When a ripped, hunky Scottish heartthrob star of the ancient combat film 300 says that something bordered on “a spiritual experience”, you’d probably think he was talking about something sexual or religious or drug-induced. You’d never think it would ever have to do with United States Air Force — or its celebrated air demonstration squadron.

But. BUT.

You’d be so, so wrong.

Because Hollywood heartthrob Gerard Butler (who’s also starred in some guilty pleasure rom-coms let’s not forget) wrapped up a flight with one of the Thunderbirds’ pilots as just that, among some other superlatives, as he tried to sum up the exhilarating ride in words which — we’re sure he’d agreed — is impossible to do.

Here’s Butler riding shotgun in a quick clip:

And here’s the UK thespian’s reaction — the one where he excitedly (with his hair blown back) throws in the aforementioned line about it being otherworldly.

Check it out: