Game of Thrones captivated millions of viewers worldwide with its intricate plots, richly developed characters, and breathtaking landscapes.
Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series explores the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne.
For those who love behind-the-scenes details, these 20 interesting facts about Game of Thrones will offer delightful insights.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the series’ impact on pop culture, this collection of facts promises to enhance your appreciation of the show.
From casting choices to on-set trivia, these tidbits reveal the magic and hard work that made Game of Thrones a global phenomenon. Dive into these fascinating facts and discover what made the series so unforgettable.
1. The Iron Throne was originally meant to be even taller
The Iron Throne, a symbol of power and authority in the Game of Thrones series, had a much grander design in its original conception.
According to George R.R. Martin, the throne was supposed to be massive and towering. The vision included steps leading up to a seat that loomed over anyone approaching it.
He described it as ugly and asymmetrical, with melted swords and twisted metal jutting out in all directions. This design was meant to show the brutal nature of Aegon the Conqueror, who had it built using the swords of his defeated enemies.
In the TV adaptation, the throne was scaled down significantly due to practical reasons. The show’s creators had to balance artistic vision with logistics of filming and budget constraints.
Despite these changes, the Iron Throne still remains a powerful and iconic symbol within the show’s universe. This grand seat of power sits in the Red Keep at King’s Landing and is known for its uncomfortable and imposing design.
Fans who visit the Iron Throne in various exhibitions around the world often face a very different experience from what was originally envisioned by the author.
Understanding the original design intent adds another layer of depth to the already rich lore of Game of Thrones.
2. Kit Harington kept his Jon Snow costume after the final season.
Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, kept his character’s costume after the final season. This included the iconic black cloak and leather armor.
Harington felt a strong connection to Jon Snow. He mentioned that taking off the costume for the last time was like being “skinned”. It symbolized the end of a very important chapter in his life.
After years of portraying Jon Snow, Harington found it hard to part with the character. Keeping the costume was a way for him to hold on to the memories and experiences from the show.
Harington’s decision to keep the costume reminds fans of the deep bond between actor and character. For many, Jon Snow became a legendary figure in television history. Keeping the costume is a tribute to that.
3. Maisie Williams (Arya) and Sophie Turner (Sansa) are best friends in real life.
Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner met in 2009 during a chemistry read for Game of Thrones. Maisie was 12, and Sophie was 13. Their connection was instant and deep.
Throughout the show’s run, their friendship only grew stronger. They were often seen together at events and shared fun moments on social media. Fans loved watching their bond.
When Game of Thrones ended in 2019, Maisie and Sophie took souvenirs from the set. They even spoke about their experiences on Good Morning America.
Their relationship went beyond co-stars. They often referred to each other as sisters, highlighting their close bond. Their time on the show created a lifelong friendship.
They continue to support each other’s projects. Sophie was a bridesmaid at Maisie’s wedding, showing their friendship stands the test of time.
Their off-screen moments, like appearing together in interviews, highlight their fun and genuine connection. It’s clear they share a special bond that goes beyond their roles as Arya and Sansa Stark.
4. Peter Dinklage was the show’s first casting choice
Peter Dinklage was the first actor cast for Game of Thrones. The show’s creators knew from the start that he was the perfect fit for Tyrion Lannister.
They admired his unique presence and acting skills. Dinklage’s performance quickly made him a fan favorite.
Dinklage grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, and his first taste of acting was in fifth grade. He always had a passion for performing.
He was the only American in the main cast. His co-stars were mostly European, adding to the show’s diverse talent pool.
Before Game of Thrones, Dinklage had already made a name for himself in Hollywood. His role in the indie film The Station Agent brought him critical acclaim.
Peter’s big break came with Tyrion Lannister. He brought depth, humor, and complexity to the character, making Tyrion unforgettable.
Dinklage’s commitment to the role paid off. He won multiple awards for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his incredible talent.
His casting was a brilliant decision. It set the tone for the quality and success of the series from the very beginning.
Learn more here.
5. The show’s creators planned the Red Wedding years before it was filmed
The creators of Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, had the Red Wedding in mind from the early stages of the show’s development. This tragic event was inspired by two historical massacres from medieval Scotland.
The scene was filmed in 2012 although the planning took place long before that. Extensive rehearsals and careful planning were crucial to execute such a dramatic and complex scene.
The filming of the Red Wedding took place over five days in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The crew worked tirelessly to create the shock and emotional impact that the episode delivered.
The actors, including Richard Madden and Michelle Fairley, were aware that this was one of the most pivotal moments of the series. The creators wanted to ensure that every detail was perfect, knowing how important this scene was for the story.
David Nutter, the director of the episode, played a key role in bringing the creators’ vision to life. His expertise in managing emotional and complex scenes was crucial for this pivotal moment in Game of Thrones.
The meticulous preparation paid off, making the Red Wedding one of the most memorable and shocking moments in television history.
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss knew that this scene would change the course of the series, and they were right. The Red Wedding had a lasting impact not only on the story but also on the audience and pop culture.
6. Arya’s direwolf, Nymeria, survived in the wild.
Nymeria, Arya Stark’s beloved direwolf, had a dramatic journey. She was set free by Arya in Season 1 to save her from being killed after biting Joffrey. Nymeria showed immense resilience and adapted to life in the wild.
Years later, Arya encountered Nymeria again in Season 7. Arya was heading north to Winterfell when she stumbled upon a pack of wolves led by a massive direwolf. Arya immediately recognized this leader as Nymeria.
Nymeria did not return with Arya. Instead, she chose to remain with her pack. This moment highlighted Nymeria’s transformation. She was no longer the domestic pet Arya once knew, but a powerful and independent leader of the wolf pack.
Nymeria’s survival symbolizes strength and independence. It draws a parallel to Arya’s own journey from a young girl to a fiercely independent warrior. Both have navigated many challenges and grown stronger in their own ways.
For more information, you can read further in the Yahoo article which touches on Arya and Nymeria’s reunion.
Nymeria’s choice to stay in the wild, despite recognizing Arya, reminds viewers of the natural and free spirits of both characters.
7. The Dothraki language was created specifically for the show.
The Dothraki language in Game of Thrones was brought to life by David J. Peterson. He won a contest to develop the language specifically for the show. This language wasn’t just a few random words; it had its own grammar and vocabulary.
Peterson created thousands of words for the Dothraki language. He worked from the Dothraki words and phrases provided in George R. R. Martin’s books. This helped make the language feel authentic and consistent throughout the series.
Dothraki is a constructed language, also known as a conlang. Some other well-known conlangs include Klingon from Star Trek and Elvish from The Lord of the Rings.
Daenerys Targaryen, a key character in Game of Thrones, learned to speak Dothraki to communicate with her new tribe. This was significant for her character development and helped deepen the story.
The Dothraki language added depth to the show’s world-building. It made the Dothraki culture feel more real and immersive for the audience. This attention to detail is one reason why Game of Thrones was so successful.
You can learn more about the creation of the Dothraki language on the Wikipedia page for Dothraki language or other similar sites.
8. Game of Thrones has multiple prequels in development
Game of Thrones fans will be thrilled to know there are several prequels in development. These prequels aim to expand the rich lore and history of Westeros.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is one such prequel. Set 90 years before Game of Thrones, it follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg. This series is based on the Dunk and Egg novellas by George R.R. Martin. Learn more.
House of the Dragon is another exciting prequel. It explores the Targaryen family’s rise to power, taking its story from George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood.” The show already has a successful first season and continues to attract fans. Read further details.
There’s also Ten Thousand Ships, which focuses on the journey of Princess Nymeria and the Rhoynar. This series is set 1,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Nymeria’s story is a crucial part of Westeros’ history. Find out more.
Each of these prequels brings a new angle to the beloved Game of Thrones universe, offering fans fresh stories and deeper insights.
9. The Battle of Winterfell took 55 nights to film.
The Battle of Winterfell, one of the most epic scenes in Game of Thrones, required a staggering 55 consecutive nights of filming. This massive undertaking took place in freezing temperatures, making conditions challenging for everyone involved.
Cast and crew had to endure cold, snow, rain, mud, and sometimes even sheep grazing in the fields of Toome and the winds of Magheramorne. Despite these hardships, they persevered night after night.
The filming involved hundreds of extras who played the armies clashing in the dark, intense battle scenes. Indoor scenes were also shot separately to complete the epic sequence.
For comparison, the Battle of the Bastards in the previous season only took 25 days to film. This shows the immense scale and complexity of the Battle of Winterfell. Many fans agree it was worth the effort, as it resulted in one of the most memorable moments of the series.
Learn more about the Battle of Winterfell and its filming here.
10. The Direwolves Are Based on Prehistoric Animals
In “Game of Thrones,” the direwolves are majestic and powerful. They are based on real animals known as dire wolves. These creatures lived during the Late Pleistocene epoch, which was about 250,000 to 10,000 years ago.
Dire wolves were larger than today’s gray wolves. They had a more robust build and stronger jaws. They weighed around 150 pounds on average. These traits made them excellent hunters.
Scientists discovered the first dire wolf specimen in Indiana, USA, back in 1854. They found that these wolves roamed both North and South America. Some fossils even hint that they were in tropical habitats.
The show’s creators used these facts to craft their direwolves. They took inspiration from these real prehistoric creatures to make the direwolves in the show seem more authentic and fearsome. The strong jaws and large size are direct references to their ancient counterparts.
For more on the real-life creatures that inspired these mythical wolves, visit 28 Great Facts About Dire Wolves or a fearsome prehistoric carnivore.
11. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime) didn’t read the books before filming
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister, went into filming Game of Thrones without reading the books by George R.R. Martin. This approach allowed him to bring a fresh perspective to his character.
He wanted his portrayal of Jaime to be influenced by the script alone. Coster-Waldau believed that sticking to the script was crucial for staying true to the show’s vision.
Despite this, Coster-Waldau has expressed admiration for the detailed world Martin created. He found the content engaging but chose to focus on the performance and direction given by the showrunners.
By not reading the books, Coster-Waldau avoided any preconceived notions. This decision helped him focus on Jaime’s character development as guided by the show’s unfolding narrative.
Fans of the series respect his choice, understanding that his goal was to stay true to the show’s interpretation of Jaime. While the books provide deep character insights, Coster-Waldau’s priority was to stay aligned with the show’s unique direction.
This approach didn’t prevent him from delivering a complex and memorable performance. Jaime’s journey from a despised character to one many viewers sympathized with is a testament to Coster-Waldau’s skill as an actor. To learn more, visit this interview with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
12. Sophie Turner’s hair was dyed red for seasons one through seven
Sophie Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, had her hair dyed red for the first seven seasons. This iconic look became a hallmark of her character.
Initially, Sophie was a natural blonde. The decision to dye her hair red helped audiences quickly associate her with Sansa. It was a bold move that paid off, enhancing her character’s visual identity.
By the eighth season, Sophie switched to wearing a wig. This choice came after years of dyeing her hair. Wearing a wig was a healthier option for her hair, especially with the demanding shooting schedule.
Fans immediately recognized the significance of her red hair. It symbolized Sansa’s growth and transformation throughout the series. Even after the show’s conclusion, Sophie occasionally dyed her hair red again, delighting fans and sparking nostalgia.
Recently, Sophie was seen with her hair dyed red at a baseball game, reminding everyone of her unforgettable role. This small change still creates buzz and excitement among Game of Thrones fans.
13. Lena Headey (Cersei) had an on-screen sibling rivalry with real-life friend Peter Dinklage.
Lena Headey, who played Cersei Lannister, and Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, had a memorable on-screen rivalry in Game of Thrones. Their characters frequently clashed, causing intense drama in the series.
Despite their fierce on-screen battles, Lena Headey and Peter Dinklage are actually great friends in real life. They often spent time joking and laughing behind the scenes, building a strong bond.
Fans might be surprised to know that the actress who portrayed the cold and calculating Cersei actually shares a warm friendship with her on-screen adversary. Their off-screen camaraderie highlights their acting skills, as they convincingly portrayed enemies while being friends.
To read more about how these actors balanced their friendship with their roles, check out this article. It sheds light on their behind-the-scenes interactions and their shared moments of fun on set.
14. The Night King’s makeup took 6 hours to apply.
The transformation of actor Vladimir Furdik into the Night King was a lengthy process. The makeup application lasted six hours, requiring a team of dedicated makeup artists and prosthetics specialists.
Each session involved intricate steps. They started with the base layer of prosthetics to shape the Night King’s facial features. The team used latex and silicone to craft the character’s unique, icy look.
After the prosthetics were in place, they applied makeup to match the character’s chilling blue skin tone. This stage demanded precision to ensure the colors blended seamlessly, adding to the Night King’s terrifying appearance.
The Night King’s menacing look wouldn’t have been complete without his piercing blue eyes. Special contact lenses enhanced the effect, adding to the overall fearsome persona of the character.
At the show’s peak, the makeup and prosthetics department involved around 50 people. This massive team effort ensured that every detail of the Night King’s makeup was perfect, ready for the cameras.
Learn more about the fascinating details from this YouTube video.
Prosthetics designer Barry Gower played a crucial role in bringing this iconic character to life. His expertise transformed the Night King into one of the most memorable villains on Game of Thrones.
The dedication and skill of the makeup artists turned the Night King into a true testament to the power of special effects in television.
15. The show was filmed in 10 different countries.
Game of Thrones was a global production, with filming taking place in 10 different countries. The show’s rich landscapes demanded diverse locations. For instance, Iceland’s glaciers portrayed Beyond the Wall scenes, creating an authentic icy backdrop.
Northern Ireland served as one of the primary locations. Various castles and forests in the region stood in for Winterfell and other Northern settings. Croatia, especially Dubrovnik, played a significant role too. The city’s walls and streets became the iconic King’s Landing.
Spain was also a major filming site. Key scenes were shot in cities like Seville and Cáceres, bringing to life important places such as Dorne and parts of King’s Landing.
Other countries included Morocco, which provided exotic desert landscapes for Essos. Malta was used in the early seasons for specific scenes like the initial portrayal of King’s Landing.
Scotland’s Doune Castle featured in the pilot episode as Winterfell. Some scenes were filmed in Canada for the rugged environment of the North. Additionally, locations in Iceland, Morocco, and even certain parts of the United States were utilized to capture various landscapes and architectural styles.
The show’s dedication to finding the perfect real-world places to represent Westeros and Essos added to its visual storytelling, making it a feast for the eyes. For more details, you can check where Game of Thrones was filmed.
16. George R.R. Martin didn’t write full scripts for the show.
George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, didn’t write full scripts for the Game of Thrones TV show.
He was deeply involved in the early seasons, contributing ideas and plotting. However, as the series progressed, his role became less hands-on.
As the show went beyond the existing books, Martin shared key plot points with the showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Despite this, he wasn’t involved in the detailed scriptwriting process.
In the final seasons, Martin’s involvement was minimal. He stated that he was “out of the loop” during the last four seasons of the show. This means he didn’t have much say in the storyline’s conclusion.
For those interested in his perspective, you can read an article about how George R.R. Martin was ‘out of the loop’ during the later seasons.
While he didn’t write the full scripts, his influence on the show’s world and characters remained evident throughout. Fans still found traces of Martin’s detailed world-building in the series.
17. Tyrion Lannister quotes Shakespeare in Season 1
In Season 1 of Game of Thrones, Tyrion Lannister, known for his sharp wit, quotes Shakespeare. This moment happens in the episode titled “The Kingsroad,” where he remarks, “It is not my fault you feel the need to defend my honor.“
This quote echoes the famous Hamlet line, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.“
Tyrion’s flair for language and clever wordplay is a hallmark of his character. This adds depth and richness to the show’s dialogue. The parallels with Shakespeare’s works help to elevate the series’ writing.
Fans of Shakespeare might recognize other subtle nods throughout the series. These instances showcase the intricate writing that intertwines the modern and classic elements Game of Thrones is known for.
18. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys) suffered from serious health issues during filming
Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, faced serious health challenges during the filming of Game of Thrones. She revealed that she suffered from two life-threatening brain aneurysms.
The first aneurysm happened in 2011 after filming season 1. Clarke had to undergo emergency surgery. Despite the ordeal, she returned to filming as soon as she could.
In 2013, Clarke experienced a second aneurysm. She needed another surgery, which was more complicated and required a longer recovery period. Despite these challenges, she continued performing her demanding role.
Clarke’s health issues were kept mostly secret during the show’s run. She only opened up about them years later, sharing her story to inspire others. During these tough times, Clarke founded a charity called SameYou, aimed at helping those recovering from brain injuries and strokes.
Clarke’s courage and dedication to her work are truly commendable. Her performance as Daenerys remained powerful and impactful, even during her health struggles. More details on Clarke’s journey can be found in her essay for The New Yorker.
19. The Iron Throne prop is still used in real weddings.
Many couples who are fans of Game of Thrones choose to include an Iron Throne replica in their weddings. This iconic piece adds a dramatic and authentic touch to the celebration.
For example, Etsy sellers offer various replicas of the Iron Throne. These range from full-sized chairs to smaller decorative pieces.
Some couples use the Iron Throne as a unique seat for the bride and groom during the reception. Others might use it as a photobooth backdrop or a centerpiece.
Using bold and eye-catching elements helps make the wedding memorable and fun for guests. The Iron Throne remains a favorite choice for those wanting a fantastical and regal touch.
20. The Mountain changed actors three times.
In Game of Thrones, the character known as The Mountain underwent three actor changes.
Actor number one was Conan Stevens, who portrayed The Mountain in the first season. He left due to scheduling conflicts with another project.
Ian Whyte took over the role for season two. Whyte is known for his impressive height and earlier work as a White Walker in season one.
The final actor, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, joined in season four. His portrayal became the most memorable, combining enormous physical presence with a menacing aura.
While the character had limited dialogue, these changes were noticeable to fans. Each actor brought a unique take on The Mountain’s intimidating presence.
Just like the other two, Björnsson had an interesting start. This role was his first acting job, yet he quickly became synonymous with the character.
For more details on why the changes occurred, visit Screen Rant’s article and CBR’s explanation.
