Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known for his role as ‘The Mountain’ in Game of Thrones, recently revealed HBO’s failure to honor a promise allowing him to keep his character’s sword. While streaming Overwatch 2, he shared that despite enduring significant physical sacrifices during filming, including losing up to 20 kg, the sword was auctioned for over $30,000 instead of gifted to him. His grievances highlight both the challenges of his role and HBO’s decision motivated by profit.
The acclaimed series Game of Thrones has showcased a multitude of remarkable actors and actresses. Among them is Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, whose portrayal of a striking character allowed him to make a lasting impression on audiences despite limited screen time. Recently, he made some unexpected revelations regarding his experience filming the HBO series, which may catch fans off guard. If his name isn’t familiar, you likely know him as “The Mountain.”
Did HBO Pull a Fast One on The Mountain?
Björnsson, who took on the role of Ser Gregor Clegane, didn’t appear extensively until the final seasons, but one particular scene—the fierce battle with Prince Oberyn Martell—left viewers both captivated and traumatized. In a recent Twitch stream while playing Overwatch 2, the 35-year-old Icelandic actor and strongman discussed an agreement made with HBO concerning a memorable prop: the iconic two-handed sword he wielded.
Known globally for his remarkable physical strength—standing tall at 2.05 meters and weighing 205 kg—Björnsson’s role was a perfect fit for his imposing stature. However, he disclosed that HBO ultimately did not uphold their promise regarding the sword, instead opting to auction it off for profit.
Shocking Insights from Björnsson About Game of Thrones
While he streamed gameplay, Björnsson revealed that HBO had initially promised him the sword as a keepsake after filming concluded. Regrettably, that promise was broken, and the sword was auctioned to an anonymous bidder who reportedly spent over $30,000. This betrayal understandably left Björnsson feeling disappointed.
The emotional weight of this situation is compounded by the rigorous conditions he faced while filming the show. Björnsson recounted the physical sacrifices he endured during the series’ final season—shaving his beard and struggling to maintain a proper diet due to dental prosthetics. Remarkably, he lost between 15 to 20 kilograms in just a week of shooting, which was even more significant for an athlete like him, representing a loss of roughly 10% of his total body mass, including lean muscle.
The challenges of those final shoots took a toll on Björnsson, both physically and emotionally. He admitted to feeling particularly “grumpy” and angry as production wound down. The promise of keeping the sword as compensation for his sacrifices only adds to the bitterness he still feels about the situation nearly five years after the series concluded.
For avid fans of the Hunger Games franchise, there’s more to look forward to, as a new novel and its film adaptation are currently being developed, reigniting excitement in the beloved saga.