This conversation features Peter Dinklage and Kit Harington reuniting for the first time since the final season of Game of Thrones aired. They discuss their experiences during and after the show, touching on personal growth, the challenges of their industry, and their shared passion for theater.
Key takeaways from their conversation include:
- Life after Game of Thrones: Harington shares his vulnerable experience of going to rehab as the show's final season was airing, emphasizing the importance of taking time for personal growth (12:35 - 14:45). Dinklage recounts his transition into smaller theater projects and films to step out of the "Tyrion" box and maintain his passion for acting (15:40 - 18:25).
- The nature of acting and sets: Both actors bond over the ensemble nature of their work and the importance of "bonding" offset, which they feel translates to better performances. They discuss the realities of set life, noting how it can be both glamorous and surprisingly boring (28:13 - 35:25).
- Producing and Creative Control: Harington discusses his shift toward producing to take more creative control over projects, while Dinklage mentions his interest in directing and the value of having mentors like Miguel Sapochnik (19:45 - 22:45).
- Theater and Craft: Both actors maintain a deep love for the theater, with Dinklage noting his pact to perform in a play every few years to stay grounded in his craft (43:10 - 45:15). They share their admiration for actors who bring a "mischievous" or unpredictable quality to their performances, citing influences like John Malkovich (48:45 - 49:25).
- Reflecting on Fame and Social Media: Both agree on the benefits of staying off social media and discuss the surreal nature of online AI-generated images depicting the cast hanging out together in alternate realities (23:45 - 25:25, 50:50 - 51:18).
Throughout the discussion, the two emphasize that despite the intensity of the fame they experienced, their focus remains on the joy of collaborative, meaningful storytelling.