What happens when an actor encounters an unexpected obstacle on their path to success? An obstacle that involves controlling some intense emotions. Famous for his portrayal of The Hound in Game of Thrones, Rory McCann was kicked out of a Disney movie owing to his uncontrollable bouts of laughter.
Ironically, McCann’s GOT character is known for his stoic and intense demeanor as The Hound. However, it seems that his on-screen personality is on a whole different side of the spectrum when compared to his off-screen demeanor.
Rory McCann revealed how he failed to understand the seriousness of it all
Back in 1987, during a period of financial struggle, Rory McCann found himself wandering across Wales as a hitchhiker. And interestingly, fate led him to the set of Disney’s fantasy film Willow, a fantasy film featuring stars like Warwick Davis, Batman actor Val Kilmer, and Joanna Whalley, where a casting call for tall extras caught his attention. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches, McCann decided to seize the opportunity and clinched one of the roles of a drunk character.
However, unfortunately, the Emila Clarke co-actor couldn’t grasp the gravity of the filmmaking process. And this turned out to be his undoing. Reportedly, McCann’s bouts of infectious laughter disrupted the takes, resulting in his eventual expulsion from the set of the $137 million grossing Disney movie. Reflecting on the experience in a 2013 LA Times interview, the GOT actor lamented,
“Unfortunately, I didn’t understand how serious the whole business was and I kept laughing during takes. I was eventually chucked off the set.”
However, McCann’s journey took an unexpected turn when he later became the face of Scott’s Porridge Oats. Moreover, his career saw another significant twist when he secured the role of Kenny McLeod, a former climber who became a paraplegic due to a fall. And these roles marked the beginning of his rise to prominence, ultimately leading him to the opportunity of portraying one of the most beloved characters in Game of Thrones.
Rory McCann’s next venture: TV adaptation of the DCI Daley Series
Rory McCann is set to take on a new challenge as he is reportedly ready to assume the character of DCI Jim Daley in an upcoming television adaptation. A collaborative effort between Fudge Park and Ocean Independent, the project promises to bring to life the intricate mysteries penned by best-selling Scottish author and former police officer Denzil Meyrick.
The eight-part drama, written and directed by Anthony Neilson (known for his work – I Hate Suzie), draws inspiration from Meyrick’s engrossing book series. With a focus on DCI Daley, a seasoned detective hailing from Kinloch, Scotland, the show aims to immerse viewers in the rugged coastal landscapes and tight-knit communities of the region. While Daley navigates the intricate web of serious crimes, the viewers can see him grappling with the challenges of isolation, carrying out his investigations far from the bustling city streets.
Anthony Neilson, the driving force behind the adaptation, shared his excitement for the project:
“I am privileged to be adapting Denzil Meyrick’s rich and atmospheric DCI Daley books for the screen,” said Neilson. “These stories are much more than typical whodunits and the whole team is committed to delivering a complex, compelling, and accessible series that will stand in comparison with the best adult dramas from Europe and the US.”
Despite the promising outlook of the DCI Daley series, the project is yet to be attached to a specific broadcaster or distributor. However, the anticipation for McCann’s portrayal and the on-screen adaptation of Meyrick’s intricate narratives has already garnered significant attention within the industry.
Source: LA Times, TV Insider
