Unless you’ve been living under a rock for quite some time, you’re probably pretty obsessed with the Game of Thrones series that has had us glued to our books and screens ever since the phenomenon started.
Originally written by George R.R. Martin and then adapted for TV by HBO geniuses David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the series chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the realm’s noble families for control of the Iron Throne. But of course, you knew that already. But we have some facts below which you may not know, and may surprise you a little!
- Peter Dinklage is a vegetarian
That’s right! All the meat he apparently ate on set wasn’t actually meat at all. You can even view his vegetarian testimonial for Peta.org here.
- Maisie Williams – otherwise known as Arya Stark – never acted before this part
When the show first aired in January 2011, she landed her first acting role in the series at age 12. She turned the grand old age of 18 on April 15th.
- It’s all in the family!
There is an actor and an actress on the show who both have very famous relatives. Robb Stark’s late wife played by Oona Chaplin is the granddaughter of non other than famous comedian Charlie Chaplin, and Daenery’s brother Viserys is the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens! Impressive stuff.
- Baby-faced Jojen Reed’s age in real life may surprise you…
The actor who plays Bran’s 13-year-old companion – Thomas Brodie-Sangster – is actually 23! He’s also appeared in shows and movies including the Disney Channel’s ‘Phineus and Ferb’ and the hit movie ‘Love Actually’.
- Connections to Harry Potter
The actor Stephen Dillane – better known as Stannis Baratheon – is the father of Frank Dillane, who you may recognise more as Tom Riddle; the dark lord of the wizarding world. Also, the actress who plays Catelyn Stark, Michelle Fairley, played Mrs. Granger in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’.
- The show’s producers know the ending of the books
The author George R.R. Martin made the decision to tell the show’s producers the ending of the series of books, so they are able to produce the conclusion regardless of whether he lives to write the final book(s) or not.
- Some of the actors/actresses haven’t even read the books
We found this one perhaps the most surprising! They revealed that reading the books now may alter how they play the characters, if they are to know their fate. Or they might just be lazy, who knows.
- Setting the trend for baby names
More than 150 babies were named ‘Khaleesi’ in 2012 in the US, and ‘Arya’ is the fastest-growing baby name in the United States.
- What was the horse heart actually made of?
We all remember that scene where Daenerys devours a horse heart, but you’ll be pleased to know that in real life, the substance was actually pretty pleasant, and resembled gummy bears.
- The dire wolves were actually Northern Inuit dogs
…in the first series anyway. Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark, adopted the dog that played her dire wolf in the show.
You may also not know what glasses would suit your favourite Game of Thrones stars, but never fear! We have that covered too. Just check out this infographic…
