Find out what changed the two actors to play the giant Gregor Clegane, known as The Mountain from Game of Thrones.
Every piece, every character played a fundamental role in the complex chessboard of the Game of Thrones series. Among them, Gregor Clegane, known as “The Mountain”, stands out not only for his amazing physicality, but also for the fact that he was played by three different actors in Sega. Not only is this reshoot event rare, but it also offers a lot of analysis of how different actors portray such a complex and feared character.
Conan Stevens was the first Colossus to bring Gregor Clegane to life. At over six feet tall, this Australian wrestler and emerging actor not only physically captured the character in two episodes of the first season, but left a lasting impression. Commitments to other projects, such as Bolg’s brief but memorable stint on Game of Thrones in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, ended.
Ian Whyte: A giant with a different challenge
He took over from Ian Whyte, who also shared the same height with Stevens. Although Witt remained on the series until the end of the third season, the experience was bittersweet. He reportedly had trouble coming to terms with Clegane’s dark and violent mind, which eventually led to his resignation. However, his talent has been used in other characters in the series, showing his versatility under prosthetics and makeup.
Ultimately, Hafnar Julius Bjornsen took up the mantle in season four and became Clegane’s definitive face. Although slightly shorter than his predecessors, Björnsson brought an intimidation and ferocity that many considered unparalleled. His performance was so impactful that he dominated the screen until the final season, central to pivotal and devastating moments in the series.
Who was the real Montana?
The question of who played Gregor Clegane better is a matter of debate among fans. While Stevens lays the groundwork and Witt grapples with the complexities of the cast, it’s Björnsson who leaves an indelible mark, not just narratively, but the visual brutality the character demands.
This recapitulation of the mountain is a testament to the challenges and difficult decisions involved in producing a series like Game of Thrones. Each of the actors contributed something, even if the performances could be controversial, in this case, they seem to contribute to the rich tapestry of the series, which is fundamental even if it doesn’t provide much psychological development for the character. The plot is for pure strength and terror.
Other characters that have changed actors
In Game of Thrones, in addition to Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane, other characters have seen casting changes over the course of the series, adding an interesting variety to the representation of these roles. Dario Naharis is one of the most famous examples. Originally played by Ed Skrein in the third season, the character reappeared and Michael Huisman took over the role starting in the fourth season. This change was notable because of the different interpretations and visual effects each actor brought to the role, leading to debate among fans as to which of the charismatic mercenaries from George R.R. Martin’s book best suited him.
Tommen Baratheon recast after first appearance. Originally played by Callum Wharry, he was replaced in later seasons by Dean-Charles Chapman, who provided a deeper and more mature portrayal, especially during the character’s pivotal moments in the series. These scale changes reflect the challenges of long-term television production and the development of characters within the narrative.