How did the "Game of Thrones" stars fare on set? Which moments shaped you? A new book takes a look behind the scenes.
The HBO series "Game of Thrones" delighted an audience of millions worldwide. The production around the Seven Kingdoms celebrated its grand finale in May 2019. Today, on November 23, 2020, a year and a half later, a book will be published with "Fire cannot kill a dragon" that looks behind the scenes of the successful series. The award-winning US journalist James Hibberd accompanied the actors during filming and put exclusive interviews on paper. These stories should not be missed by real "Game of Thrones" fans.
Emilia Clarke: Fears of death on the set
For Emilia Clarke (34, "A Whole Half a Year") alias Daenerys Targaryen, the shooting of "Game of Thrones" could have been over sooner than anyone would have liked. The actress suffered a cerebral haemorrhage at a London gym after completing season one. She had to be operated on. A second tumor, which according to the doctor could burst at any time, was not removed.
Clarke and the entire team were worried. "We were in a stone quarry in the desert with a temperature of 32 degrees and we were constantly afraid that I would get another cerebral hemorrhage. I kept asking myself: Do I have to die? Will it happen on set?"
Gwendoline Christie and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: Quite the best enemies
For Gwendoline Christie (42) alias Brienne von Tarth, the commitment to "Game of Thrones" was something special. She joined the cast in season two and after Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's (50) "impressive appearance in the first season" she had great respect for the Jaime Lannister actor. Their first meeting took place with the makeup artist. She introduced herself to her co-star – and was disappointed. "He looked me up and down like I was an alien or a bunch of crap and then said, 'Oh, that's you?' I felt terrible. "
To this day, Coster-Waldau denies that the first meeting went like this. "Nikolaj has an extremely bad memory," claims Christie. Either way, the two actors became friends. However, they kept their arguments. Coster-Waldau explains: "To the annoyance of the others, we agreed pretty quickly that we would behave like our characters in private. So the teasing between Jaime and Brienne continued outside of the set."
Kit Harington: Great feelings in front of the green screen
Kit Harington (33, "Gunpowder") alias Jon Schnee not only made new friends on the set of "Game of Thrones", but also met his great love. Ygritte actress Rose Leslie (33) was previously a stranger to him. "When I found out Rose was getting the part, I Googled her," he recalls. He saw her for the first time at the costume rehearsal. "She offered me a ginger biscuit, which I found very cute. I was blown away immediately. And her portrayal of the character knocked me out too, because she was just brilliant."
Harington also has a favorite scene. In season three he climbs the wall with Ygritte. After the challenging ascent, a deep kiss falls. If the green screen were to be imagined away, says Harington, "this would be the very best moment in which I kiss my future wife". "I remember, I didn't want anyone to call out 'cut'. 'Please no cut, that's so perfect.'" The two series stars have been married since 2018, the first child is on the way.
Jack Gleeson: When he didn't want to be an actor anymore
Jack Gleeson (28) largely drove the "Game of Thrones" fans to despair as the ruthless Joffrey Baratheon. But his decision aside from the role caused a sensation and incomprehension: he no longer wanted to be an actor. "I've been playing since I was eight. At some point I didn't have as much fun as I used to," he explains.
The Irish don't hate acting, "but it's not what I want". "I was also a little uncomfortable seeing my face on buses and posters. I like it when only my friends and family know me." But he doesn't seem to be getting away from the business entirely. He is now in front of the camera for the BBC sitcom "Out of Her Mind". The first role for Gleeson since "Game of Thrones".