'The Pillars of the Earth' trivia and fun facts

Ken Follett author and screenwriter of 'The Pillars of the Earth' made a cameo as the merchant who tells Jack about his father.

Sam Claflin and Ian McShane later worked together on 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'.

This is Donald Sutherland's second appearance in a Ken Follett adaptation. He previously appeared in 'Eye of the Needle'.

Sam Claflin and Donald Sutherland later worked together in the movie 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'.

Ian McShane ironically plays a church builder in 'Game of Thrones'.