‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Kristofer Hivju On Tormund And Brienne: ‘It’s ‘Love-Lust At First Sight’ For Him
The Game of Thrones universe has certainly witnessed some of the greatest fictional love stories. However, these stories rarely last. There’s Robb Stark, who died with his new wife and their unborn child. We have Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo, whose “moon of my life, my sun and stars” line remains a fan favorite to date. And who could forget Jon Snow, who had to cradle Ygritte in his arms until her death?
These harsh scenes were not enough to stop fans from rooting for Tormund Giantsbane and Brienne of Tarth, but for Kristofer Hivju, the Wildling leader is unable to differentiate between love and lust.
“I don’t think Tormund differentiates between love and lust. That’s one thing to him. It’s one big bowl of nice things to him. It’s definitely ‘love-lust at first sight.'”
Hivju said he was happy to read about Tormund’s love interest because he thought Brienne’s a great match for him. Last season, the actor asked Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss about Tormund’s wife and kids, but the two said that he’s “more of a bachelor kind of guy.”
For him, Game of Thrones’ decision to introduce the angle between Tormund and Brienne is a welcomed distraction because it shows a different side of Tormund – the side that doesn’t only portray him fighting and grumbling.
In real life, Hivju and Gwendoline Christie get along well on the Game of Thrones set. Apart from their height that leaves “no more space for anybody,” the actor also told the Hollywood Reporter that it was a relief to laugh with his co-star especially in a show where devastating things happen every episode.
“I love working with her. She’s a fantastic actress. She’s so much fun. She’s filled with life. My goal through those shooting days was to crack her up. There was a lot of laughing. With all of the horrible things happening on this show, it’s nice to really laugh about this.”
According to Vanity Fair, George R.R. Martin recently said at a fan event that Brienne’s height is something not to laugh about because she’s actually a descendant of Ser Duncan the Tall.
In the Song of Ice and Fire series, Ser Duncan is known as one of the most gallant knights in all of Westeros. His popularity also inspired Martin to make him the star of several Game of Thrones novellas. The author even urged HBO to consider making a spinoff series based on his novellas.
It is unknown if Game of Thrones viewers will get the chance to meet Ser Duncan, especially after director Jack Bender’s statement. According to his interview with Vanity Fair, one of the remaining seasons of the fantasy show will have fewer episodes than its usual 10. Bender might not return as well to direct the future seasons.
“They’re only doing seven [episodes], and they’ve got their regulars who have done it forever. I know that I had a wonderful experience doing the show and I know that Dan and David are thrilled with the shows, but I’ve got this series I’m mounting for the beginning of 2017 based on Stephen King’s trilogy of books, starting with Mr. Mercedes.”
The news shouldn’t come as shocking as Benioff, and Weiss also hinted that they might end the Emmy-winning saga soon.
“I think we’re down to our final 13 episodes after this season. We’re heading into the final lap. That’s the guess, though nothing is yet set in stone, but that’s what we’re looking at.”
HBO programming president Michael Lombardo is aware of the showrunners’ plan, but he remains an optimist because as a fan and television executive, he wishes Game of Thrones will continue for “another six years.”
[Image via HBO]
