Mason Thames talks Gerard Butler’s commanding presence on ‘HTTYD’ set

Mason Thames described how his on-screen dad Gerard Butler had an intense presence on the set of How to Train Your Dragon.

Thames, who plays Hiccup in 2025 live-action remake, shared how the 300 star brought intimidating Viking spirit.

In conversation with the People magazine, the Black Phone actor, said, "When he would walk on set, you would feel that presence."

He added, "It’s insane to see it in person and him bringing that character to life with the voice, the energy, the giant brute force that Stoick is, him bringing that to life was so incredible to watch."

Witnessing the way Butler used to indulge himself in the mighty Chieftain of Berk, the 17-year-old artist continued, "I feel like he would walk on set and everybody would kind of cower a little bit, including myself."

Thames further said that the cast and crew used to call him "chief" and that working with Butler and "building chemistry" as they tackled the father-son dynamic was enjoyable because of the "energy" he brought.

The new film is directed by Dean DeBlois, director of the animated How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, the three animated films, which came out in 2010, 2014 and 2019, each earned Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature.

How to Train Your Dragon is now running in theatres.