Earlier this week, a new rumor surfaced that claimed HBO’sGame of Throneshas cast UFC championConor McGregorin one of the show’s final two seasons. Like all casting reports, nothing has been confirmed by HBO at this time, but the news made sense, especially since series creatorsDavid BenioffandD.B. Weissare both huge UFC fans. While it still isn’t known who the mixed martial artist will portray, UFC presidentDana Whiterecently confirmed the casting in an interview. Here’s whatDana Whitehad to say, when asked about the casting rumors involvingConor McGregor.
“I did hear that, yeah. I knew that a few months ago, that they were interested in putting him in the show. I’m glad he did it. It’ll be great, yeah. That show is huge, it’s awesome and I’m excited for him.”
The news was confirmed duringDana White’s interview withFox Sports Liveearlier this week.David BenioffandD.B. Weissare such big fans of the UFC that they even confirmed the big news that production onGame of Thrones Season 7will be delayed for winter weather, during an appearance on a UFC podcast. Our report from yesterday revealed that HBO feltConor McGregorwas a “perfect fit” for the hit fantasy series, based onGeorge R.R. Martinnovel series.
This unspecified role will markConor McGregor’s TV acting debut, although he has previously provided his voice for two different video games,EA Sports UFC 2and this year’sCall of Duty: Infinite Warfare, which, oddly enough, featuredGame of ThronesstarKit Haringtonvoicing the game’s primary villain. Even before this casting rumor surfaced,Conor McGregordid have another connection toGame of Thrones. Last October, a video surfaced ofConor McGregor, who recently became the first fighter to ever hold two titles in different UFC divisions, sparring withHafthór Julíus Bjornsson, who plays Gregor Clegane, a.k.a.The Mountain, on the hit HBO series.
HBO would not comment on the casting rumor, but ifConor McGregorhas come aboard for this season, he joinsGame of ThronesnewcomersJim Broadbentin an unspecified role, along withJoseph QuinnandPaul Ward, two young actors from England and Ireland, respectively. There have also been reports thatJoe Dempsie’s character Gendry, who hasn’t been seen since the end of Season 3, is returning, along withIain Glen’s Jorah Mormont. Jorah was last seen in the fifth episode of Season 6, where Daenerys ordered him to find a cure for greyscale, and come back to her. Take a look atDana White’s video below, with theGame of Thronesnews coming at the 4:39 mark.
