Gerard Butler-Fronted Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Shoots to No. 1 on U.S. Streaming Chart
Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick has helped the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake vault to the top of U. S. streaming charts just one day after its platform debut, extending a strong theatrical run that saw the film earn $636 million worldwide on a $150 million budget.
Streaming surge arrives almost immediately
The remake’s quick climb to the top of the streaming rankings underscores how robust theatrical performance can translate into home viewing momentum. Tracking data indicates the film hit the No. 1 spot in the United States within 24 hours of becoming available for subscribers, a fast boost that mirrors its box-office trajectory.
Box office muscle translated to household viewing
With a global gross of $636 million against a $150 million production budget, the live-action entry proved a commercial success on the big screen before switching to living rooms. That financial performance appears to have created strong carryover interest: families and franchise fans have been turning out for repeat viewings, helping the title dominate weekly streaming tallies.
Butler’s role and career momentum
Gerard Butler reprises Stoick the Vast, the stern but evolving father figure who learns to accept the fragile truce between humans and dragons. The role reunites Butler with material he first voiced in the animated films, and adds to a banner stretch for the actor that includes recent action sequels and renewed streaming interest in earlier titles. Search interest for gerard butler spiked as viewers flocked to the remake.
Critics and audiences diverge — and audiences are loving it
The live-action remake earned generally positive reviews from critics and an even stronger reception from moviegoers. A well-known review aggregator records a solid critics' score in the high 70s and an audience approval rating in the high 90s, a gap that helps explain the film’s streaming dominance: viewers appear to be embracing the faithful adaptation and its family-friendly storytelling even more enthusiastically than critics.
Sequel confirmed and future prospects
The first film’s success has already translated into a confirmed follow-up, scheduled for release on June 11, 2027 (ET). The announced sequel will adapt the events of the second animated installment, with Butler set to return as Stoick. Given the strong theatrical showing and the immediate wave of streaming interest, the franchise looks poised to remain a major draw for both theaters and home audiences heading into next year.
What this means for franchise remakes
The performance of this live-action adaptation suggests that carefully executed remakes of beloved animated properties can find commercial and audience success when they balance reverence for the original with high production values and faithful casting. For Butler, the film has reinforced his place as a reliable leading presence in large-scale family entertainment and will likely boost anticipation for his upcoming projects while keeping the franchise front of mind for viewers.
