Key Takeaways:
– Conor McGregor acclaimed for his debut role in the recently released action flick, Road House.
– The MMA star revealed he had missed a chance to act in the popular TV series, Vikings.
– McGregor has expressed uncertainty about his future in the film industry after the intense filming schedule of Road House.
– Conor’s role in Road House came unexpectedly, amidst recent injury complications.
The Big Screen Welcomes a New Face: Conor McGregor
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor has made his acting debut, sharing screen space with Jake Gyllenhaal in Doug Liman’s Road House. The action-packed film has seen McGregor gain widespread praise as the standout element.
Unbeknownst to many, McGregor’s intrepid transition from the Octagon to the movie industry could have taken a different route. He recently unmasked a prime opportunity to star in the hit TV series, Vikings, which he unfortunately lost.
Lost Moment on Vikings
During a candid discussion with Joe, McGregor revealed he was set to embark on his acting journey with the historic drama show, Vikings. “I was supposed to be in Vikings,” expressed McGregor, adding that he had been on the roster to star in an entire season of the show.
Despite several enticing offers, he missed this golden chance due to his determination to prioritize his fighting career. McGregor admitted that his dedication to fighting came at a cost, as he recalled with regret, “Ultimately I ended up letting people down over that—it just never happened.”
As a seasoned UFC champion accustomed to camera fronts, McGregor had the requisite confidence and experience to take on acting roles. However, he withdrew from the Viking’s opportunity at the last minute due to his steadfast focus on fighting.
Vikings Around the World
The historic drama, Vikings, originally aired on The History Channel, swiftly commanded the attention and engagement of viewers worldwide. Its debut in the US alone amassed over six million viewers. The show’s undeniable popularity propelled streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime to acquire streaming rights, with the former even producing a popular spin-off, Vikings: Valhalla.
McGregor’s Hollywood Future Shrouded in Uncertainty
McGregor’s journey, from dominating the Octagon to acting, came as an unexpected turn of events. His involvement in Road House was unintentional, he said, but the timing fell into place amidst injury complications. The UFC champion recalled his experience while in conversation with Adam Catterall on talkSPORT MMA.
His newfound journey in the movie business, however, may not extend beyond the Road House project. Speaking to The Independent, he hinted at uncertainty regarding his future in the film industry. McGregor highlighted the demanding film production schedule as a deterrent, sharing “It was hard work, and I’m used to hard work, but the schedule was intense.”
Despite the challenging journey, McGregor remains proud of his performance as the villain, Knox, in Doug Liman’s Road House. Even though he might not venture further into the film industry, he can take solace from his contribution to the movie. As he put it, “But it’s in the bank, it’s in the history books.”
Both Vikings and Road House are available to stream on Prime Video.
