Nothing's been made official yet, but reports are coming in that one of season one's more memorable characters has been recast for Game of Thrones season 2. Gregor Clegane, who made a brief appearance in the first season portrayed by Conan Stevens, will instead be played by Ian Whyte in the second season, Winter-Is-Coming is reporting.
Fans of the series will remember the character of Clegane for the infamous scene in which he decapitates his own horse following his loss of a jousting match. Also known as "the Mountain that Rides," Gregor is the brother of Sandor "The Hound" Clegane, who serves as Joffrey Baratheon's (Jack Gleeson) personal bodyguard.
Ian Whyte, who is reported to replace Conan Stevens, is a stuntman who stands over seven feet tall. He actually has already appeared on the series, albeit clad in heavy make-up as a white walker in the first season.
Game of Thrones will return to HBO in spring 2012 for its second season.
I'm a bit baffled by this choice for a re-cast. Was it a conflict of schedules for Conan, or purely producer's choice? He was perfect in his role, if anything The Hound needs a do-over he's way too happy.
Yeah, not happy about this change. Must be schedule conflict. I really liked Conan, oh come on his name is cool.
God, I hope this really is just a rumor. Conan Stevens is PERFECT as the Mountain. Ian Whyte is totally wrong for the role. He doesn't look like him at all! Waiting for an actual confirmation on this before I get genuinely annoyed.
Say it ain't so! Ian Whyte seems too lanky for the role. And Conan's already made big impressions in the "making of" video. I hope Spartacus isn't taking too much of his time.