Interview Roundup: John Bradley, Jonathan Pryce, and many more!

John Bradley

The promotional season for Game of Thrones is in full swing, and new interviews are being conducted regularly. We’ve rounded up the latest notable ones for you.

First up is John Bradley. In an interview with IGN, John teased at some of Sam’s developments in the upcoming season. He says that up until now, Sam had found solace in the Night’s Watch, away from the militaristic tendencies of his father, Lord Randyll. He had achieved a sense of place and protection from the outside world. With Stannis now in the mix, that old reality catches up fast with Sam, and he will be “knocked down a few pegs”.

Jonathan Pryce, Richard Madden, Nathalie Emmanuel and Nina Gold all have their say on Season 5 below the cut!

New cast member Jonathan Pryce sat down with The Age to talk about how the High Sparrow will impact proceedings in King’s Landing. The publication reports that one of the main reasons Pryce took on the role was because of how influential the character is plot-wise. While initially being quite sceptical about “sword and sorcery” shows, Pryce has had a change of heart after his experiences on the Thrones sets. He also mentioned that a certain (male) actor hadn’t read the Season 5 scripts, and was unhappy upon discovering his character’s death.

Robb Stark may be dead and gone, but Richard Madden is still talking enthusiastically about Game of Thrones. Speaking with Zap2it, the Scotsman claimed that he knows “of a death that’s going to happen in Season 5 that [we’re] not gong to see coming.” Also according to him, Kit Harington goes out of his way to spoil future plot points of the show for his friend “all the fucking time”, continuing the habit he began during filming of Season 4.

Nathalie

Moving across the Narrow Sea, Nathalie Emmanuel was also interviewed by IGN. Speaking of the prospect of sex between Missandei and Grey Worm, she said that their growing relationship in a way mirrors the arduous transition “from slave to person”, and that such intimacy is something that “neither of them are going to do easily”. On intimacy itself, she says that both character are the only ones who understand what the other has gone through, and that their human intimacy shines through in the form of acceptance and respect.

Last but certainly not least, casting director Nina Gold spoke to The Guardian about cast newcomers Jessica HenwickToby Sebastian, and Nell Tiger Free.

Gold had been previously familiar with Henwick from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens auditions, saying that “[they] knew she’d be a good fit [as Nymeria Sand].”

On Toby Sebastian (Trystane Martell), she said “We knew Toby more because he’d done a lot of music things in the past, but he has a really romantic feel that just worked.”

Finally, she had the following to say about Myrcella Baratheon’s new actress: “Nell is really brilliant… We’d seen her in [indie film] Broken and she had a great natural style. She’s a very talented young actress who’s going to go far.”

Nina also mentioned that Jonathan Pryce was someone she had always wanted to cast, and sings her praises of Jerome Flynn and Rory McCann. To conclude, she humbly talks about the difficulty of casting younger talent: “We get a pretty good brief and then it’s largely about instinct. Young actors are a risk because there’s so much growing up and developing to do, and the men are generally harder because those parts are so unlike 21st-century men. The trickiest was probably Oberyn Martell. We try not to get wound up by negative feedback and Pedro Pascal was really successful in the end, but he was the hardest to cast.”

Cian: A lot of nice tidbits here. What do we think about the character death Pryce mentioned? It’s always great to hear from Nina Gold, whose contribution to the show has been nothing short of amazing.

117 Comments

  1. Intersting bits. Sam knocked down a few pegs. Wonder what that means? I guess he’s staying at the wall a while longer.

    As to who dies in Kings landing that didn’t read the scripts, my guess Veers in a certain General direction.

  2. Hmmm… well it’s probably someone Pryce had scenes with, right? Who could it be? We know Finn Jones threw the script across the room, but he did read it. Tommen maybe? His actor didn’t read the scripts, initially at least, or so I seem to remember.

  3. Zeus:

    As to who dies in Kings landing that didn’t read the scripts,my guess Veers in a certain General direction.

    Well done, sir!

  4. Zeus:

    As to who dies in Kings landing that didn’t read the scripts,my guess Veers in a certain General direction.

    Ah-haaa! I see what you did there.

    Although I seem to recall in an interview with Flicks in the CIty,

    Finn Jones

    said he threw his script across the room when he read the last epsiode

  5. Meryn Trant would be the obvious pick for an actor Pryce would interact with who also dies. And his role has been so minor I could see him honestly being in the habit of not really reading the scripts.
  6. Huh. The bit between Sam and Stannis sounds really interesting. I never considered that Randyll/authoritarian father figure side of things to come into play. Or maybe I’m just giving the show way too much credit and it’s just John Bradley looking into things. We’ll see what happens.

    As for who dies near Johnathan Pryce . .

    Meryn Traaaant??? .. I can’t think of anyone else who would die in that plot line.

    Also, I like how Carice van Houten’s name is up on the page URL. The red woman has to be part of every article, even if it’s not about her. R’hllor wills it.

  7. cubicz,

    I could see that happening regardless of who dies though. This entire series is very worthy of throwing things.

  8. I am more interested in the death Madden says “we’re not going to see coming”. If he means a death that show-only watchers won’t expect, it could be someone book readers won’t be surprised to see die. On the other hand, it could also be totally unexpected on both sides of the aisle. And it does sound like a major-ish character.

  9. Renly’s Peach,

    I think it might be also because Stannis deeply hates the Tarlys or any family associated with the Tyrells, he’s been through a lot because them

  10. What death would Robb (‘s actor) know about? That we wouldn’t see coming?

    Maybe Theon eats it at the end of his Ghost in Winterfell arc instead of lingering? Is he talking about Jon Snow? Perhaps Jorah?
  11. Also according to him, Kit Harington goes out of his way to spoil future plot points of the show for his friend “all the fucking time”, continuing the habit he began during filming of Season 4.

    I like Kit Harrington more and more some new stuff comes up about him.

  12. Zeus,

    I believe Julian Glover has said in interviews with Flicks and the City that he already knows how Pycelle dies. So I doubt it was him.
  13. I’ve been reading a history of HBO shows called Difficult Men recently, and I was shocked at how badly The Wire handled informing its employees of two of its biggest deaths. UM, SPOILERS FOR THE WIRE. SPOILERS FOR THE WIRE

    D’Angelo was told when he ran into David Simon in a hallway, who said I’ve got some great stuff for you this episode… And Idris Elba learned when he read the script and got extremely mad over it. The script originally included his killer pissing on his corpse, a detail from actual Baltimore crime scenes, but he took it personally and vetoed it.

    Massive productions are out-of-control trains I guess, and they don’t have time to sit down with anyone.

  14. Not trying to be nit-picky, but I know people on here are keen on small details! JP says he knew an actor who hadn’t read the script rather than specifically worked with them, so it might not be someone the High Sparrow interacts with at all. If they film lots of scenes in Belfast it could be someone from another storyline altogether who was co-incidentally there around the same time. As for who I’ve less than no idea. Now we’re into events that lead up to, or are from, the unpublished part of the story, all bets are off in my house. Probably easier to say who you think won’t die :O(

    EDIT: Re Richard Madden, “no way you’ll see it coming” does sound like a major role. I think virtually everyone who appears in the end credits rather than the opening ones is potential for a not-totally-unexpected death. Unless it’s something really bizarre like in a Final Destination type film and he means the method not the person ;O)

  15. Mr Fixit,
    asdf,

    Yes – that was the “death comment” that intrigued me. Glad to see that Richard Madden is still pals with Kit.

    From the tone, it sounds like “a death that we aren’t going to see coming” is a character that Madden is familiar with. Someone that he knew or interacted with from his time on the show. No one would be surprised to see Theon die. Book readers won’t be surprised to see Jon “die” because…well, you know. Please not Sam!
  16. mariamb,

    That would be so weak!

    They aren’t gonna send Sam to Oldtown obvi, but why not maybe still send him to Braavos, where he could interact with Arya, and maybe even somehow rope her back into the main story… cuz lord knows how they’re going to do that. I know he’s at Hardhomme some part of this season based on A Day in the Life, so its not unthinkable, but would be weak.
  17. It took me a minute to get the ‘Veers” comment, before I remembered my Star Wars…

  18. I wouldn’t’ be surprised if

    Brienne dies,

    sad to say. If it’s

    her or Theon there will be many tears shed in this House of Tarth.
  19. Considering in the same interview Madden mentions Kit spoiling stuff for him, it makes sense that Kit spoiled this for him as well. Is it safe to say that the death is from Jon Snow’s storyline?

  20. Lulu’s Mum,

    No, I reassured her on the subject yesterday.

    He’s surviving s5 for sure.

    I’m not doing all the legwork again this time but there are articles on this very site that I linked to prove it.

  21. asdf,

    Yes, it would be weak.

    I love John Bradley and his performance. I don’t want to lose him yet. Hopefully, it won’t happen.
  22. I was thinking at one point that another death in Jon’s story might happen

    It would be a nice bit of irony if Thorne died defending Jon. Basically, I imagine him being in agreement with the other Watchmen who are angry at Jon, but not being in on the assassination plot and thus being shocked/fighting back when Jon gets stabbed. As it is, Thorne in the books was last seen going on a suicide mission.
  23. Greenjones:
    Lulu’s Mum,

    No, I reassured her on the subject yesterday.

    I’m not doing all the legwork again this time but there are articles on this very site that I linked to prove it.

    I deleted my comment ’cos I thought it sounded a bit weird and I couldn’t think of a way to re-phrase it before time ran out. Personally, I don’t believe anyone has survived a series of GoT until the final credits of ep 10 have rolled and the adverts have started, just in case! They might sneak one in the final seconds when I least expect it :O( If there are more than about 3 people I recognise left at the very, very, that’s-it-no-more-ever, end I will be very relieved. Hang on in there Jaime’s Girl and Weirwood Tree Hugger, he’s good for while yet. Well, alive anyway! ;O)

  24. Lulu’s Mum: Hope Jaime’s Girl is sitting down when she reads your comment! I worry about my fellow watchers’ well being :O(

    Haha thank you 🙂 🙂 🙂

    After nearly having a heart attack yesterday (thankfully Greenjones and others sorted me out) I am now convinced it’s not Jaime 😉

    My guess is Meryn Trant as others have said-

    he will probably be murdered by Arya in Braavos

    and frankly seems like he would have showed up to shooting without reading.

    PS- Happy Nameday to actor Ian Beattie (Meryn Trant), he’s 50 today according to his twitter @ianbeattie_ian where he displays a photo in his kingsguard armor for his profile, obviously a fan 😉

  25. I always got the impression somehow that Finn Jones knew he was on borrowed time and therefore wouldn’t be too put out by being killed off, although if he threw the script across the room after reading 5×10, it does fit. With that said, I think

    Meryn Trant

    is more likely.

    Dunno how much weight we can put on Madden’s “spoiler,” since he admits in the same interview that Kit both spoils him and lies to him about spoilers. Assuming it is a legit spoiler, if by “you” he means the average TV reader, I’m guessing he’s referring to

    Jon

    , but if he includes book readers in the group who’s not going to see it coming, I dunno.

    Sam

    , maybe?

    I’m not ruling out Theon, either, with Alfie’s interview about there being a light at the end of the tunnel in a Game of Thrones sort of way for Theon. That qualifier (Game of Thrones way) doesn’t sound great.
  26. Richard Madden is likely talking about

    Jon Snow. Richard hasn’t read the books, and Kit only read the first 4. I’ve speculated that the show might avoid ‘For the Watch’, especially if Jon is resurrected, or save it for early in s6. But I’m back to believing it will happen in the finale of s5.
  27. Mr Fixit,

    That was my thought too…saying we definitely won’t see it coming along with Martin’s comments about the show killing off characters still alive in the books is that someone pretty significant is about to get unexpectedly whacked.

    Possibilities include….

    Bronn,
    Littlefinger
    Sansa, (I sincerely hope not and consider it HIGHLY unlike but it is still possible,)
    Sweetrobin
    Asha/Yara
    Theon
    Shireen
    Loras
    Mace Tyrell
    Mance Raydar

    And that’s not even counting all the possible deaths at the Battles of Winterfell/Mereen that include the Boltons, Stannis, Davos, just about everyone in Mereen except Dany and Tyrion, etc. etc.

  28. Could they be following through with the Prologue by ending the season with

    Cersei dying?!?!?

    the actress is now pregnant, so perhaps she isnt expecting to come back!

  29. Winnie,

    I think it’s possible that a semi-major character who is still alive in the books could die this season, but I wouldn’t use GRRM as a source to prove this. He still goes on and on about Mago dying in season 1, and the butterfly effect it could have. That’s right, Mago, or better known as Dothraki number 57. When I hear that a character will die that is alive in the books, I presume it will be on the same level as Grenn,Pyp,Irri,Rakharo, and Talisa/Jeyne. Supporting characters. So my best guesses:

    Ser Meryn Trant(totally happening)

    Grey Worm
    Ser Alliser Thorne
    Sweet Robin Arryn

  30. I think it might be either

    Jorah or Loras

    However, it could also be

    anyone in the north since they’ve changed that whole storyline quite a bit. I’d give my eye teeth for Ramsay and Roose to die. Horribly…. bloody…. Or Littlefinger being killed by Sansa would be particularly delightful.

    I don’t think

    Meryn Trant dying would be a big enough deal for most people to be shocked, least of all Richard Madden or the actor. Maybe Bronn. It could be that they are planning to kill Jon Snow only to resurrect him in season 6 but then they’d have to keep it completely under wraps if he was filming which would be nearly impossible!
  31. I think it’s pretty hilarious that Kit Harington enjoys spoiling the show for Richard Madden. XD

  32. Tyrion Pimpslap:
    Richard Madden is likely talking about

    Actually I am pretty sure that Richard was one of the few that had read them. It seems like Richard, Emilia, Kit, John, and Michelle were the only ones that read them.

  33. alikat,

    I know Kit is on record that Bronn is his favorite character, so maybe that one was particularly painful for him, and he had to share with Richard Madden.
  34. cubicz,

    She was pregnant in Season 1 too. I’m not sure her pregnancy would preclude her coming back for Season 6.
  35. Lulu’s Mum:
    Unless it’s something really bizarre like in a Final Destination type film and he means the method not the person ;O)

    That’d be funny. Someone randomly dying from getting a ladder in the face. 😀
    I listen to the Boars Gore and Swords podcast and remember they had a lot of fun with the fact that a whole bunch of Stannis ship just sank on the way to the battle of Blackwater. Maybe the show should have some minor characters get on a ship that then sinks of screen.

    As for Jon Bradley’s comment I’m think Stannis will bring politics to the wall checking which families the remaining highborn people belong to. So when he finds out Sam is Randyll Tarly’s son he’ll probably comment on his father being an traitor and demand to know who Sam considers to be the one true king of Westeros.

  36. Apropos of nothing, I love that Richard and Kit are still friends. That warms my heart.

    It sounds sick, but I’m pretty excited about the non-book deaths, even if it’s likely going to be predictable small fry like

    Meryn Trant

    and

    Hizdahr

    . I’m hoping for something bigger and more inherently spoilery, though, a la Jojen or Talisa.

  37. alikat,

    I really want them to stay around for a while longer. The show needs some good extremely dark shade of gray characters.

  38. Deaths Prediction for Season 5 (19) :

    Janos (1/1)
    Pycelle (1/1)
    Maester Aemon (1/1)
    Kevan (1/1)
    Grey Worm (1/1)
    Meryn Trant (1/1)
    Balon (1/1) (off-screen)
    Olyvar (1/2)
    Myranda (1/2)
    Sweetrobin (1/3)
    Loras (1/3)
    Mance (1/3)
    Bronn (1/3)
    Tormund (1/3)
    Barristan (1/5)
    Hizdahr (1/5)
    Shireen (1/5)
    Podrick (1/5)
    Olly (1/5)

    Season 4 (17) :
    Polliver
    Joffrey
    Dontos
    Locke
    Karl
    Rast
    Rorge
    Lysa
    Oberyn
    Pyp
    Grenn
    Styr
    Ygritte
    Jojen
    The Hound
    Shae
    Tywin

    Season 3 (13) :
    Craster
    Jeor Mormont
    Kraznys
    Beric
    Martyn Lannister
    Rickard Karkstark
    Ros
    Mero
    Orell
    Catelyn
    Robb
    Talisa
    Grey Wind

    Season 2 (14) :
    Cressen
    Rakharo
    Yoren
    Lommy
    Renly
    Rodrick
    Alton Lannister
    Spice King
    Irri (off-screen)
    Qhorin
    Maester Luwin
    Xaro Xhoan Daxos
    Doreah
    Pyat Pree

    Season 1 (15) :
    Waymor Royce
    Gared
    Will
    Jon Arryn
    Jory Cassel
    Hugh of The Vale
    Viserys
    Robert Baratheon
    Septa Mordane (off-screen)
    Syrio Forel (off-screen)
    Mago
    Qotho
    Ned Stark
    Khal Drogo
    Mirri Maz Duur

  39. I think Bronn is a goner we know kit harrington really likes the character so I could see him being all like yo madden Bronn is gonna die! And his arc seems to be done.

  40. WeirwoodTreeHugger,

    I think they will. Bear in mind that we don’t know what happens in The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, but D&D do(to a degree). Perhaps Jaime is killed of in TWOW and they decided to move his death forward.

  41. Ozymandias,

    As long as you are compiling a list, you may want to include Tormund based on the “spoiler” that someone posted last week. I don’t think it was ever verified or denied but it sounded plausible.
  42. Tyrion Pimpslap:
    Winnie,

    I think it’s possible that a semi-major character who is still alive in the books could die this season, but I wouldn’t use GRRM as a source to prove this. He still goes on and on about Mago dying in season 1, and the butterfly effect it could have. That’s right, Mago, or better known as Dothraki number 57. When I hear that a character will die that is alive in the books, I presume it will be on the same level as Grenn,Pyp,Irri,Rakharo, and Talisa/Jeyne. Supporting characters.

    100% this. The characters who will die will be mid-level importance at best. I’m guessing there’s bascially zero chance a character on the level of Tyrion, Jaime, etc. will meet a fate on the show substantially different than in the books.

  43. Josh,

    But what if Jaime is supposed to die in TWOW? It’s not farfetched at all, considering his final chapter in A Dance with Dragons. And then the showrunners decided they for some reason wanted to move his death forward and there you go, dead Jaime, Game of Thrones season 5.

  44. Macharius:
    Josh,

    But what if Jaime is supposed to die in TWOW? It’s not farfetched at all, considering his final chapter in A Dance with Dragons. And then the showrunners decided they for some reason wanted to move his death forward and there you go, dead Jaime, Game of Thrones season 5.

    Look away, Jamie’s Girl…
    Look away!!!

  45. Macharius,

    No. We know for sure that he makes it to ep. 509 alive. In that scene he is no longer a prisoner but is dressed like Doran’s guest. He looks to be negotiating with him, Ellaria and Trystane. Myrcella is also present. Since she is heading back to KL in the books anyways, it stands to reason that Jaime has negotiated her return. Jaime’s storyline will then also be able to return to its book direction too.

    They will keep his death how it is in the books (if he does end up dying, that is). If it’s in the Riverlands then we’ll get it there. Walder Frey will return to the show eventually, we know this from David Bradley saying that D and D had told him that. That means the Riverlands will too.

  46. What about Nimble Dick Crabb???!! THEY’RE GOOD DRAGON MEN UP CRACKCLAW WAY! #NOONEUNDERSTAAAANDS

  47. Jimmy Jam Jam,

    I know, right?! LOL I think it

    could be Pycelle. I understand that Julian Glover said he knows how his character dies but he may not know when.
  48. Tormund’s Woman,

    Agreed. If they follow the book, he’ll die off-screen. The actor may be unhappy his character doesn’t get the death scene. Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I’m certain Pryce meant him.

  49. No one has mentioned the possibility of

    Podrick dying. He almost died via Lady Stoneheart but since she’s not around people assume he’s safe but who knows anymore….
  50. You people above might be on to something. The more I think about it …. what type of actor wouldn’t have read the scripts? Like is that done? Like actors surely must read scripts before they come to film… or am I naive?

    What about an actor whose character dies off screen who wouldn’t have had access to the scripts in virtue of not being physically included in the season? Perhaps…

    Balon’s actor?
  51. Just a short reminder (If anybody is interested in) of a dialogue from ASOS between Sam and Stannis regarding Randyll Tarly:

    (…) “That’s all. Maester, stay a moment. And you, Tarly. The rest of you may go.”
    Me? Sam thought, stricken, as his brothers were bowing and making their way out. What does he want with me?
    “You are the one that killed the creature in the snow,” King Stannis said, when only the four of them remained.
    “Sam the Slayer.” Melisandre smiled.
    Sam felt his face turning red. “No, my lady. Your Grace. I mean, I am, yes. I’m Samwell Tarly, yes.”
    “Your father is an able soldier,” King Stannis said. “He defeated my brother once, at Ashford. Mace Tyrell has been pleased to claim the honors for that victory, but Lord Randyll had decided matters before Tyrell ever found the battlefield. He slew Lord Cafferen with that great Valyrian sword of his and sent his head to Aerys.” The king rubbed his jaw with a finger. “You are not the sort of son I would expect such a man to have.”
    “I . . . I am not the sort of son he wanted, sire.”
    “If you had not taken the black, you would make a useful hostage,” Stannis mused.
    “He has taken the black, sire,” Maester Aemon pointed out.
    “I am well aware of that,” the king said. “I am aware of more than you know, Aemon Targaryen.” (…)

    Sam also thinks for a very short moment about his father in this famous lines by him:

    (…) Few of the birds that Maester Aemon had sent off had returned as of yet.
    One reached Stannis, though. One found Dragonstone and a king who still cared. A thousand leagues south, Sam knew, his father had joined House Tarly to the cause of the boy on the Iron Throne, but neither King Joffrey nor little King Tommen had bestirred himself when the Watch cried out for help. What good is a king who will not defend his realm? (…)

    (It’s also interesting to remember that Sam and Shireen are, IIRC, second-cousins because of their Florent mothers)

  52. Crabber’s Son,

    I doubt he’s dead. He’s just not present at that meeting. Neither are the Sand Snakes and I’m not assuming they’re dead because of that. We know already that Bronn survives being poisoned by Tyene, so I doubt beyond that there’ll be any more attempts on his life.
  53. asdf,

    That’s not too difficult to guess:

    Arya probably will get sucked into Daeny’s train when Daeny’s army heads west. Look to see a Stark in all of the major camps before it ends.

    As for who dies, well, there are any number of possibilities. Remember, most of the actors have not read the books, either (in general, actors do not like to know what is coming).

    As for Pryce’s comment that it was someone who hadn’t read the script, remember that some “old school” actors do not like to read the scripts until just before shooting. Many of them like to wait as long as possible so that they can mentally “capture” their reactions, and retain things like facial expressions and other physical reactions, etc. Then they throw that away and do it all over again the next day.

    My guess is that Madden is referring to a different death, given that Kit “Snowden” Harrington is the likely source of the leak. I could see one of the main Wildling leaders being killed. Indeed, it’s possible that the show will

    go one step further with Mance than the book did: Ramsay won’t just capture him, but put him to death as well. After all, it doesn’t look very probable that Mance is going to be much of a player in the future, and they’ve cast a reasonably big name in Ciaran Hinds to play the role.
  54. Wimsey,

    Interesting speculation about Arya!

    And that’s interesting about old school actors, I wasn’t aware of that method of acting, but it makes some sense and is intriguing. Man, I so so wonder who it is.

  55. asdf,

    English & European actors are very different from US actors. US actors often go in for “method acting,” in which they live/breathe/bathe the character while they are filming it. UK & European actors pride themselves on shifting gears.

    Moreover, in an “continuing saga” like this, even US actors often want to stay surprised. I remember the cast of Babylon 5 talking about that 20 years ago: they didn’t want JMS to tell them what was coming so that they could take things as they come. So, they shot largely in sequence, and they got the scripts for each episode as they were wrapping up. GoT probably is more convoluted: they probably have to take advantage of particular sets, etc., but one could see the actors having the same mentality there. If they are going to film, say, the sudden death of a friend, then they want to capture and hold the reaction of “Crap, I’m not going to be working with Joe Smith again.” My understanding is that a huge part of this is “memorizing” muscle controls,, etc.: it’s not just “smile” or “grimace,” but the exact way that they did so in ways that you or I probably could not hope to achieve.

    My bet is that actors could explain this far more eloquently than I can, as I am not an actor: but, then, it’s possible that their eloquent explanation wouldn’t mean much to someone else who is not an actor!

  56. Zeus,

    Sam being knocked down a bit is obvious, Stannis and Lord Tarly are military men therefore I am sure by the book Stannis won’t be pleasant concerning Sam’s condition or for that matter Gilly’s presence which violates NW code of conduct.

    What can I say about Nathalie that already has been said. Out of all the main characters and major supporting roles, She would be in my top three, as being the best ruler of Westeros, which is a credit to Ms. Emmanuel,

    Cannot believe Ms Gold hasn’t won an Emmy yet for casting GoT, shows you how idiotic award shows can be, personally I think Hollywood is jealous of successful British casting abilities, no other show in recent memory has such a resume for such a cast. Sure MM and BB have 3 or 4 great selections each, but not three or four dozen.

  57. Wimsey,

    It may well be possible I’m misunderstanding what you’re saying, but actors don’t tend to try and “memorize” muscle control, or however it was you put it. Yes, they make certain physical choices based upon the character, but the general idea is to be in the moment and react to what it given you, otherwise, especially with the camera being much closer than, say, an audience, things seem contrived. That’s also the case with theatre, but the difference in distance between the stage, even a small house, and a camera right up in your face is theatre is slightly more forgiving. Although, if you’re manufacturing your reactions, it will still come off as contrived. Yes, some actors will not read the entire script, although many directors view that as “not doing your homework.” Moreover, actors need enough time, at least with the scenes they’re in to not only memorize their lines, but at least enough of the lines of the other actors in which they share a scene to know their cues. Otherwise, it’s take, after take, after take.

  58. Do we know Richard is talking about someone who doesn’t die in the books? Maybe he just means Unsullied won’t see it coming…

  59. Nymeria Warrior Queen: but actors don’t tend to try and “memorize” muscle control, or however it was you put it.

    I probably am not stating it correctly: as I noted, I’m paraphrasing things that I’ve read or heard over the years. But my memory of what a couple of them seemed to be saying is that they would “remember” an expression they had after first reading something unexpected in the script. You don’t get to watch your own face, so something that actors have to do is “remember” the face.

    (Again, I’m probably butchering the explanation here! It certainly made sense when I read/heard actors talk about it.)

    Also, it is not that actors haven’t read the script before filming: it’s that often in series like this, they don’t like to read these scripts until shortly before they do the shooting. After all, there is no point in memorizing next weeks script while filming this weeks’ scenes!

  60. Wimsey,

    No worries, that’s why I prefaced my response with something about possibly misunderstanding what you’re saying. Most actors prefer to work from the inside out. While, yes, certain physical choices are made, as the physicality of a character is quite important, when it comes to reading a script for the first time, what most try and remember, as opposed to an expression, is a feeling…a reaction…sort of that initial response. I say “most” because, of course, not everyone works the same way. Also, while GoT may not be unique in this, it is at least rare that a script for a show, even with only 10 episodes per season, is finished before the season begins shooting. Thus, while some may not have their lines 100% performance ready long in advance, they are working on them. This is especially important since scenes are shot out of order, and the actors need to know their character’s overall arc well enough to be able to play the scene appropriately for where it is within the arc. Especially those who come from a theatre background, and they have some actors on the show with quite accomplished stage resumes, the more work you do in preparation, the more you can let it all go and really be in the moment…respond to what is being given to you. Watch the “I will be your champion” scene; you can see Peter Dinklage listening. That scene is a mater class!!!

    I hope that made some kind of sense.

  61. Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    Right, and if I am understanding you and what I have heard correctly, what they want to capture is that “inside.” They have to project that as if it is the first time again and again, sometimes in slightly different ways. My understanding is that many actors can essentially benchmark their reactions for at least a little while. That sort of makes sense, even if I cannot really grasp how you would do it. But, then, if you can do it, then you have what it takes to be an actor. To paraphrase Wayne Grtesky, as an actor, I am a great scientist!

    But that is also why they do not want to know what is happening to far in advance. (I can also see practical matters: let’s do this stuff now, and worry about other scenes later.)

  62. Wimsey:
    Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    Right, and if I am understanding you and what I have heard correctly, what they want to capture is that “inside.”They have to project that as if it is the first time again and again, sometimes in slightly different ways.My understanding is that many actors can essentially benchmark their reactions for at least a little while.That sort of makes sense, even if I cannot really grasp how you would do it.But, then, if you can do it, then you have what it takes to be an actor.To paraphrase Wayne Grtesky, as an actor, I am a great scientist!

    But that is also why they do not want to know what is happening to far in advance.(I can also see practical matters: let’s do this stuff now, and worry about other scenes later.)

    Yes, it’s about capturing it “inside,” and then letting it come out. I think what you’re saying about benchmarking is in terms of doing the same scenes, or portions thereof, from different angles (or closeups) for editing purposes. There is a definite skill involved in maintaining consistency.

    As far as not wanting to know stuff too far in advance, things are shot out of order, so they have to know the overall arc, so they can know where whatever they’re working on fits in. There are some who don’t like to read the entire script, but only read the scenes in which they’re involved, because they don’t like to have more information than the character does.

  63. asdf,

    If he/she had only read his/her script shortly before filming, then he/she might have been in for a shock!

    It would have to be an incidental character on a season-to-season contract. The major character actors have contracts for next year, after all.

  64. Messy Justin Massey,

    Thanks for the quote! I had forgotten that Sam and Stannis had a convo.

    I love ADWD Stannis so much… If they basically transcribe this scene I’d be happy. Sam might interpret this as being taken down a notch.

  65. I’m still not on the Loras is toast (hah!) train for a few reasons:
    1. I’m pretty certain that Finn’s throwing the script at the wall was about him being mad about another character’s fate. (Except I totally misunderstood him here).
    2. Why keep him as Willas/Garlan replacement and then kill him off right before Willas/Garlan become(s) relevant? (Except they got Orlando Bloom for that role after all).
    3. Finn still talking about future (as in beyond season 5*) developments for his character in interviews. (Except he is bullshittin).

    Thought Pryce was just talking about his predecessor High Septon here actually.

    * he talked about still hoping for

    disfigurment

    like in the books and also about staying at Marg’s side

    during her trail.
  66. Ahhhh GoT Deathwatch makes a welcome return.

    Here’s my my two pennies worth!

    Get the coffin ready;

    Meryn Trant
    Balon Greyjoy
    Janos Slynt
    Pycelle
    Kevan Lannister
    Jon Snow (kinda!)

    Serious jeopardy

    Bronn
    Obara Sand
    Myrcella Baratheon
    Myranda
    Grey Worm
    Allister Thorn
    Robin Arryn
    Ellaria Sand
    Shireen Baratheon
    Loras Tyrell
    The man whore in KL who’s name I forget. Male Ros basically.
    All of the drafted in for this series characters in Mereen.

    Outsiders

    Brienne
    Podrick Payne
    Barristan Selmy
    Missandei
    Jorah Mormont
    Tormund Giantsbane
    Mance Raydar
    Nym Sand
    Tyene Sand
    Olanna Tyrell/Redwyne…The Queen of Thorns

    Think everyone else will scrape through this season.

  67. TheTouchofFrost,

    I think it’s wishful thinking on your part

    naming any of the Sand Snakes. I actually believe GRRM when he says they will play a big role in the story moving forward.
  68. Tyrion Pimpslap,

    As much as I dislike them, I do have my reasons for thinking at least one of them will shift off this mortal coil.

    Mainly, it’s because three of them is a lot especially as they don’t actually do a lot ( cue the usual “but they will do”). I think Obara is most in jeopardy as book-wise her storyline isn’t going to happen (unless Darkstar and Balon Swann appear out of nowhere!). Also don’t think Ellaria is needed going forward so she may be offed. They may switch Obara into another of the SS roles and kill one of them off instead. Some may say she may take Arianne’s role but Arianne isn’t going to be needed if Aegon doesn’t exist. I think one or more of the Dornish contingent is in danger. In a streamlined story they all share a very similar role so can be trimmed down in size quite easily and it would liven up the Dorne story. Plus if the more unique Bronn dies then I want some sort of balance of characters I like and dislike popping their clogs!
  69. Dutch maester,

    I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to think that an SS could be a one-season casualty in S5, like their father in S4. I hope not but it could happen, which would inspire the others. We need to know what GRRM has in store for them as they become engaged in the KL/fAegon/Oldtown/Darkstar storylines. That is so frickin’ frustrating.
  70. Most of these actors don’t even read the books so their shocks might not be shocking to us.

  71. TheTouchofFrost,

    I agree that we could lose a SS this season. However, I think that we are least likely to lose Obara. I’m assuming that she will play a greater role in the Dorne story line than Book Obara. As you say, they could shift other SS roles to her. No need hire Keisha – the Oscar nominee – if she only stays around one season.
  72. zambi76,

    The High Sparrow is gonna string Loras up as he attempts to change the marriage laws in Alabama…I mean Westeros….and Cersei may even set him up! 🙂
  73. mariamb,

    Again I point to the legendary Sean Bean and numerous other fantastic actors who have played short but impactful roles.

    “All you have to do is to decide what to do with the time given to you.”
    – Gandalf

  74. TheTouchofFrost,

    Yes, good point. Love the use of that Gandalf quote.

    Still, if I was to bet, I would put my money on Show Obara surviving longer than Tyene or Nymeria.
  75. mariamb,

    Who knows. I think she may take the lead this season and perhaps die and then the other two girls will get their spotlight later. I think Ellaria may be in some trouble if she’s masterminding whatever might be going on. Can’t see Doran wanting anyone messing up his long game…whatever that may be now!
    Do we have to cover up speculation?!

  76. re: the unexpected death in KL… I feel like it’s going to be Tommen.

    If we’re starting the season off with Maggy the Frog’s prophecy, it seems like we would need SOMETHING in the season to give that prophecy some legitimate weight… and since other storylines are presumably going to be well past the end of the last book when s5 wraps up, and we still have 2 Barathister kids to kill off before Cersei gets to die, it wouldn’t be at all unthinkable for Tommen (or Myrcella?) to die in e9 or e10 of this year.

    Kind of a shame if I’m right, because he’s a more likable little fella on screen than what I recall from the books. On the other hand, his show-version likability is the only thing that would really make this a “shocking” death like the interview above is hyping… if he was book-version Tommen (a harmless idiot/puppet of the Small Council with a political platform consisting of kittens’ rights and a campaign to outlaw beets) it would be pretty hard for me to care about his death… unless it was totally rad… which it probably will be.

    Either that, or LS is finally going to show up in e9 and then re-die in e10, just to spite an angry internet.

  77. With the previous seasons, apart from series 2 there’s been two big deaths and four or five medium level deaths with the rest minor. No reason why that pattern won’t continue.

  78. LordDavos:
    With the previous seasons, apart from series 2 there’s been two big deaths and four or five medium level deaths with the rest minor. No reason why that pattern won’t continue.

    Interestingly, the show has killed off four starring characters in every season, barring Season 2 where no starring characters were killed. In Season 1; it was Viserys, Robert, Ned and Drogo. In Season 3; it was Jeor, Talisa, Robb and Catelyn. In Season 4; it was Joffrey, Ygritte, Shae and Tywin. I wonder if they will continue this trend in Season 5 or veer closer to Season 2.

  79. Zeus,

    Hilarious pun, but it’s way too early for that – if it happens at all, considering they made him more interesting in the show.

  80. Harma Dogememe,

    Yea no, he’s done way too little yet. Myrcella is a likelier canditate – given how they started out the Dorne storyline with Ellaria’s threat, and now all of this got resolved in this kitschy Abduction from Seraglio fashion, there’s bound to be some shocking turnaround considering whatever it is she’s still got in her sleeve.
    Well, could be next season too 🙂

  81. I’ve got this stupid vision, and no idea how it follows from the overall story (hardly a book reader) – but if Davos returns, attacks Stannis in rage who then regretfully stabs him with a knife… except the dying Davos somehow sneaks away amidst chaos (or silence), and then gets turned into an Other bent on destroying Stannis and the Red God?
    Would fit his beard (though Jeor would’ve looked creepier in full make-up), and make for an interesting twist on the whole ics vs. fire thing. But whatever, probably not gonna happen.

    Also, Ramsay wins over the Fire God Unfreezing Power fueled Stannis, simply thanks to his materialistic wit, and then subdues Mellisandre and now has supernatural powers over the continent? Suddenly, the horrible notion of Ramsay as the King (backed by magic no less) within grasp, and Davos is now backing the Orc horde against this even worse human monster, considering the theme of whether to root for Ramsay or Stannis now… sounds exciting, probably not gonna happen at all, but hey – anyone’s free to circumvent GRRM’s opinion and write fanfic 🙂

  82. Oh, and Sansa is now besieged by Stannis again, except now the Hound’s words about him being a killer ring even more true – but yea, she’ll have to do a whole lot in that last episode to justify her story arc, recent setbacks included, so no, not today 🙂

  83. Wimsey,

    I guess the facial muscles (and body muscles too) are directly tied to the brain’s emotion/interaction centres, so that doing certain things with them is nigh impossible without achieving the appropriate mental state first (cause the “conscious muscle control” just ain’t up to the job)?

  84. Sofia,

    Unlikely now, but a messianic character like Stannis would be IDEAL for a random death like that – I’m sure GRRM can dig up one or the other historical case of this nature as well.
    A world in which fate and magic exist, yet characters seemingly at the center of the cosmic plan are still subject to the whims of reality – RIGHT up GoT’s alleyway, hope they do something like this at some point!

  85. Samsa does some kind of sabotage that lets Stannis’ army in, then flees the scene with Theon and ends up way in the snow – thus finding herself in the same predicament as Stannis’ army after they were sabotaged; and out there in the cold, after she’s fulfilled her purpose, the Lord of Light shows gratitude…

    Varys, justifying his absence after not delivering Tyrion, shows up and kills Dany, which is shocking (yet typical) after her seemingly triumphing and showing a magical/messianic prospect… his motivations are yet vague, did you really think he was just gonna be the good way dreaming of founding America?
    He hates magic and those who practise it, and seemed in favor of killing her at some point; both for his own valid, yet unknown reasons!

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