Game of Thrones: An oral history of the greatest TV show of our time

As someone who grew up with “Game of Thrones” as a constant presence in my life, it’s hard to put into words just how much this show means to me. I was there for the early seasons when the world was discovering Westeros, and I was hooked from the very first episode. The characters felt like friends, and the storylines kept me on the edge of my seat week after week.

I’ve personally found George RR Martin’s “Game of Thrones” to be the most captivating and grandiose television production of our time. With its substantial budget and unmatched popularity among viewers, it has now earned the title of the best TV show of the 21st century according to a poll I recently participated in.

Since 2010, Digital Spy has reported on HBO’s impressive fantasy series. Initially, this show, filled with elements reminiscent of “Lord of the Rings” and featuring a large British cast, a substantial budget, and controversial themes including incest, appeared to be quite a daring endeavor.

In his own words, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau expressed his surprise and discomfort: “The end of episode one revealed my sister and I in an intimate relationship – a surprising and rather complex situation.”

HBO initiated the production of the show in 2008, but it required two attempts and a changed cast to finally approve it, with one pilot still unreleased and regrettably, George RR Martin’s appearance didn’t make it into the final cut.

After a long wait, “Game of Thrones” premiered on April 17, 2011. The ensuing 73 episodes amounted to an impressive 2 days, 22 hours, and 14 minutes of gripping action and explicit language. This remarkable series left audiences captivated, earning it the title of one of the best visual treats for your eyes – except perhaps for Prince Oberyn Martell – with a grand total of 269 awards earned worldwide.

After eighteen months have passed since Jon Snow departed beyond the wall, Bran the Broken took over ruling in King’s Landing, and Arya Stark embarked on her journey towards the western part of Westeros, now seems like an ideal moment to reflect on the intricate history of the show.

As a longtime fan of “Game of Thrones,” I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of a comprehensive retrospective on this groundbreaking series. Having followed the cast members’ careers since their early interviews, I was thrilled to recently catch up with Morgan Jeffery, Catriona Wightman, Laurence Mozafari, Alex Fletcher, Abby Robinson, and Sam Warner for an in-depth look at their experiences on set and beyond. Delving into over a decade of archived interviews added rich context to their stories, providing valuable insights into the making of the greatest show in all the seven kingdoms. Each actor shared candid tales of their auditions, rehearsals, and filming processes, bringing the characters we all love to life in a way that deepened my appreciation for the artistry behind the scenes. To fully immerse yourself in this journey, be sure to click on the links provided as you go.

Interviewees:

• Kristian Nairn – Hodor
• Jerome Flyn – Bronn
• Gemma Whelan – Yara Greyjoy
• Richard Brake – The Night King (version 1)
• Liam Cunningham – Sir Davos Seaworth
• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Jaime Lannister
• Emilia Clarke – Daenerys Targaryen
• Kit Harington – Jon Snow
• Isaac Hempstead-Wright – Bran Stark
• Gwendoline Christie – Brienne of Tarth
• Joe Dempsie – Gendry Baratheon
• Michelle Fairley – Caitlyn Stark
• Charles Dance – Tywin Lannister
• Sophie Turner – Sansa Stark
• Mark Addy – Robert Baratheon

CASTING

In 2009, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding this daring HBO production. Gillian Anderson initially declined an offer for what could have been Cersei Lannister, while Danny Dyer attempted auditions unsuccessfully on three occasions. Several future fan favorites endured multiple auditions, and even those eager to join the project didn’t always have a straightforward path to making it on screen. This included a well-known ’90s pop star.

Gwendoline Christie (as Brienne): “I quickly contacted my agent and expressed my strong desire to be part of this project. My agent was taken aback, explaining, ‘You’re not even being considered for this role! It’s for someone unattractive with a broken nose, broken teeth, and requires the use of a sword.'”

As someone who has had the fortune of starting my acting career on the hit series “Game of Thrones,” I can truly appreciate the unexpected twists and turns that come with this industry. I was a greenhorn when I landed the role of Hodor, having no prior knowledge of the show or its massive following.

Richard Brake (The Night King in seasons four and five): “I tried out for the show a few times prior, even coming close to getting cast once. But I’m thankful I didn’t land that role. The character I had hoped for wasn’t nearly as significant as I believed during my auditions. He appeared in just one or two episodes before meeting his end.”

A few months have passed, and my agent reached out to me with exciting news. “They’re calling you back for ‘Game of Thrones,'” they said. “This time, it’s Nina who wants to see you. But the role is quite unique – your character will be completely covered in prosthetics, unable to speak, and you’ll only appear on screen for roughly a minute.” (As a gamer, I’d feel both nervous and thrilled about this opportunity to bring such an intriguing character to life.)

I’ve had my fair share of unexpected twists and turns in life, but this experience takes the cake. I remember thinking to myself, “What in the world is happening here?” as I was asked to play a bizarre role in a scene that left me utterly perplexed. But my friend reassured me, “But he’ll be important at some point,” she said with a knowing smile. So, I went along with it, pretending to pick up a sword and then a baby, touching it gingerly as instructed. Looking back now, I had no idea that the seemingly insignificant character I interacted with would later be revealed as the powerful and terrifying Night King, ruler of the White Walkers. It’s fascinating how life can surprise us with unexpected twists and turns, isn’t it?

“I hadn’t been on screen for about 10 years, I was thinking I might leave the business behind”

Jerome Flynn (as Bronn): “It had been over a decade since my last acting gig, and I was considering retiring from the industry. However, I’d invested all my savings into restoring an ancient farm in Wales. My agent contacted me about a potential opportunity called ‘Game of Thrones,’ an American production with a medieval theme. Initially, I was hesitant, thinking it sounded suspicious. Despite my reluctance, I eventually went to London for the audition.”

“I opened up a kitchen cabinet onto my eye and gave myself a kind of black eye. I didn’t look at the script, but I put my hair back and I suddenly felt like ‘Oh, I could be a badass’. They just saw the face and they saw that and thought, ‘Ooh yeah, he’s a bit of a killer’. I think it helped also because Dan [Weiss] and Dave [Benioff] said they had no idea about my past, about Robson and Jerome or Soldier Soldier.

When I learned I had been cast in the show, some English fans of the books sent me blogs expressing their excitement. However, once they discovered I was going to play the role of Bronn, some were deeply disappointed. One man couldn’t fathom how I could embody the character, and another went as far as declaring, “This is the worst day of my life.” They found it hard to reconcile the image of Bronn with me.

Liam Cunningham (Davos): “I’m a huge fan. I bought the DVDs and planned to take my time finishing them, but instead, I foolishly watched six in one sitting. I was captivated by the show’s mature themes, excellent acting, and shocking dramatic twists.”

Joe Dempsie (Gendry): “During the initial casting for the pilot, I tried out for the part of Jon Snow but didn’t make it far. Once the show was officially greenlit, I auditioned for two other roles before ultimately being chosen as Gendry. It appeared that the creators had already selected specific actors they wanted to collaborate with and then found the perfect fit for each role.”

THE EARLY DAYS

When they stepped onto the set, it was clear that HBO was taking a big risk with this extensive production. However, prior to its airing, the show remained uncertain and unpredictable.

Kristian Nairn expressed: “A strong feeling of excitement prevailed. The outcome of the show was uncertain, but it was evident that HBO invested a great deal in its production. As you step onto these sets, taking in the intricacy and extensive research, you could sense this project would be extraordinary.”

During that time, everyone was putting in great effort. And let me add, it was my debut acting role. Yet, I observed other performers expressing astonishment, exclaiming, “Wow, I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. This is going to be something truly unique.”

“Growing up in this place has been truly remarkable for me. With all the valuable guidance, inspiring individuals, and rich encounters with knowledgeable and creative people I’ve had as a young adult, it’s been an extraordinary experience.”

Due to the complex international productions and large ensembles, some cast members hadn’t had the chance to interact with each other for a while.

At the beginning, a large number of actors came together for filming – it was the Lannisters’ arrival at Winterfell. This was the largest on-screen assembly of cast members, which included some who didn’t last long and others who were never seen again.

As a gamer reflecting on my experiences: Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with numerous people at fan gatherings, conventions, and table read-throughs. With filming taking place in various spots around, it was a lengthy process. It wasn’t until about two years ago that I finally got to encounter Charles Dance for the first time.

THE SHOW TAKES OFF

As a big fan of the show, I can’t help but marvel at its immediate success. But what is it about this quirky magical tale that has captured the hearts of so many viewers?

Liam Cunningham praises the intelligence and appreciation of “Game of Thrones,” which he believes sets it apart from other shows. The creators, David and Daniel, met while studying Irish literature in Dublin’s Trinity College. In contrast to some television producers, they don’t condescend or bombard viewers with simplistic content. Instead, they value their audience and deliver an engaging experience for the intelligent viewer.

Charles Dance (as Tywin): “The quality of the writing is exceptional. The production is absolutely superb. It’s an extremely elegant production.”

As a gamer, I’d say: “Game of Thrones intrigues me with its complex plots involving human nature – satire, deception, honor. It mirrors real-life struggles like family dynamics, trust issues, and betrayals. It’s not just about the fantastical setting; it’s relatable.”

Liam Cunningham explains, “Many people have commented, ‘I don’t like fantasy’ – but it’s not just about that. The story is filled with remarkable characters in dramatic circumstances, dealing with life, love, hate, betrayal, and jealousy amidst a fantastical backdrop.”

Emilia Clarke (as Daenerys): “The story retains its depth and intrigue without the magical elements. It explores relatable themes such as family, jealousy, and rivalry. Yet, adding the magic elevates it to a unique and captivating experience.”

HIGHLIGHTS

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but have my favorite moments from Game of Thrones stand out to me, just like the cast themselves. From the shocking Red Wedding to the epic Battle of the Bastards, these scenes leave an indelible mark on us all. And let’s not forget the hilarious bloopers and antics that went on behind the camera!

Jerome Flynn: “When I meet up with Pod again, and Jaime is in the tent with Brienne, I had a line where I asked him, ‘You’re the one who knows if Jamie and Brienne… have become an item?'”

I’ve had my fair share of playful moments with friends that sometimes border on the absurd. One such incident involved a prank during a filming session where I instinctively grabbed my friend by the crotch and gave it a firm squeeze. The look on his face was priceless – he tried to keep it together, but we all knew he was trying not to laugh. It’s moments like these that make life worth living, and now every time we meet up, we reminisce about it with a hearty chuckle. And the fact that it ended up on film is an added bonus, serving as a reminder of our shared history.

“I just kind of instinctively grabbed him by the crotch and squeezed quite hard.” Jerome Flynn

Joe Dempsie: “There was a girl from Denmark, she sent a video… it was just her talking to her webcam saying that she thought I looked very nice and would I like to go on a date with her? I thought, that’s quite funny. I didn’t really know how to respond to it.

I once made the mistake of underestimating the reach of social media. One day, unbeknownst to me, a former acquaintance of mine discovered that I had a Twitter account. In a fit of pettiness, she decided to share this information with everyone I had ever interacted with on that platform. This group included my ex-girlfriend’s mother, who lived in Nottingham and happened to have connections with the local newspaper.

In the second video, she enters the frame while playing the piano and makes direct eye contact with the audience. She reassures Joe, “Don’t be afraid, it’s just love.” I’m taken aback, thinking to myself, “Wow, Jesus Christ.” As she begins to sing a song about me, a chorus of male backup singers emerges from below the camera, joyfully chanting my name.

In video three, the editor skillfully pieced together scenes featuring “Dear,” “Joe,” and “Dempsie” wearing various outfits.

Some cast members of “Game of Thrones,” including Oona Chaplin and Finn Jones, were impressed with a particular individual and expressed their admiration by tweeting at her, encouraging her to create more videos and praising her talent.

Last Sunday, over at a friend’s place for lunch, we were all winding down after a few beers. Suddenly, Finn turned to me with a mischievous grin, “You need to reply to her message with something funny.” We paused the video playing on the TV, capturing my friend’s amused expression. I swiftly took a screenshot and sent it to her, an image of me playfully kissing the screen. She laughed in surprise before continuing our lively conversation.

In the meantime, Richard Brake, who portrayed the Night King on Game of Thrones with extensive makeup, surprised the cast when he appeared without it.

Richard Brake: “I was completely disguised under layers of prosthetics – oversized fingernails, artificial teeth, and enormous contact lenses for my eyes, which were excruciatingly uncomfortable. Consequently, during breaks in filming, I preferred to keep quiet rather than engage in casual conversations.”

One evening during the filming of “Hardhome” in Belfast, I joined the cast for our communal dinner late, having spent an extra two hours getting my makeup removed. As I took my seat, the others looked at me with surprise and suspicion, thinking I was a vagabond who had gatecrashed their meal. I laughed and revealed, “No, I’m not a beggar. I’m the Night King – the one who hunted you all day long on that pier.”

For Harington, it was a real-life encounter with the Queen herself, making him an exception among those who had not attempted to seize the throne.

“It’s written in her royal decree that she’s forbidden from occupying any other thrones, be they imaginary or real. Consequently, I don’t believe she had the freedom to do so, even if she desired it.”

In the pilot’s opening scene, Bran and Tommen engaged in a playful sword practice session. They dressed us in oversized sumo suits for an unscripted sparring match, resulting in much amusement. However, we have yet to witness any recordings of this comical encounter.

“HBO had started to talk about suing me and it had gotten out of control.” – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

As a devoted fan of Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime): He shared an old photograph of himself with a buzz cut, and accompanied it with a heartfelt letter. In the note, he expressed his newfound determination over his character’s actions and asked for their respect. He emphasized that as an artist, his integrity was on the line.

While driving from the airport, I was approached by the first assistant director who inquired, “Does him have hair?” He went on to share that our lead, Kevin, the head of the Hair department, had been desperately trying to create a wig using limited resources.

“I assured them, ‘That was merely a joke! Didn’t you take it seriously?’ Yet they did. To make matters worse, they contacted my manager, leading HBO to consider legal action against me. The situation spiraled out of hand.”

THE SHOW BECOMES A LEGEND

As a gamer, I’ve experienced some character developments that hit me right away, while others took their sweet time to fully unfold. It was like night and day, with the former feeling like a sudden level-up, and the latter creeping up on me like an endless horde of undead slowly advancing across an icy wasteland.

Gemma Whelan (as Yara): “Things develop gradually and before you know it, they become a reality. It’s not like an instant success. Some cast members might have experienced that, but for most of us, it was a gradual process. We’d go to work, shoot the show, then spend several months in post-production.”

I’m deeply proud and fully conscious of being a part of something truly exceptional. Early on, we all sensed the uniqueness of this production and held it in high regard.

“My phone just exploded. Text after text. I thought, ‘What the hell?’ It was like somebody had died”

Richard Brake: “I was in Bulgaria, shooting a movie. In the middle of the night, my phone just exploded. You know, just text after text. I thought, ‘What the hell?’ It was like somebody had died or something.

After I figured out that this program had been broadcasted in the United States, my friends and family began texting me in excitement, raving about how impressed they were. Suddenly, it dawned on me. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this is a big deal.”

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that HBO’s “Game of Thrones” didn’t just become a global sensation overnight. For us loyal fans, it evolved from an exceptional TV series into an unstoppable cultural phenomenon. With each passing season, its popularity grew to the point where everyone seemed to be talking about it – not just at home, but even at work over the watercooler.

As someone who grew up in the golden age of television, I can’t help but be amazed by the cultural phenomenon that is “Game of Thrones.” I remember a time when watching TV was a simple pleasure, an escape from reality. But now, every show or movie I tune into seems to have some nod or wink to this epic fantasy series.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that each season, the show seemed to blossom and nearly doubled in size. Amazingly, we fans grew accustomed to this expansion, making the experience all the more enjoyable. The cast was remarkably down-to-earth, and I proudly declare that we fans share this trait. It’s a wonderful aspect of the show. Amidst the glamour of Hollywood, we’re all conscious of its realities. The authenticity of “Game of Thrones” is both brutal and captivating – it’s essential to maintain that raw, genuine edge.

Jerome Flynn: “Many children began on that program, some with no acting experience beforehand, and as the years passed, they grew into renowned figures during their teenage years. The entire cast fostered a supportive environment for one another. It’s quite remarkable to witness their growth in fame on a global level at such a young age.”

Isaac Hempstead-Wright: “I found it somewhat intimidating. I recall watching the show as it ventured into space exploration. When you’re no longer a part of it, like when Bran was off-screen during season five, you truly grasp its immense scale.”

In my opinion, the fifth season marked a remarkable surge in the show’s popularity. After taking a year-long break to focus on my GCSEs, returning for season six felt like a struggle – almost as if I had to relearn acting from scratch.

As a gamer looking back on that season, I can’t help but reflect on the deep connections formed and the growth experienced by many, including myself. Though I was part of this journey, my own personal development occurred during those crucial years of being fifteen and sixteen. Returning felt strange at first, but it didn’t take long for routine to set in once more.

As the production of the show grew larger, things became more chaotic. Sophie Turner revealed that in the last season, visitors were required to have identification stickers on their phones to prevent taking photos, the cast members’ call sheets included secret codes for names, and the production was referred to as ‘Face of Angels’.

“Richard Brake described ‘Hardhome’ as a large-scale production in both budget and time requirements. Filming the 20-minute battle sequence at Hardhome consumed nearly as much time as it took him to complete whole films.”

Sophie Turner (as Sansa): “Instead of receiving hard copies, we used an app for our scripts. The day before shooting a scene, we’d receive only the relevant pages as ‘sides.’ We had to memorize these lines overnight. Once you read and understood them, they vanished after 24 hours, leaving no trace or chance for revisiting.”

SEXYTIMES

I’ve always been in awe of Thrones’ compelling narrative and intense dramatization. It earned both praise and controversy for its unapologetic portrayal of sexual scenes. As part of the cast, we had our own perspectives on contributing to such groundbreaking television.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau explained, “From the very beginning, Jaime’s actions challenge your sense of right and wrong. In the first episode, he commits incest with his sister and attempts to harm an innocent, blameless boy. This certainly makes you ponder your moral values.”

As a gamer, I skipped the initial few episodes when watching a show with my family. My dad was particularly among those I excluded from my viewing experience during that period.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: “A pal forwarded me a link to a site filled with worried parents, essentially penning an hostile missive toward me. ‘He’ll forever be remembered as that actor. With incestuous undertones.’ It was quite hostile. Quite the click-bait find.”

“There’s too much sex! There’s too much violence! They killed a dog! Ahh!”

As an avid fan, I can’t help but be in awe of the intense reactions some people have towards “Game of Thrones.” They exclaim, “There’s too much sex! There’s too much violence! A dog was killed! Oh no!” It’s truly fascinating to witness such strong emotions over a work of fiction. We, as actors and creators, take our roles very seriously, yet it’s all just a story.

Based on my own experiences with storytelling and having read several of George R.R. Martin’s books, I can understand why some people might not be fond of the way David Benioff and Dan Weiss adapted the series for television. However, it is essential to remember that every storyteller has a unique voice and approach. The authors chose their methods to bring the intricate world of Westeros to life on our screens, staying true to the source materials as much as possible.

As a passionate fan, I’d say this: “I admit, the show is filled with numerous sex scenes. But here’s the thing – each scene carries a deeper meaning and sheds light on the characters’ backstories or motivations. So it’s not just about the sex; it’s an integral part of the narrative.”

As a gamer, I once accidentally stumbled upon a Game of Thrones scene while sitting next to my mom. In this particular episode, Esmé Bianco’s character, Ros, was involved in an intense and graphic lesbian love scene. My mom was completely taken aback and found the situation rather awkward. It was quite amusing at the moment, but we’ve since decided that watching the show together is no longer an option for us.

“I have an agreement in place that ensures I never have to take off my clothes on set. The producers included that term, not me.”

“Do we really need to see that Hodor has a huge dick? I don’t know. But that’s the choice.”

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: “Is it necessary for Hodor to have a large portrayal of his private parts shown? I’m not certain. However, that’s how the creators decided to present the character.”

CONTROVERSY

There were quite a few battles off-screen for the show; from Jon Snow’s ‘death’, to those celebrity cameos, and that short final season. But it was the show’s heavy use of sexual violence – particularly against Daenerys Targaryen, which George RR Martin has criticised, and Sansa Stark – which really challenged viewers, and the cast even more.

Liam Cunningham: “Game of Thrones pushes boundaries with its intense violence and explicit sex scenes. These elements would not be permitted on network television. The show stays true to George R.R. Martin’s books, and I believe he is an exceptional writer. Additionally, Peter Dinklage delivers a remarkable performance as a lead character who is a dwarf. Considering the presence of incest and other controversial themes, presenting this concept to networks would likely result in being dismissed shortly after beginning the pitch.”

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau explained, “As an actor, we typically draw from our personal experiences to portray a character. However, this unique facet of his role presented a challenge: developing an intimate relationship with one’s own sister. It’s a complex situation, but the appeal lies in the fact that we’ve all experienced falling for someone we shouldn’t or feeling drawn to someone inappropriate despite our better judgment.”

In simpler terms, one could say, “Yes, things were certainly different back then. Marrying cousins among royal families was not an uncommon practice, believe it or not, only a few hundred years ago.”

Mark Addy (as Robert) expresses that each scene plays a significant role in the story, be it illustrating a character’s transformation from girlhood to womanhood or revealing how a character evolves from being submissive into someone more determined to shape her own future.

Sophie Turner recalled, “In the initial seasons, many disliked Sansa deeply. They found her arrogant and annoying. However, as the storyline progressed, viewers began to empathize with her. She endured numerous hardships such as physical abuse, forced marriages, and rape. These harrowing experiences elicited sympathy from the audience.”

Over time, there was growing compassion towards her, though it took some effort. Initially, many criticized her, insisting she brought it upon herself. However, these experiences shaped Sansa into the resilient and passionate woman we know today. Her endurance of hardships and suffering transformed her character significantly. Now, she boasts a large fan base and following.

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the controversial yet extravagant ending of Game of Thrones season eight. When the final episodes aired, nearly six out of ten Digital Spy readers shared their disappointment with the finale. Fast forward to today, and it’s been hailed as the best TV show of the 21st century. Much like the audience, the cast members have formed their own opinions about how the epic saga came to a close.

As a dedicated fan, I appreciate and admire how the creators decided to conclude “Gemma Whelan’s Show” at that point. It felt right to me that it didn’t go on indefinitely, as even the best things must eventually come to an end. The final episode was excellent, providing a satisfying resolution and bringing the story full circle – exactly how the showrunners had envisioned it.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the unforeseen twists and turns in this captivating narrative. The way it all unfolds is truly unexpected and leaves me feeling content with the thrilling ride.

As a passionate fan: “I still recall the moment at my student accommodation in Birmingham when I first read the scripts for our show. I remember having to lock the door twice before diving into the pages. The excitement hit me hard, particularly in episode six. I had to move around the room, exclaiming ‘Wow!’ under my breath.”

“The backlash is often a small amount of voices making a whole lot of noise.” Richard Brake

Richard Brake expressed his satisfaction with the show’s ending, praising the writers for how they concluded his character. He was thrilled with Arya Stark’s role in defeating the Night King and admired her transformation from a young girl who witnessed her father’s death to a skilled assassin who saved the realm. He considered this an exceptional example of captivating storytelling.

Before the season ended, I had a feeling that some fans would be unhappy since nobody wants good things to come to an end. Consequently, there was some criticism. However, at Comic-Cons, I noticed a near-universal appreciation for the finale. Some viewers even wished for specific elements to have been different, like a particular character’s fate. Yet, overall, everyone seemed to enjoy it. The negative feedback comes from a small group of vocal individuals.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER?

After the intense gaming session with Drogon’s fire breathing challenges, have we all managed to keep in contact? Our friendships were tested and strengthened by the experience.

Kristian Nairn: “I don’t get to connect as much as I’d prefer due to my constant traveling, while everyone else seems to be busy. However, I still keep in touch with Isaac regularly. And there are a few individuals with whom I was particularly close. Yes, we manage to stay in touch, and it’s truly delightful.”

Jerome Flynn: “I don’t connect with everyone, but like any job, you build relationships with some colleagues. We don’t have a cast-wide WhatsApp group – that would be quite large – but I’ve definitely made pleasant friendships among the cast.”

“When we finished filming that last day, I couldn’t believe it. I had expected to keep my emotions in check, but instead, I found myself overwhelmed with tears. The sunset that evening was particularly stunning, and as I walked back from the set instead of getting in the car, I just wanted to savor the moment and take it all in. It might sound cliché, but I couldn’t help feeling a deep sense of gratitude for being part of this incredible journey.”

Sophie Turner expressed that letting go of Sansa felt similar to experiencing a divorce or the passing of a family member. She revealed that the emotional separation from her character was particularly challenging since her teenage years have been defined by being both Sophie and Sansa. At times, these identities overlap in her mind, making it difficult to move on from Sansa, which represents a significant portion of her personal growth.

Jerome Flynn expressed that the awareness and appreciation for the time they spent together after being part of something extraordinary for nine years was heightened due to the impending end. The sense of finality gave the experience a profound feeling of both sadness and joy.

Sophie Turner shared: “Wrapping up in Belfast with our frequent crew felt surreal. It happened in Winterfell’s courtyard, where I wasn’t even filming. Yet, director David Nutter requested my presence there, knowing it was my last day. He addressed the entire team, ‘Sansa Stark is departing from Winterfell for good.’ Needless to say, tears flowed freely.”

THE LEGACY

In just over a year and a half since Game of Thrones ended, our survey indicates that the series will endure, deeply entrenched in our collective consciousness for years to come. Its position as the finest show of our lives appears untouchable.

Gemma Whelan expresses great pride and gratitude for being involved in the show. She considers herself fortunate and privileged to have been a part of it. Looking back, she cherishes the memories and the valuable lessons she gained from the experience. Additionally, she made lifelong friends during her time on the show, making any complaints seem trivial.

“We truly enjoyed ourselves, even if we were freezing and soaked on the Antrim Coast. It was an uncommon experience, one that brought us a lot of joy. Looking back, I believe our assessment was accurate, and while it may be a worn-out phrase, I can’t help but feel grateful for having had this opportunity.”

Kristian Nairn expresses his belief that the show they are discussing will become a significant part of television history, comparable to popular franchises like “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” He expects it to be remembered for years to come, particularly with the release of any potential sequels. By pushing boundaries in TV and film, this production has left a lasting impact on viewers and their expectations.

Jerome Flynn: “I’m confident that people will look back on it as a truly excellent production, and the large international audience numbers prove this.”

“According to Richard Brake, this production will be deeply memorable due to its significant storytelling. He considers it a truly exceptional show that stands out among many others for its uniqueness and greatness. In his opinion, it will forever be recognized as one of the greatest shows in television history.”

Game of Thrones season 1-8 are available on NOW TV.

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2024-07-15 12:22