The Surprising Reason Gwendoline Christie's Agent Discouraged Her From Auditioning for Game of Thrones
HBO's iconic series, Game of Thrones, features the unforgettable character Brienne of Tarth, played by Gwendoline Christie. With her blend of resilience and humility, Brienne became a character that many fans rallied behind, transcending typical heroic archetypes. The role not only solidified Christie’s reputation in Hollywood but also paved the way for prominent appearances in properties such as the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the Netflix series Wednesday. Given the significant impact of Game of Thrones on Christie's career, it raises eyebrows that her agent initially advised her against casting for this pivotal role.
During the UK launch of Season 3 in 2013, Christie recalled her immediate reaction upon hearing about the audition, saying, "I immediately rang my agent and said, 'I want to do this.'" However, her agent countered with disbelief, stating, "What are you talking about? I'd never ever put you up for this. She's ugly, her nose is broken, her teeth are broken, and you'll need to use a sword."
In the original novels by George R.R. Martin, Brienne’s appearance is frequently criticized by those around her. Her looks are central to her character, contributing to her tough persona and her determination to defy societal expectations of femininity. Conversely, it’s intriguing to note that Christie herself does not possess any real-life inclination towards melee combat. Reflecting on her transformation for the role, she shared with The Standard in 2018, "It was incredible that this part could be made for me in ways that none of my friends would have recognized. They saw all the physicality and fighting and the character's ongoing depiction as unattractive. None could understand why I would want to portray that. [...] I had to cut my hair, change my body, and remove my makeup. This was not who I had shown the world."
It’s essential to recognize that Game of Thrones did not fully embrace the idea of Brienne being portrayed as "ugly" according to the source material from Martin's books. The inconsistencies between Brienne’s character representation on the show and in the novels imply that her challenges stem less from physical unattractiveness and more from her refusal to conform to the expectations of nobility. In essence, Christie's portrayal of Brienne embraces an androgynous essence, a quality that provokes disdain among the aristocrats of Westeros.
Fans of Game of Thrones have often debated whether the show’s handling of Brienne’s character represents a missed opportunity—questioning if adhering to Martin's description might have offered a more profound portrayal. However, one can understand this decision: as a visual medium, the producers of the series likely believed audiences would struggle to empathize with a character who embodied the looks described in the books.
This approach mirrors the casting decisions made for Tyrion Lannister, another character viewed as "hideous" within the series’ universe but portrayed by the charismatic Peter Dinklage. The contrast between Tyrion’s character in the novels and his on-screen depiction only widened following the Battle of Blackwater, where a significant aspect of Tyrion's injury—his severely disfigured face—was altered in favor of a more palatable scar in the show. While this choice undoubtedly enhances the viewing experience, it raises questions about whether Game of Thrones shied away from fully embracing the depth of its original characters' struggles.
So, do you think this artistic license was justified? Or should adaptations remain true to their source material, even if it could potentially alienate viewers? Share your thoughts in the comments!
