Gerard Butler might prove an enduringly popular actor, but his fortunes at the box office often vary. This can be best illustrated in his two most recent big-screen releases. The first, released last summer, was Universal's How to Train Your Dragon remake, which earned $650 million globally in a hugely impressive theatrical run. This run began with two first-place weekend finishes, knocking Disney's Lilo & Stitch from the box office summit. With Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast from the original animated release, How to Train Your Dragon proved a big hit not just commercially but also critically.
This included a near-perfect 9/10 review from Collider's Maggie Lovitt, who called the film a "breath of fresh air" and "the gold-star example of how to do a live-action remake right." Then came his only movie of 2026: Greenland 2: Migration, an underwhelming sequel to the quiet 2020 hit. The film grossed just half of its reported $90 million budget worldwide, becoming one of many victims of the January box office blues, as well as earning a disappointing reception from critics. Sadly, Greenland 2: Migration's box office performance is similar to another Butler release which is about to make its way to a new streamer.
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, who are best known for directing the opening two entries in Jason Statham's action franchise, Crank, 2009's Gamer proved a big flop at the box office. The movie made just $42 million during its box office run against a $50 million budget, although it has since been reconsidered as a modern gem, with the subjects at the heart of Gamer undeniably ahead of its time. Should it have been released today, the movie, which also features Ludacris, Terry Crews, Logan Lerman, and Michael C. Hall, would perform much better. Next month, you can check out the misunderstood Gamer on free streaming site Plex.
Gerard Butler's Next Movie Is Sure to Be a Big Box Office Hit
Although it seems as if a Butler success at the box office is never guaranteed, his next is sure to be a major hit. That's because it's How to Train Your Dragon 2, a sequel to the aforementioned moneymaker, which is scheduled for release in June 2027. Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, and other favorites from the first installment will reprise their roles alongside Butler, with the iconic Cate Blanchett added as Valka Haddock, a role she voiced in the animated original.
Comments 0
No comments yet. Start the conversation.
Leave a comment