Game of Thrones ending is true to the show’s harsh world, but not a “complete downer”

Photo: Simon Emmett, in Modern Luxury

As you’ve surely noticed, the Game of Thrones cast members are everywhere these days, talking up the show ahead of its final season. Nikilaj Coster-Waldau has been particularly vocal this week. He kept up the streak by speaking with Modern Luxury about his career, Jaime Lannister, and of course, the end of Game of Thrones.

“There’s more to this guy than you think,” Coster-Waldau said of Jaime. “We learn that maybe you can actually do horrible things and, also, at the same time, be an honorable man.”

"I knew this was a great character the first time I read the script. His motives were, as he said himself, ‘the things I do for love.’ He wants to protect his family, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes. What I love about my job is you try to examine why we act the way we do… what it means to be human. Jaime has this messed up romantic relationship with Cersei, his sister, but then you think about—well, maybe he wants to fall in love with someone he shouldn’t fall in love with."

That’s the polite way of putting it, yes.

Naturally, Coster-Waldau didn’t reveal anything specific about the ending — he’s way too experienced for that — but he did say he’s proud of the work he’s done, and gave us an idea of its general shape:

"The producers did an amazing job. It’s so tricky because the world is so vast. There are so many storylines. They found the balance between the beginning and the ending. There’s very few happy endings in that world. They did a great job in not being complete downers about it, but also being true to that world."

I don’t think many Game of Thrones fans honestly expect a happy ending, not after everything that’s happened. Things are going to be bittersweet at best, but it’s nice to hear that it at least won’t be a “complete downer.” Thank god for small victories.

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Modern Luxury also talked to Coster-Waldau’s friends and colleagues, including Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), who had nothing but lovely things to say about her costar. Maybe too lovely:

"Nikolaj has always regarded himself as my mentor or spiritual guide, a sort of Scandinavian Yoda. It has been an endless source of pleasure for me. His dedication, coupled with real generosity and care toward his fellow actors, elevates his work above the rest of us. That, and a strong jawline—it’s so sharp, it means he can slice cheddar cheese on it and hand out the slices as energy snacks."

If you want more of Christie, she also talked about her Game of Thrones journey for a half-hour at Emerald City Comic Con. Her last day on set was emotional, people:

Ah, so Christie would have liked to see Lady Stoneheart. She’s probably not alone.

And if you want more of Coster-Waldau, head over to Modern Luxury!

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