5 Surprising Facts About Mackenzie Crook In Game Of Thrones

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Mackenzie Crook, a talented British actor, writer, and director, is best known for his iconic roles in popular TV shows and movies. One of his most notable appearances is as Orell, a wildling and a warg, in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Here are five surprising facts about Mackenzie Crook's involvement in the show.

From Office to Westeros

Before his stint in Game of Thrones, Crook gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Gareth Keenan in the BBC series The Office. The show, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, follows the daily lives of employees at the Wernham-Hogg paper company. Crook's character, Gareth, is known for his awkward and sometimes pitiful demeanor, which starkly contrasts with his more rugged and intimidating role as Orell in Game of Thrones.

A Late Addition to the Cast

Interestingly, Mackenzie Crook was not part of the initial casting process for Game of Thrones. He was added to the show's cast during the third season, when the storyline involving the Night's Watch and the wildlings was being developed. This late addition might have contributed to the lack of recognition he received for his role, with some fans even mistaking him for another actor.

The Warg's Backstory

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Crook revealed that he had a significant amount of creative input in developing Orell's backstory. According to Crook, Orell was a member of a group of wargs who were exiled from their community due to their "unnatural" abilities. This backstory is not explicitly explored in the show but adds depth to the character and provides insight into his motivations.

Method Acting in Extreme Conditions

During filming, Crook and the rest of the cast and crew faced challenging weather conditions, including extreme cold and snow. In an interview with The Telegraph, Crook recalled a particularly grueling scene where he had to shoot for hours in the snow, wearing only a few layers of clothing. He also adopted a "method acting" approach, staying in character even when the cameras were not rolling, to fully immerse himself in the world of Westeros.

An Abrupt Departure

Mackenzie Crook's time on Game of Thrones was relatively short-lived. His character, Orell, meets a gruesome end at the hands of Jon Snow in Season 3, Episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere." Although his stint on the show was brief, Crook's performance as Orell left a lasting impression on fans and added depth to the series' mythology.

Post-Game of Thrones Success

Since his departure from Game of Thrones, Mackenzie Crook has continued to build a successful career in television and film. He has appeared in notable shows such as Detectorists and Britannia, and has also directed several episodes of the popular BBC series Death in Paradise. Crook's versatility as an actor, writer, and director has cemented his place as one of the UK's most talented and in-demand creatives.

Beyond Game of Thrones

While Mackenzie Crook's time on Game of Thrones may have been brief, his impact on the show's universe is undeniable. As fans continue to dissect and analyze the series, Crook's performance as Orell remains a fascinating aspect of the show's mythology. With his continued success in the entertainment industry, it is clear that Mackenzie Crook's talents extend far beyond his memorable appearance in Game of Thrones.

As we continue to explore the world of Westeros and beyond, it is clear that Mackenzie Crook's contribution to Game of Thrones remains an essential part of the show's enduring legacy.

What are your favorite memories of Mackenzie Crook's time on Game of Thrones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!