Game of Thrones which was adapted from a series of fantasy novels by George R.R Martin titled A Song of Ice and Fire, took the world by storm by becoming one of the most popular television shows of all time. The series ended its 8th season with a staggering 10 million viewers tuning in to HBO.
Among the many memorable characters created by Martin who were brought to life on screen, Euron Greyjoy played by Pilou Asbaek is a chilling and ruthless antagonist who has stayed in the minds of fans across the world. The actor though, had a bone to pick regarding the fate of his character in the finale, and requested Martin to rewrite the ending.
This Game Of Thrones Star Wanted George R.R. Martin To Change His Character’s Predicament
King Euron III Greyjoy also known as Crow’s Eye, is one of the main antagonists in George R. R. Martin’s Game Of Thrones series that took the world by storm. The character played by actor Pilou Asbaek, is a feared pirate who is known for his ruthless acts including r*ping countless women, pillaging territories, and enslaving many people across the oceans.
Greyjoy also has a complex relationship with Cersei Lannister portrayed by Lena Headey, in which both characters are seen using each other for their gain. The show which ended after the 8th and final season, received criticism from audiences who felt that it was too rushed and eager to tie the loose ends a little too quickly.
Meanwhile, Asbaek had his own bone to pick with for the way in which his villain Grejoy’s arc was culminated in the series. While Martin’s novel showcased many chilling and powerful nuances to the character, the series could not portray the depth of these aspects that made Greyjoy a force of nature.
In the end, the antagonist meets his death in the hands of Cersei’s brother Jamie Lannister following a bloody duel.This ending did not sit well with Asbaek who spoke about what he had envisioned for the pirate.
In a lighthearted statement to The Sun that was addressed to Cersei Lannister during an award appearance in Madrid, he revealed that he had texted the author elaborating on why he believed that his character was hard done by in the show.
“The books should end with our wedding, saying yes over two marvellous elephants, ideally. George seems not to be online. Would you mind phoning him? And what about tweeting that I was and will always be the love of your life? I miss you. Yours, Pilou. Please do it for your salty boy, blondie.”
The actor then turned his attention to Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who portrayed Jamie Lannister to remind him that he was defeated him in the deadly fight and not the other way around. Asbaek remains the only star to have openly adressed issues with his character directly to Martin.
The actor though, defended criticisms of the show in an interview in The Wrap by stating that it was virtually impossible to satisfy every viewer around the world. What he expected was for people to immerse themselves into the narrative and get fully involved even if it meant that there were instances of backlash.
George R.R. Martin Promises To Give Fans A Treat With The Hedge Knight
George R.R. Martin’s brilliance as a writer saw him create many epic works that have become massive series on television. Now, after the iconic Game Of Thrones and House of the Dragon that became huge blockbusters, fans will get to witness Martin’s novellas come to life.
The first part of the Tales of Dunk and Egg trilogy is The Hedge Knight which is set between the events in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, and has been given the green flag by HBO (via Variety) to be developed into a series.
The story follows the adventures of two unlikely heroes, a brave knight called Ser Duncan the Tall aka ‘Dunk’ and his young squire ‘Egg’ who becomes the future King Aegon V Targaryen.
On his website Not A Blog, Martin gave fans many details of what to expect from the show including the actors who had been cast in the central roles. Former rugby player Peter Claffey will portray Ser Duncan the Tall while child actor Dexter Sol Ansell will play the young King Aegon V Targaryen.
The writer took the opportunity to also address the physicality of the lead character to give fans some clarity after he sensed a few criticisms regarding this aspect. While he termed Claffey as tall and therefore a good fit for the role, he admitted that it was obviously not possible for him to attain the extraordinary height required for Ser Duncan.
Having said that, the author assured his fans that this difference would not be conspicuous thanks to technology that could do wonders to transform the appearance of anyone based on the requirements of the role. He also spoke highly of his lead actor and said,
”His readings were terrific. I think you’re going to love him.”
Martin also lauded Ansell as the perfect choice for Egg and revealed that he was wise beyond his years. He was confident that the two actors would feed off each other and make a perfect pair in the show.
All 8 seasons Game Of Thrones can be streamed on HBO.
