Rory McCann on Season 4: Arya and The Hound will leave a “trail of destruction in their wake”
When Rory McCann showed up in Iceland to film the fourth season of Game of Thrones, it brought him back to six years ago, when he was working in the country as a carpenter. Rory tells the Daily Record:
“I pinch myself all the time – we were shooting in Iceland this year and thinking that it was only six years ago I was working as a carpenter in Iceland. Now I’m back and swanning around in a chauffeur-driven car and part of one of the biggest TV shows in the world. I’m a very lucky boy. I had made a Viking film with Gerry Butler and after filming, I just went, ‘I’m staying’ and was there for 11 months. There wasn’t any acting work at the time. I had said to my agent to phone if anything was happening but it wasn’t, so I just stayed.”
His Iceland sabbatical didn’t last too long, as he was cast in Game of Thrones in 2009, which he soon found out was a pretty big deal.
“It’s incredible, a great thing to be part of. When I started, they told me a rough synopsis and I sped read the first book. Once I found out more, I realised there was a history to it and such a huge following. The pilot was shot in Doune Castle so I thought, ‘Here we go, I could be cycling to work’ and it’s a shame that didn’t continue but we film in Belfast and I’ve really enjoyed the trips over there.”
He’s learned that being a part of Game of Thrones does come with a catch though – not a lot of job security. Rory reveals his secret to keeping his character alive.
“When you get the script in for episode nine, you get a large glass of whisky before you open the first page and think, ‘Right, here we go, is it all over and time to get your coat?’ Anyone who is still alive to get to season four has done very well and it’s a wonder there is anyone left alive, given the amount of death and destruction. I’m still just grateful for the part and we’re all happy to be here. My secret is that I make sloe berry gin at home and keep giving it to George Martin, so he keeps me in his tales.”
It seems to be working so far, as we enter Season 4, The Hound continues on his journey.
“We see him and Arya on their mad road trip, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake and arguing all the way so somehow it’s funny as well. We seem to be doing double the swordplay and I’ve still got bruises from the fights. There are some moves that have never been seen before.”
For more of Rory’s interview, visit DailyRecord.Co.Uk.
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