What are the Game of Thrones cast members up to when not filming season 8? Let’s check in, starting with Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, the show’s resident giant. Björnsson has played Gregor “the Mountain” Clegane since season 4, when he memorably popped the eyes out of Oberyn Martell’s head, but on his off-days, he’s a competitive strongman with a history of setting world records. He did it again at the 2018 Arnold Strongman Classic, where he took home the top prize by deadlifting 1,041 pounds. Watch and be amazed.
Jaime’s lucky Cersei let him leave without the Mountain interfering. Dude doesn’t even need the sword.
Moving on, The Sunday Herald reports that actor James Cosmo, who Thrones fans will remember as playing Lord Commander Jeor Mormont for the first three years of the show, will receive the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), a British order chivalry, for his contributions to drama.
How fitting. Congratulations to the 997th Lord Commander of the Nigth’s Watch!
Finally, Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) talked to HBO about her work with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), for which she’s visited refugee camps in Greece and Germany. Europe continues to grapple with the influx of refugees from Syria, which is still in the midst of a bloody civil war. “My role is to be there, listen and try to understand how we move forward in our global society,” Headey said. “The people I meet want to contribute and be part of their new existence. How can we ignore that? As mothers and as people who live in societies that place value on compassion and universal understanding, we’ve all got something to give.”
"A common misconception is people are leaving their countries because they want to come to Europe and sit on their ass. That’s not true. They’re like me and you: They had careers and social lives, and that’s all been taken from them. They don’t want to leave home, but they have no choice because they want to raise their children in safety."
If you’re interested, you can make a donation to the IRC here. It will go to programs and services that will help those affected by the crisis.
Next: New pictures show the nearly finished King’s Landing set in Belfast
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