Charlie Hunnam inspired by UFC champ Conor McGregor for King Arthur role
The British actor was inspired by the cage-fighting champion’s attitude for his role in the latest Guy Ritchie film.
Charlie Hunnam says he drew influence for his role as King Arthur from cage-fighting champion Conor McGregor.
The British actor, 37, said he considered the Irish UFC martial artist while playing the legendary king Arthur Pendragon in Guy Ritchie’s latest film.
He told Red Bulletin magazine: “While I was playing Arthur, I thought an enormous amount about Conor McGregor, the reigning lightweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
“His attitude is, ‘There is no opponent. I am fighting myself in the octagon. It’s only me and my own fears and the execution of my own ability that is going to win or lose a fight for me’.”
Charlie appears alongside Jude Law, Eric Bana and Game Of Thrones star Aidan Gillen in King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword, which also features a cameo from former footballer David Beckham.
In the interview, Charlie said he learned how to fight after getting bullied in his younger years.
“As a kid, I got picked on. I got into a lot of fights, losing some and getting severely beaten a few times,” he said.
“When that happens to you, you just feel like, ‘I’m going to do everything in my power to never be in a situation like this again’. Hence you go out and learn how to fight.”
:: King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword is released in UK cinemas on May 19.
