‘Giant treat’: Island FanCon lineup includes ‘Game of Thrones’ star

Island FanCon is set to kick off its two-day inaugural event in Langford this spring, when entertainment and pop-culture fans will be in for a “giant treat,” according to organizers.

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, an Icelandic professional strongman and actor best known for his role in the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones, is scheduled to appear at the event at Langford’s City Centre Park.

He’ll be there both days, April 13 and 14, for photos, autographs and a panel, reads a news release Tuesday.

Björnsson played Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane in the HBO series, appearing in 17 episodes between 2014 and 2019 — the same year the show ended after its eighth season.

It broke viewership records for the television network and is often referred to as one of the most popular series of all time.

“We wanted our first guest announcement to be big,” said Island FanCon founder Lonnie Eckardt. “It doesn’t get much bigger than Hafþór.”

Björnsson: World’s strongest man

While on Game of Thrones, Björnsson shared screen time with names like Pedro Pascal and Lena Headey, states the release.

“The series was his first major actor role and led to screen time in subsequent projects with the likes of Mike Tyson and Alexander Skarsgård,” it reads.

Organizers say the strongman took his “impressive physical feats” and translated them onto the silver screen, also starring in films like The Northman and Pharoah’s War.

They say Björnsson may be “the strongest man to ever live.”

He was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 2018, the same year won the Arnold Strongman Classic. He claimed this title again in 2019 and 2020.

Björnsson began training for strength back in 2008 and has since won Iceland’s Strongest Man for nine consecutive years, among other international honours, like beating a 1000-year-old record at the World’s Strongest Viking competition.

Find his list of awards here.

More guests on the way

Björnsson is the first of “several” guest announcements for the upcoming Island FanCon, with Eckardt “looking forward to seeing the excitement growing in Langford.”

The event, which organizers promise will be “an unforgettable experience” showcasing the “magic of fandom,” is modelled after Prince George’s Northern FanCon happening in May.

“We have been seeing an inspiring amount of support from local businesses and community,” added Eckardt. “We’ll have something for everyone.”

Tickets are available here.

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