The internationally famous and beloved wrestler Sheamus, speaking ahead of his appearance at Games 14 in Dubai, has quashed rumours that he'll be playing Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode VII.
“That was crazy,” he said. “Basically I went home to Ireland and the crew were filming quite close to me at the time, then all these mad rumours started flying around. I definitely haven’t received a contract, a helmet or a lightsaber yet, but who knows? It might come through the door. I hope it does.”
If JJ Abrams is still looking, Sheamus reveals that he could be the perfect choice as he already has experience in the role.
“I did dress up as Darth Vader once for a promotion with Kellogg’s when Episode I came out,” he said. “We went to Dublin, Manchester and London and recreated a few scenes from the first three movies with me and a couple of storm troopers and a Death Star backdrop. I’d love to look back at it and see how bad I was!”
Sheamus has already made a handful of film appearances, including a turn as a bare knuckle boxer in Rupert Wyatt's acclaimed 2008 thriller The Escapist and as a Celtic warrior zombie in the 2009 Vinnie Jones vehicle Assault of Darkness.
The wrestler is making his first visit to the UAE after he missed last year’s WWE Live Abu Dhabi event due to injury. He seems to like what he’s seen so far.
“I did a meet and greet last night and we had a great view — looking out of the window is like something from Blade Runner,” he said. “It seems such a multicultural city too, with people from all over the world, I’ve been really surprised how many different cultures are in this city in the short time I’ve been here.”
WWE itself is a multicultural affair too and Sheamus adds that the next star of WWE could even be from Dubai or Abu Dhabi: “If you look at WWE’s talent roster, we already have superstars from Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, France, the US, Ireland and England. I know we had tryouts over here too, so who knows? Maybe the next WWE Superstar could come from the Middle East. The world really is getting smaller and WWE has definitely recognised that.”
Sheamus began his WWE career as a “baddie” back in 2009, but the Irishman has endeared himself to fans over the years with his Celtic Warrior persona and his signature moves such as the Brogue Kick and the Irish Curse Backbreaker. He became the first Irish-born holder of the WWE Champion’s belt in his first year, won the 2012 Royal Rumble, and is the current United States Champion.
According to the Q-Score system, which is used in the US to measure the popularity of brands and celebrities, Sheamus is more popular than a host of stars including Brad Pitt and David Beckham.
If you’re not quite ready to face Sheamus in the ring just yet, you can still meet him at Games 14 tomorrow. Seamus will be on the stage for autograph signings and photos at the 2K stand in Dubai World Trade Centre from 3.30pm to 5.30pm where he will be promoting the forthcoming WWE 2K15 on X-Box and Playstation game consoles.
[ cnewbould@thenational.ae ]
