Gerard Butler was 35 years old during the 2006 release of 300. He was born on 13 November 1969, which places his principal photography period for the film in 2005–early 2006 shortly before its 9 March 2007 wide release in many markets. Below is a concise, sourced breakdown of key dates and career context to clarify his age at the time and related milestones.
Key Dates and Age Timeline
| Event | Date or Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 13 November 1969 | Recorded date of birth in public biographies and interviews |
| Principal Photography | 2005–early 2006 | Production timelines from studio announcements and trade reporting |
| Film Release | 9 March 2007 (wide) | U.S. wide release; premieres varied by market |
| Notable Milestone | 2006 | Year in which Butler was actively promoting the film and at peak age 35–36 |
How We Determine His Age
Using his confirmed birth date (13 November 1969), age at any point can be calculated by subtracting years and adjusting for whether the birthday had occurred in the target year. For calendar year 2006:
- If before 13 November 2006, he was 36.
- From 13 November 2006 onward, he turned 37 in late 2006; however, during most of the film’s production and initial promotion in 2006, he was 35 turning 36, depending on exact production dates.
The commonly cited figure is that Butler was in his mid-30s during 300, aligning with public production schedules and press coverage at the time.
Production Context and Filming Period
While exact start and wrap dates are not always published precisely, industry reports indicate principal photography mainly occurred in 2005 and transitioned into early 2006. This timeline is consistent with pre-release promotion in 2006, where he would have been 35–36. The film’s iconic marketing and release in 2007 followed this production window, establishing his age at the time of the movie’s premiere and wide rollout.
Career Milestones Around 300
In the mid-2000s, Butler was transitioning between dramatic roles and high-profile action or fantasy projects. Before 300, notable work included roles in films like The Phantom of the Opera (2004). The film’s success significantly raised his profile leading into later blockbusters such as 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) and the Taken series. Understanding his age and career phase helps contextualize his trajectory and casting during that period.
Comparative Snapshot: Age and Project Timeline
| Year | Project | Age During Project | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Phantom of the Opera | 34–35 | Lead |
| 2005–2006 | 300 (production) | 35–36 | King Leonidas |
| 2007 | 300 (release) | 35–36 | Lead |
| 2014 | 300: Rise of an Empire | 44 | King Leonidas |
Why Age Context Matters
Age can influence physical training, performance approach, and the types of roles offered. For 300, being in the mid- to late-30s allowed Butler to perform intense stunt work while also bringing a seasoned presence to the role of King Leonidas. Casting choices and behind-the-scenes effort, often documented in production notes, highlight how his age aligned with the physical and dramatic demands of the character.
Rumor and Clarification
Occasionally, discussions about exact ages or birth year appear in less sourced contexts. Official biographies, reputable interviews, and studio press materials consistently list 1969 as his birth year. Relying on these verifiable sources prevents confusion and supports an accurate public timeline.