (2002), series, as Johnnie Donne
- *Shooters* (2002), as Jackie Junior
- *Jewel of the Sahara* (2001), as Captain Charles Belamy
- *Please!* (2001), as Peter (as Gerry Butler)
- *Attila* (2001), series, as Attila the Hun
- *Attila* (2001), as Atila the Hun
- *Dracula 2000* (2000), as Dracula
- *Harrison's Flowers* (2000), as Chris Kumac
- *Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married* (1999), series, as Gus
- *One More Kiss* (1999), as Sam
- *The Cherry Orchard* (1999), as Yasha
- *The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star* (1998), series, as Marty Claymore
- *Fast Food* (1998), as Jacko
- *Russell Mulcahy’s Tale of the Mummy* (1998), as Burke
- *Little White Lies* (1998), as Peter
- *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), as HMS Devonshire Leading Seaman — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/tomorrow-never-dies.md)
- *An Unsuitable Job for a Woman* (1997), series, as Tim Bolton
- *Mrs Brown* (1997), as Archie Brown — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/mrs-brown.md)
- *The Nest*, as Producer
- *A Darker Shade of Magic*, Producer
- *Remote Control*, as Michael Rafter · Producer
- *Night Has Fallen*, as Mike Banning · Producer
- *Naya: Legend of the Golden Dolphin*, as King Kula (voice)
- *All-Star Weekend*, as Russian Gymnast Fan
- *Hair of the Dog*, as Mr. P
- *Just Watch Me*, as Riley Wolfe · Producer
- *Empire City*, as Rhett Westermark · Producer
- *Den of Thieves 3*, as Nicholas 'Big Nick' O'Brien · Producer

## Gallery

- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-23178b6b2645.jpg) Gerard Butler — Gordon Correll, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Gerard_Butler_%2829681162176%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Scottish actor Gerard Butler at the press conference for the film Crayolanus (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-0a6530abb7a5.jpg) Scottish actor Gerard Butler at the press conference for the film Crayolanus (2011) — Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Gerard_Butler_%28Berlin_Film_Festival_2011%29.jpg/1280px-Gerard_Butler_%28Berlin_Film_Festival_2011%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Scottish actor Gerard Butler at the press conference for the film Crayolanus (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-3794608db0aa.jpg) Scottish actor Gerard Butler at the press conference for the film Crayolanus (2010) — Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Gerard_Butler_%28Berlin_Film_Festival_2011%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Gerard_Butler_%28Berlin_Film_Festival_2011%29_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Scottish actor Gerard Butler at the press conference for the film Coriolanus. (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-4e1c4699718b.jpg) Scottish actor Gerard Butler at the press conference for the film Coriolanus. (2010) — Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Gerard_Butler_%28Berlin_Film_Festival_2011%29_2.jpg/1280px-Gerard_Butler_%28Berlin_Film_Festival_2011%29_2.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-ab03d1dddfa0.jpg) Gerard Butler — Image via TMDB
- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-869c9a88c7f9.jpg) Gerard Butler — Image via TMDB
- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-548706368918.jpg) Gerard Butler — Image via TMDB
- ![Gerard Butler at Daytona International Speedway in 2016](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-ccf7f233a63d.jpg) Gerard Butler at Daytona International Speedway in 2016 — Zach Catanzareti, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Gerard_Butler_2016_Daytona_500.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Photo from the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo Spektrum arena, Oslo, Norway. Hosts of the evening were Sarah Jessica Parker and Gerard Butler.](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-c53f7108f745.jpg) Photo from the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo Spektrum arena, Oslo, Norway. Hosts of the evening were Sarah Jessica Parker and Gerard Butler. — Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Gerard_Butler_IMG_4383.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-6e42d923e49e.jpg) Gerard Butler — Image via TMDB
- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-95aa56c4a829.jpg) Gerard Butler — Image via TMDB
- ![Gerard Butler](https://film.one/media/person/8383/gallery-5945f6e464e7.jpg) Gerard Butler — Image via TMDB

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© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/gerard-butler