The magnificently larger-than-life universe painted in the uber-acclaimed series Game of Thrones attracted global viewership on an unprecedented scale. The show, created by David Benioff and Daniel Brett Weiss, premiered in 2011 and saw its continuation till 2019, successfully providing endless entertainment for almost a decade. Undoubtedly, George R. R. Martin’s printed fictional narrative and extensive worldbuilding shaped most of what was presented in the on-screen adaptation.
However, consumers of not only the television show but also the book series that it is based on were quick to point out some defining differences between both media forms of the renowned fiction. The TV series observes some degree of divergence from its printed counterpart. Regardless of the intent, the distinction is highly noticeable, especially to die-hard fans.
One character, who specifically underwent remarkable changes in the televised adaptation, is the Pilou Asbæk-depicted character—Euron Greyjoy. The actor who was efficient in his portrayal of the the unpredictable antagonist, expressed how his character in the show deviated from the source material.
Game Of Thrones Depicted Euron Greyjoy In A Different Light
Before the debut of the character within the TV franchise, fans were eagerly awaiting to see what havoc Euron Greyjoy would cause in the narrative. Antagonistic, morally corrupted, temperamental, and rather disturbing, Euron’s depiction in the books elevated people’s expectations. They were in for a ride, with Danish actor Pilou Asbæk even claiming that his character in Season 7 would make Ramsay Bolton, portrayed by Welsh actor Iwan Rheon, look like a “little kid.”
The implications behind such a statement are automatically bound to give the audience hope for a scarier future in the narrative. Alas, many fans, even today, hold complaints against the portrayal of Euron in Game of Thrones. Many believe that unlike his book counterpart, Euron in the television series appears to be a flat, one-dimensional villain.
Some also expressed that the potential Euron had was humongous and endless. The only blunder that was made by the showrunners is his late incorporation into the TV show’s narrative. If he were given an early introduction in the premise, there would have been enough room to fully flesh out the character.
In the books, written by George R. R. Martin, Euron’s characterization is heavily woven around his passion and knowledge of black magic and dark arts. He also had an indisputable influence in the overarching plot, as the potential harbinger of the apocalypse to Westeros with his unpredictable plans. The terror he evokes in the readers is heavily reliant on psychological warfare and emotional exploitation, all shrouded under a veil of mysterious motives.
When it concerns physical traits, an important part of character writing that builds readers’ perception of a character, Euron, in the books, has an ill-omened and menacing presence. He adorns a distinctive black eye patch which is completely absent in the TV series. This eyepatch led him to be nicknamed the Crow’s Eye.
Pilou Asbæk’s Thoughts On His Character
Danish actor Pilou Asbæk expressed, in an interview with NME, that he wished for his Game of Thrones character to exhibit traits that are present in the source material. The talent enjoyed the idea of Euron Greyjoy being a “dark lord” figure within the franchise, a man who lurks in the shadows. A character whose mysterious demeanor would raise more questions than answer them.
When asked what a spin-off with Euron would look like, the actor had the following to say:
“I wish we would’ve gotten some more sides to Euron Greyjoy, so it wasn’t pure horniness or craziness or evilness, but also the black magic – it came out of power, wanting power. Like a crazy pirate coming-of-age story.”
The reason why there was a half-hearted incorporation of character elements in Game of Thrones that were true to its source material was explained by the Samaritan alum on many occasions. “But end of the day you are hired and you follow the vision set out for you,” said Asbæk.
In the NME interview, the actor also stated the following:
“I wish we would’ve maybe got a little bit more inspired by how the character is in the books, but that just didn’t fit the characters and the arcs that they [showrunners] wanted.”
Pilou Asbæk’s affirmation resonated with thousands of fans who felt the same way. Wasted potential is one of the most detrimental jabs a fictional narrative can take. A single character is often enough to turn the picture upside down. If not properly used, the audiences are left to mourn over the “what ifs” and “buts.”
Unfortunately, Euron Greyjoy’s ending in the television series has doomed the fans of the show to the aforementioned fate, where his wasted potential will forever be immortalized through internet discourse and debate. The netizens will simply have to keep pondering over what could’ve been.
Source: Twitter
