Interview Magazine published an interview between Samuel L. Jackson and Gwendoline Christie. Though much of the conversation focused on Star Wars for … obvious reasons, Game of Thrones did find its way into the exchange.
Jackson asked Christie about any similarities and differences she finds between herself and Brienne. Christie responded:
There are some obvious similarities physically: we both have the same stature, she is a character who has felt marginalized due to the way that she looks and she is very androgynous. Those were all things that I could totally understand and connect with. The differences really lay in that before I started Game of Thrones, I was someone who wanted to lie on the sofa and eat chocolates and Brienne is a very physically active character who is incredibly strong, adept, and accomplished. I had to really go there on the physical stuff. I had to really start working out. I lost a lot of weight; I gained a lot of muscle. I had to really learn how to be a badass and do some serious shit kicking.
Christie, who has spoken in the past about facing ridicule for her appearance and connecting to Brienne through it, discussed her struggles while attending Drama Centre.
“It was tough; it was really tough. They told me I would find it difficult to find work because of the way that I look and they weren’t wrong. [laughs] I thought, “Well, I’ll prove you wrong” because I genuinely believed that the world was a more diverse place than they perhaps viewed it to be.
When asked about “real-life heroes” comparable to Brienne, Christie mentioned Oprah Winfrey for her “really strong, pure determination,” a lawyer with a “laser-like mind” named Melanie Hall, Simon Callow and Annie Lennox whose organization, The Circle, empowers women and girls.
Christie suggested that Jackson “get in touch with the [Game of Thrones] set production and do a set visit.” She offered to fly in to Belfast and give Jackson a tour next July.
It’s important to note, though, that her statement does not confirm that Brienne will appear in season 7. Set visits do not require the actor to still be performing on the show.
Still, those are some interesting set photos we can look forward to.
I’m gwendolining, not hodoring! I adore her! And Samuel L. Jackson, whom I discovered in Pulp Fiction in one of his greatest roles. Looking forword to see them acting together! Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Hodor?
In truth, she’s really a fascinating actress…she always has something interesting to say.
sj4iy,
I adore her. She’s articulate, funny, thoughtful, and always seems so gracious, but without any sort of affectation. I also love how she acknowledges her struggles without ever seeming to complain.
I hope for her reunion with Jaime in S6.
Yes to everything here. Gwendoline is just so damn good at putting concepts and ideas and struggles into words without pretension or affectation. And I bet she’s a riot when you get a few drinks in her.
Didn’t D&D say when they’d go out after filming, she’d try to get them drunk and try to pry secrets about the show out of them?
Lots of Gwendoline lately! I’m loving it and I’m really happy her career is sky rocketing! But it also makes me wonder if Brienne will be back next year. We need a confirmation!
PS
Her hair is so cool.
I’m on board with a SLJ cameo.
Say “bad pussy” again. Say “bad pussy” again, I dare you, I double dare you motherfucker, say “bad pussy” one more Goddamn time!
That would be incredible. I love SLJ.
I almost had a heart attack when I saw the headline. I thought omg they nailed Moqorro!
She is terrific and I greatly admire her tackling the role of outsider with such determination and success.
Gwen is my hero! And SLJ is awesome – give him a damn cameo!
Does anyone know when filming on Season Six will wrap? Gotta be getting close. The filming news has gotten down to a trickle at this point.
ETA: As soon as I pop over to Twitter I see @IrishThrones saying filming wraps next week.
“What’s up with all these god damned snarks on this mother fuckin grumpkin”
Dark Knight’s King,
It’s what we’ve been posting for months, basically- the last filming days known are around the 16th and the 17th.
I really hope that’s a tiny hint she survives this season.
I love her candor and intelligence. Definitely in my top 5 favourite actresses on the show.
When it comes to the fashion industry I am a total cynic: I basically feel that the whole thing is a huge scam to part fools from their money by making them feel like they have to replace their clothes before they’ve even begun to wear out. I don’t give a hoot whether what I wear is trendy or totally out of fashion; if it suits me, it suits me any year. So I pay little to no attention to models and fashion ads. Normally.
But that being said…damn, that Gwendoline looks good in clothes/makes clothes look good! She actually makes me pay attention! If the word ‘statuesque’ didn’t already exist, they would’ve had to coin it just for her.
Firannion,
I fully agree with you. Fashion doesn’t exist for me when I choose my clothes and I wear the things I love the most until they become torn. When I happen to watch a fashion show is like watching theatre – those things belong on the stage. But Gwendoline, wow! Fashion shows and couture must have been invented for her.
he can be plugged in anywhere with only slight modification-“they deserved to die, and I hope they burn in (seventh) hell!!!”
I love Gwendoline, so articulate and funny, she always has something intersting to say. I really hope GOT/Star Wars help to give her real career longevity.
Simon Callow, superb actor and author of an ongoing series of excellent biographies of Orson Welles. Great choice!
Wow, Samuel L. Jackson on a Game of Thrones set..
I’m sorry, but I just have to..
Get these MOTDAFLUBBIN sandSNAKES OFF THIS MOTDAFLUBBIN SHOW!
Also, who else is getting tired of Star Wars being literally every where? I’m quite interested in the advertizing business, so when I see a Star Wars add tie-in to Max Factor, or whatever Make-up brand, my ad-sense just goes ballistic.. It’s permeated everything now.. I’m just waiting for Star Wars Tennis Balls and… Nope.. I honestly can’t think of anything else that hasn’t already been Star Wars’ized. Heck, even Drake.. xD
Brienne’s scenes wouldn’t be out of place with a laugh track and falling anvils added. There’s an air of bungling to them, and failure hangs over her like a shroud. She perhaps is the Wile-e Coyote of Game of Thrones.
I keep waiting for Brienne to get serious and take The Hound’s very wise counsel in one of his very best lines: “There’s no safety, you dumb bitch!”
…oh, and I guess it’s just coincidence that Gwendoline, the actor, has the same physique as the character she plays, Brienne.
I have just received the Brienne figure from HBO Shop Europe. Well done! The details are amazing (her face, the armour, Oathkeeper). I especially like the way she stares, focused – she was designed by a great artist, indeed! And yes, it looks like Gwendoline.