GAME OF THRONES: The Hit HBO Series Goes to Comic Con

The much acclaimed new HBO series Game of Thrones, based on the popular book by legendary author George R.R. Martin, made its inaugural appearance at last month’s Comic Con, receiving a raucous round of applause, hoots and hollers from a crowd that would make any lord in the world of Westeros proud.

Among the cast members who appeared on the panel included Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), recent Emmy nominee Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo) and Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen). Also in attendance were Executive Producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss with George R.R. Martin, himself, presiding as moderator.

Mr. Martin lobbed the first question to the showrunners (David and D.B.), asking what got them started with the books and, in essence, the show with David sharing they got started about six years ago, reading the books (and so forth). He continued that once they got to the part in the story where Bran is thrown from the window, it was hard to put (it) down, “It’s like crack on paper – you just can’t stop,” quipped David. Then they were told that “someone” claimed they had figured out how to do the book as a “PG-13 two-hour movie” (which not only did the show runners think was ridiculous but so did everyone in the room, based on the eruption of laughter that greeted that statement). Instead, David and D.B. went to Mr. Martin with their idea of making it into an HBO series; “we didn’t think you would go for it, but you did.”

The conversation then moved on to the “Cinderella story” for newcomer Emilia Clarke in landing the coveted role of Daenerys. She was offered the project right out of drama school three years ago and when asked what advice she would give herself if she could go back in time, Emilia answered, “Do exactly the same thing. Take a deep breath and read George R.R. Martin’s books”. As a follow-up, Emilia was asked if drama school prepare you for something like Game of Thrones to which she empathically asked “No! I think the thing that prepared me for this was Dany (herself) and falling in love with her; (the) amazing words and the amazing character that she is.”

Peter Dinklage, Jason Momoa and Emilia Clarke (Photo Credit: Rueben)

The subject then turned over to Lena and her previous work as a ‘hero’ on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in which she played Sarah Connor, the role originated by Linda Hamilton in the films. Mr. Martin stated, “Now you’re playing a character that people hate. How is that different for you? How did you prepare for that as an actress?” She sheepishly joked that “it’s kind of fun to be able to play a character who isn’t trying to be morally good, but to have people come right out and say ‘I hate you,’ that’s kind of horrible. I love my character and I think she’s very misunderstood.”

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kit Harington and Lena Headey (Photo Credit: Rueben)

The panelists were then asked if they had a favorite moment or scene from the first season.

Kit: “The first scene Jon has with Aria was amazing.”

Peter: “When (Tyrion) was on trial. That was fun. That was a long day and a lot of extras in that scene. And I felt like a master of ceremonies for a lot of bored extras so it was entertaining off screen.”

Lena: “I liked the scene with Mark Addy.” (where Cersei and Robert have as close of a heart-to-heart talk, as possible between their bickering characters)

Emilia: “The final scene with the dragons. But seeing it on screen and the sound those dragons made sent shivers (down my spine). It was amazing; just how I thought it would be.

David: “I loved the scene with Aria and (her fencing instructor) Syrio.”

Before the panel broke for audience questions, it was shared that the Dothraki language was made up for the show and was a unique combination of German-Arabic. Jason Mamoa shared, “It was an honor to learn it; to be able to communicate like that was extraordinary.”

David revealed that while there won’t be any deleted scenes included on the DVD set for the first season of episodes, there will be clips of the first auditions by each of the actors featured on the panel. Much laughter ensued when they threatened to include the dance Jason performed to win the role of Khal Drogo.

Fans can be happy to know that HBO gave Game of Thrones a second season order and those episodes are anticipated to start airing in Spring 2012.