
Littlefinger is finally dead on Game of Thrones, and the internet is extremely (opens in new tab) pleased about it. But you know who's not thrilled? Aidan Gillen, who's spent the past seven seasons playing Westeros' resident creep.
Arya killing little finger.Me:#GameOfThrones #GoT. pic.twitter.com/W1dRr4yxZgAugust 28, 2017
In a post-episode interview (opens in new tab), Gillen talks about getting the "infamous" call from Game of Thrones producers: "[Showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff] never ring you up—maybe once in six years. I learned about that call from [Roose Bolton actor Michael McElhatton] when he told me about his call and he talked about how it made him feel. And I thought if I get that call—or rather when as this has got to happen sooner or later to a character like Littlefinger—I wondered how it would make me feel. You start to think about because the show is such a part of your life for so many years. What will your life will be like outside of it? It's a potent loss."
Gillen says he was "left a little bereft," and that being killed off "immediately makes you quantify the hugeness of what that experience has been over the last seven years, which has been massive."
On a more amusing note, GOT showrunners promised a "river of blood" for Littlefinger's death—which is definitely what the character got, dying in a pool of bright red liquid after his throat was slit by Arya.
"I said I thought Arya would deliver the blow. So it was as promised," he said. "My last day on the set wasn't that scene. [The execution] was the second scene I shot. I quite enjoyed doing things that way—shooting [Littlefinger's death] and then shooting what comes before. When you know what's coming you relax a little in the way you interact with the others. There's something else that seeps into your performance—a kind of serenity. But yeah, I did find it quite emotional [shooting the finale scene]. And I don't necessarily mean that I was sad, but it's an emotional moment for the character so I felt what he was feeling."
By the way, Gillen 100 percent got to keep his mockingbird pin: "I had already let them know I wanted it, and I cleverly worked it so I got two. There's one from my cloak and one from my tunic. So I got the large and the small size—one for me and one for my son."
RIP, Littlefinger. This sweet interview kind of makes us miss you.
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park