Game of Thrones’ Tormund actor reveals show shot alternate ending for controversial final series
GAME of Thrones’ Kristofer Hivju has revealed how the show shot an alternate ending for its controversial final series.
The HBO show came to an end earlier this year, but many fans were left disappointed by the eighth season and its finale.
Speaking to Metro Online, Kristofer – who played Tormund Giantsbane – said: “Well, we shot an alternative ending.
“That was mostly for fun but I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell you about that.”
While the actor remained tight-lipped on the alternate ending, the series actually finished with Bran Stark becoming King of the Six Kingdoms.
He added the un-seen ending “was fun” to film but insisted “I won’t tell you!” when pressed for more information.
Speaking at a BFI retrospective screening, the actor opened up about deviating from the profile laid out in the books.
“In the novels, he’s older… and he says ‘HA!’ all the time,” he revealed.
“I felt like I was betraying the fans, because I didn’t say ‘HA!’ – I always tried to put it in, and [was always] suggesting it, and they were like, ‘We’ll just keep that out…’”
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However, he noted that Tormund’s character development was substantial and offered up a great balance of ferocity and comedy.
After all, who can forget his appalling efforts to woo Brienne of Tarth, despite her emphatic rejections?
“He started off [on the show] as an antagonist, as a guy who was a threat, an enemy to the realm, and he became part of Team Jon Snow, and suddenly fell in love [with Brienne]… I don’t think that was George RR Martin at all!” Kristofer continued.
“That’s the beauty of a TV show – that they [the writers] can use the best things they find and create something new.”
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