Well, Jaime, yeah.
He certainly comes across that way in the beginning, intentionally so.
I dont think he is that nasty.
He had to do something, because of what happened.
The specifics of that situation.
It was a matter of life or death.
What interested me about the series is that it adds so many taboo subjects to the fantasy genre.
You dont see those full-blooded, adult topics in fantasy much.
You couldnt let your kids see this.
Is that what interested you in it?
I was interested in the way the characters- theyre all human, the way they deal with life.
I like the theme of what power does to people.
And that you cant judge a book by its cover.
Whats interesting is that the perspective changes.
Its all about, who are you?
At the beginning of the show, a kids captured.
All the kid did was run because he was scared.
He told the truth and for that his head was chopped off.
He broke an oath.
You think, hang on.
So, its all about what perspective you have.
Then you meet new characters.
One thing George R R Martin does is surprising things to main characters.
But he says so himself.
Were not black and white.
It is a very intriguing world.
So, well come to sympathise with your character later on, then?
Well, I think so.
Much later on, if it goes to more seasons, you will.
But I dont think anyone can forget what happens at the beginning.
What was it like working with Sean Bean?
Clearly, hes very experienced, and very intense.
Its easy to work with a good actor, because you just react to what he does.
So, it was great.
I noticed, as well, that of all the male characters, you had the best hair.
Was that a stipulation in your contract?
Sorry, I need best hair.
Im not wearing a wig.
It just flows naturally!
Did you like the costume period element of it?
I think whats great is that, when HBO commit, they go in all guns blazing.
They attract the very best set designers, the whole thing.
They do create this world.
So, when you do the scenes, you look around, and youre just in there.
But thats what being an actors all about.
You dress up and pretend, and in the moment, its normal.
Stunts, fighting, that kind of thing?
We did a little training, but thats a question of learning a dance.
Its not you say, Okay, Sean.
[mimes a frantic sword fight]
Have you watched all the episodes back yet?
No, just the first two.
Some actors have a problem watching themselves on screen.
Is that a problem for you?
It depends on what it is.
Intimate scenes and sex scenes are difficult to do, but watching them back is horrible.
But this ones such an ensemble piece.
Half of it I hadnt even seen until Id watched it back.
The whole world is so huge.
In this case, it was interesting to watch it back.
But I dont necessarily enjoy watching myself, really.
Looking in the mirror, maybe, yes.
With this kind of budget, you’re free to tell far bigger, more lavish stories.
I dont think its overtaken, but it does attract the very best filmmakers.
Its not scaled down, TV, but you do have the space to tell a ten hour story.
you’re free to really use a movie budget, more or less.
Thats attractive to writers and directors, everyone involved.
Yeah, it was six months.
But if the shows good, its definitely worth it.
Its like being in theatre, so you’re free to do other stuff.
If you do a web link show, its nine, ten months a year, and thats it.
I think thats why cable attracts a lot of film actors, as well.
Is it attractive to you that the budgets so big?
And here, you have the time to make it right.
It does make a difference, the budget.
They pay less, but they do so because they do it right.
So, youd be happy to do a second series?
Youre prepared for that further commitment?
We know theres an ending, at least.
Unless George R R Martin writes more books.
But hes so slow, so well overtake him!
How did you get on with the other cast members?
I was the foreigner.
They didnt like me.
[laughs] No, it was great.
In most workplaces, you get along, dont you?
There are a lot of young actors here, too, which is a good thing.
But then youre suddenly known as the older guy.
Im not sure I like that!
There are so many children involved, but its such an adult show.
You wouldnt want them to see it.
I cant really say that I was at all, actually.
I hadnt read the books.
I dont know why that is.
But I read theGame Of Thronesbooks, and theyre great.
A great world to enter.
So, I guess I had some silly ideas.
I didnt really know much about the genre before.
But genre doesnt really matter, does it?
If the storys good, its good.
If its good writing, its good writing.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, thank you very much.
Game Of Thronesmakes its UK premiere on the 18th April on Sky Atlantic.
Read more of ourGame Of Thrones coverage here.
