If you weren’t the biggest fan of Ed Sheeran’s “Game of Thrones” cameo, you’re not alone. Kristian Nairn — known for his portrayal of the beloved Hodor on the HBO series — says the cameos take viewers outside the world of Westeros.
“I’m not a fan of the cameos in ‘Game of Thrones.’ I don’t like them. I think it’s stupid. I don’t mind going on the record on that. I just think it takes you right out of the world,” Nairn told HuffPost in a recent interview. “Especially Ed Sheeran.”
Nairn, 42, said that when Sheeran showed up as a singing Lannister soldier in the Season 7 premiere, it was confusing to see such a recognizable pop star in George R. R. Martin’s fantasy world.
“I was like, ‘Why is Ed Sheeran here?’ I mean, Ed Sheeran’s great. He’s a great guy, great musician, but why is he in ‘Game of Thrones’?” he said.
Kairn wanted to make it clear that he has nothing against the “Shape of You” singer personally. “I’m not saying I’m not a fan of Ed Sheeran,” he added. “I’m being tactful here, but just not a fan of the cameo. I think most people would agree with me there. It was a big snap to reality. It’s like, ‘What? What?’”
“It’s a fantasy show. We’re all caught in this amazing world and spend so much time and money and talent to create, and all of a sudden there’s a pop star? What?” he said.
There was one cameo that Nairn didn’t hate.
Rock band Sigur Rós made an appearance way back in Season 4 at Joffrey’s wedding — an appearance Nairn said they “kind of got away with” because “they’re so quirky.”
“They’re almost like ‘Game of Thrones’ world in real life,” he added. “They’re so elven and spiritual. I think that works.”
But everyone else? Don’t expect any doors being held open for others who cameo. “I mean, I understand why people want to be in it, but just no,” Nairn said. “Go away.”