Butler was destined to play king in 300

He made a major breakthrough in Hollywood with his portrayal of King Leonidas in 300, a role actor Gerard Butler feels was destined to be his.

Gerard Butler

He made a major breakthrough in Hollywood with his portrayal of King Leonidas in 300, a role actor Gerard Butler feels was destined to be his.

The Scottish actor had played a king in an early Christmas pageant in school, which he thinks, prepared him for his role in the epic movie, reported Empire magazine.

"I was one of the Three Kings in the Nativity, the one that brought the myrrh. I kept thinking, 'Why am I not bringing a gift that's worth something? What's my motivation?'

"Even then, I knew I was destined to play another king. 'He should be bringing an army of 300 guys. This is boring!'," the actor said.

The 40-year-old actor shot to international stardom with his portrayal of the legendary Spartan monarch in the 2007 blockbuster.