Nikolaj Coster-Waldau on Ending of Game of Thrones

TL;DR

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau shares thoughts on Game of Thrones' conclusion.

Transcript

ALICE MERTON. AND ON THURSDAY, DON CHEADLE, KIERNAN SHIPKA, AND MUSIC FROM HOZIER. IN SEVEN SPECTACULAR SEASONS, OUR FIRST GUEST THREW A KID OUT A WINDOW, KILLED HIS COUSIN AND DID IT WITH HIS SISTER A LOT OF TIMES, AND YET, SOMEHOW, WE'RE STILL ROOTING FOR HIM. THE EIGHTH AND FINAL SEASON OF "GAME OF THRONES" PREMIERES SUNDAY NIGHT ON H... Read More

Key Insights

• 😓 The emotional complexity surrounding Game of Thrones' conclusion resonates with both cast and fans, indicating the show's significant impact.
• 🤪 Secretive measures for script distribution reveal the lengths the creators went to protect the series' ending from leaks.
• 🖤 Fan theories can be compelling but often lack the depth or nuance present in the show’s actual conclusion, underscoring the creators' narrative complexity.
• 🤗 The desire for memorabilia, such as Jamie's hand, reflects the strong bond actors have with their characters and the show's legacy.
• 🧑‍🏭 Digital scripts may streamline production but can disadvantage actors who prefer traditional methods for memorization and engagement with the material.
• 🪭 Many theories circulating among fans suggest intense speculation around character dynamics, highlighting the deep investment audiences have in storyline outcomes.
• 🧑‍🏭 Coster-Waldau's interactions with the theories indicate the playful relationship actors maintain with public fandom, navigating both intrigue and confidentiality.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were Nikolaj's feelings about the end of Game of Thrones?

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau expressed a bittersweet mix of excitement and sadness regarding the series' conclusion. He articulated how, despite being thrilled for the finale, there is a sense of mourning for the end of such a monumental and beloved show, creating a shared sentiment among fans.

Q: How did he find out about the series finale?

Coster-Waldau mentioned that he learned about the finale’s details through a secured app. Scripts were provided on this platform and would magically disappear after being read, ensuring that the shocking elements remained a secret until broadcast.

Q: What does he think about fan theories regarding the show?

He acknowledges that he has read various fan theories, finding them interesting but expressing that, although some theories might make sense, he has not come across one that accurately captures the entire conclusion of the storyline as envisioned by the creators.

Q: Did he wish to keep any specific prop from the show?

Coster-Waldau revealed that he wanted to keep Jamie's hand, a key prop from his character. Although he couldn't retain it, he expressed a hope that it might be returned to him once the exhibitions featuring Game of Thrones artifacts were completed.

Q: How does he feel about learning his lines digitally?

He expressed disdain for the digital format of his scripts, preferring paper versions where he could take notes. Coster-Waldau felt that having physical scripts from earlier seasons was essential, contrasting with the nebulous nature of digital scripts that cannot be permanently saved.

Q: What were some fan theories discussed during the interview?

The theories ranged from Jamie killing Cersei to Jon Snow potentially becoming the Night King. Coster-Waldau reacted thoughtfully to these ideas, noting their intrigue while stressing that none fully encompass the true ending they crafted for the show.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, known as Jamie Lannister, discusses his mixed emotions about the end of Game of Thrones, expressing excitement but sadness for its conclusion.

• He reveals that he has known the series' finale plot since June of the previous year, emphasizing how scripts were secured away digitally to maintain secrecy.

• The conversation also touched upon popular fan theories regarding character fates while highlighting how none have completely predicted the show's actual outcome, which Coster-Waldau found overwhelmingly satisfying.