Game of Thrones season 8: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau teases Jaime Lannister arc

The actor teased the final run of six episodes in a brand new interview

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 26 June 2018 10:04 BST
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(HBO)

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For the stars of Game of Thrones, their experience has come to an end with several of its lead actors time on the HBO show now at an end.

Who lives and dies remains to be seen, however, it's already been confirmed that several main characters won't make it out of the series alive (not that we really needed it confirming, mind).

One character who it seems we should be concerned about is Jaime Lannister. The character, who started out one of the series' chief villains, has evolved into one of the biggest fan favourites - an example of the show's strong writing team as well as the performance of actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who has teased the final season in a brand new interview with Vanity Fair.

Now separated from his lover/sister Cersei (Lena Headey), Coster-Waldau was most concerned with evolving this character he's played since 2011 even further.

“Most people have moments in their life where you go, ‘Can I really, fundamentally change?’ The core of him has always been Cersei. When that’s taken away, what are you then? What’s left? Is there anything left? When he leaves, obviously he has no idea. He doesn’t know the answer to that question.”

Reflecting upon the moment in which Jaime tells Cersei he “doesn't believe” she'll have him killed, he adds: “That’s, of course, said in a moment of passion. Who knows if it’s true? I’ve almost been married 20 years - 6 June will be our 20th anniversary - and I’m very, very lucky. I have a wonderful wife. But over 20 years, there are times where you have fights. You can be so angry that for a second in your passion and anger you can go, ‘Oh, f*ck this.’ Of course, three seconds later, you go, ‘No, no, no. What am I doing? What am I thinking?’ I think the fundamental emotions are the same in every relationship. As a setup for the season we’re shooting now, it was just amazing.”

Whatever happens, he believes showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss - who received a standing ovation as the final scene was read out at the table read - have succeeded with the final season.

“The boys have done an amazing job with ending Game of Thrones," he said. ”It’s definitely been the toughest season - by far - that we’ve shot, ever. But it’s also been the most fulfilling.”

Game of Thrones seasons 1-7 are also available to stream on NOW TV

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