Game of Thrones: 7 Must-Know Facts About The Hit Show

The sixth season of HBO’s action-packed fantasy Game of Thrones is almost here and the buzz on social media proves that fans can hardly wait for more episodes to be aired. Avid viewers are excited for more of George R.R. Martin’s incredible twists and yet another thrilling season of unexpected suspense.

Consider yourself a Game of Thrones fanatic? The below informational tidbits are sure to surprise you, and maybe even shock you! Above all else, they will likely make you view the Game of Thrones series, its actors and the production in a whole new light.

1. On average, it costs HBO $6 million to produce an episode
With all of the special effects, costumes and make-up that go into creating every episode, it’s probably no surprise that Game of Thrones is one of the most expensive shows on TV. What may surprise you is just how costly it is to produce this experience for viewers. To put this expense into perspective, it costs twice as much to make an episode of Game of Thrones as it does to make one episode of Glee or True Blood.

2. Hodor is a DJ in real life
Before landing the role of Hodor – the loveable giant – Kristian Nairn was a full-time DJ. With a massive 6’10” frame (making him the tallest Game of Thrones cast member), many people may be surprised to know that Nairn gravitated towards the performing arts instead of playing sports. When Game of Thrones is not being filmed, Nairn still pursues his passion of performing on stage in his hometown.

3. Over 160 baby girls in the U.S. were legally named “Khaleesi” in 2012
Game of Thrones has soared in popularity so much so that parents have named their newborns after the show’s fictional characters. Nearly 150 newborn baby girls were given the name “Khaleesi” in 2012 when the second season aired. What’s even more bizarre is the fact that Khaleesi is not an actual name in the show but actually means “queen” in Dothraki, a constructed fictional language spoken by the Dothraki, the indigenous inhabitants of the Dothraki Sea. Though to a much lesser extent, “Aria”, “Daenerys”, and “Tyrion” are growing in popularity as baby names as well.

4. Joffrey has announced his retirement from show business
Jack Gleeson – who plays King Joffrey – has decided to quit acting following the death of his character, claiming that he only intended for it to be a hobby and not something he plans to pursue long-term. Though Gleeson has been recognized for his incredible ability to bring the malicious character to light, fans have had a hard time separating his fictional character from his real life. Even George R.R. Martin – author of the book series the show is based on – wrote him a letter which said,  “Congratulations on your marvellous performance! Everybody hates you now.”

5. The actor who plays The Mountain has been named “The World’s Strongest Viking”
Hafthór Björnsson, the 26-year old who plays Gregor ‘ The Mountain’ Clegane, carried a 1,433lbs tree trunk for five steps as part of the World’s Strongest Viking competition in Norway. With this win, he also broke a long-standing record since the time of Viking legend, when the fabled lifter Ormur Stórólfsson is said to have carried the mast of a ship that weighed 1,250lbs (600kg).

6. Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter plays the character of Robb Stark’s wife
Oona Chaplin, who plays Robb Stark’s wife Talisa Maegyr, is Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter! Oona is the daughter of actress Geraldine Chaplin and great granddaughter of American playwright Eugene O’Neil – who famously disowned his18 year old daughter (also named Oona) after she married Charlie Chaplin who was 53 years old at the time. Now when you hear Oona’s name, will you associate it with the iconic “Red Wedding” scene in which her character brutally and famously died or with her intriguing family tree?

7. Game of Thrones travelled the world before appearing on your TV screen
The creation of Game of Thrones so far has involved travelling all over the world to film. Producers are confirmed to have visted the United States, Croatia, Morocco, Malta, Iceland and Northern Ireland to capture scenes, and usually under very tight timelines. Next on the list? The cast and crew of Game of Thrones has been confirmed to have travelled to Spain to film parts of the fifth season.

Don’t miss Game of Thrones Season 6 on Sundays at 9 PM ET, on HBO. Plus, catch up on missed episodes or watch seasons 1-4 from the beginning with the Bell TV app or the Bell Fibe TV app. Click here to learn more and download the apps today.

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