Conor McGregor to star in Game of Thrones: Details about filming schedule, character, episodes
Conor McGregor, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, is set to appear in popular TV show "Game of Thrones" in the near future, per several reports.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the producers of the smash hit show approached the Irish fighter recently and convinced him to star in at least one of the remaining two seasons. “It’s been agreed that McGregor will appear in one of the remaining two seasons of Game of Thrones.
“He was headhunted as it were by HBO, as one of the Game of Thrones directors is a huge UFC fan. They believed that he would be a perfect fit for the show," Sunday Life quoted a source as saying.
Conor McGregor set for more stardom
It's still unclear if McGregor would make just a solitary guest appearance or last an entire season in the fantasy series. A year ago, the Irishman was seen sparring with Hafthor Bjornsson, who portrays Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane on the show, in a video that went viral.
Since that video, McGregor has often spoken about his affinity for medieval fantasy and warfare, like the one depicted in the HBO show. After turning down the opportunity to star alongside Vin Diesel in the latest xXx movie, McGregor said he'd rather focus his energy on his rematch with Nate Diaz, a fight he won at UFC 202.
“If this was a different time, I would invade his favela on horseback and would kill anyone who wasn’t fit to work, but we’re in a new time so I’ll whoop his (Jose Aldo) a** instead.
“My ancestors originated from the Scottish Highlands back in the day, they fought alongside William Wallace in the fight for freedom against the English intruders," McGregor said while speaking of Game of Thrones.
Earlier this year, Game of Thrones creators D.B Weiss and David Benioff appeared on the UFC Unfiltered Podcast and spoke briefly about their love for MMA and Conor McGregor.
“We stayed up with a group of the actors until 6am in the morning watching the McGregor-Aldo fight in Vegas this past December. We talk more about MMA than we do Game of Thrones. Every day we get home from shooting we’ll just sit around drink beer and watch Fight Pass," the pair had said.
Conor McGregor: Natural charisma
McGregor, arguably the greatest box office draw since Floyd Mayweather Jr., has always exhibited natural charisma and personality during mainstream appearances. Even inside the octagon, McGregor tries to infuse his showmanship into his fighting style -- a trait that separates him from the rest of the combatants.
For what it’s worth, McGregor's potential Game of Thrones duties would fit well into the fighter's schedule since the show is filmed in Iceland and North Ireland. After knocking out Eddie Alverez at UFC 205, McGregor is currently taking some off from the octagon to spend time with partner Dee Delvin. The couple is expecting their first child in May 2017.
The producers of the show have confirmed that season 7 will premiere in mid-2017.
Could we see Conor McGregor become a permanent fixture for the final two seasons? Would he perhaps help the Daenerys reclaim Westeros?
