Game of Thronesstar Nikolaj Coster-Waldau almost donated his signature to the now-infamous season finale fan petition. The final season of the hit HBO series was divisive, to put it lightly. After the series finale aired, hardcore fans from all over the world were not happy and they flooded social media with complaints. One particularly disgruntledGame of Thronesfan set up a petition to have HBO go back and remake season 8 with a “competent” crew. Obviously that never happened, but, as of this writing, the petition has nearly 2 million signatures.
Some of theGame of Thronesstars have addressed the negativity surrounding the final season.Sana Starkactress Sophie Turner said, “I think it’s disrespectful to the crew, and the writers, and the filmmakers who have worked tirelessly over 10 years, and for 11 months shooting the last season.” Bran Stark actor Isaac Hempstead Wright simply dismissed the petition as “absurd.” However, Jaime Lannister actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau had a different reaction. He had this to say about the backlash.
“I didn’t follow it at all. [Pauses.] Obviously, I heard about it. I was aware of thepetition for a new ending, which I thought was hilarious. I almost wanted to donate to that petition. HBO saying, ‘You’re right, so many people want it, we’re going to do it.’ I think everyone had their own opinion. I find the world of fandom really interesting. Everyone wanted something specific and different from what they got. It’s a combination of - you imagine an ending; but also, I think if you’re a hardcore fan, it was really upsetting that it ended. You lived with this for eight seasons. There is still a massive community dedicated toGame of Thrones. I think there was a real fear that was going to go away. It had to end.”
When asked about theGame of Thronesseries finale after it aired,Nikolaj Coster-Waldaunoted, “It comes to an end it’s gonna piss you off no matter what because it’s the end. If you hated the ending, if you loved the ending, that’s great, just don’t call people names.” Coster-Waldau knew that there was no way that they were going to be able to please everybody when it came to putting an end to it. When asked how he personally felt about the ending, the actor thought now might be too soon for reflection. He explains.
“Oh, how did it end? He was - no, it was fine. It was great. It was fine.How do you end that story? Let’s talk about this in 10 years, then you’re able to talk about it. But now, I think it’s a little too recent.”
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau also spoke about the doors that have opened up to him since he starred onGame of Thrones. He is all set up to start producing movies and shows, with some “great stories,” which is something he doesn’t think would have been possible without getting a lead role on the hit HBO series. When asked directly about how the show effected his career, he talked about “momentum.” you may read what Coster-Waldau had to say below.
“It has given us a little bit of momentum when it came to those things [producing]. There’s just something basic and fun about creating something yourself. I’ve also been acting for 30 years now and I love it. I like to use that experience and step behind the camera more and more. I guess, to answer your question, being in the biggest show at the time doesn’t hurt that kind of endeavor.”
The finalGame of Thronesseason will not be rewritten. It is over and done with and fans need shift their to focus over to George R.R. Martin, who has yet to deliver the final book in the series. Last year, the author promised to have Winds of Winter delivered by now, even going as far as to say that his fans could imprison him if he didn’t live up to his promise. Now, those fans want him imprisoned to finish the book. The interview with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was originally conducted byVariety.
