5 things that happened off-camera on 'Game of Thrones'
What's the story
Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series, had us all hooked with its mind-bending plotlines and complicated characters. As we were busy losing our minds over the drama on screen, there were plenty of interesting things happening behind the scenes. From casting choices to production hurdles, these lesser-known details give us a glimpse of what it took to make this monumental series. Here are five interesting BTS facts about Game of Thrones.
Casting insights
Casting choices that almost happened
Before the final cast was selected, a number of actors auditioned for various roles in Game of Thrones. From Jennifer Ehle's original portrayal of Catelyn Stark in the unaired pilot (later replaced by Michelle Fairley) to Tamzin Merchant's initial casting as Daenerys Targaryen (who was then replaced by Emilia Clarke), these changes affected how audiences connected with these iconic characters throughout the series.
Production scale
The massive scale of production
The production scale of Game of Thrones was mind-boggling, with several locations in different countries like Northern Ireland and Spain, the show used thousands of extras and crew members to create its world. Every season needed meticulous planning and coordination to make sure that every detail matched George R.R. Martin's vision from his books.
Costume design
Costumes that told a story
Costume design was pivotal in establishing character arcs and cultural subtleties within Game of Thrones. Designer Michele Clapton utilized elaborate embroidery and fabric selection to depict every character's growth and rank. For instance, Sansa Stark's costumes progressed from plain northern clothing to intricate creations as she made her way through political conspiracies.
Opening credits
The impactful opening credits sequence
The iconic opening credits of Game of Thrones showcased the geography of Westeros with changing details every season. This was the work of Elastic Studio, which used CGI and traditional stop-motion to add depth and realism to it. This introduction set the tone for fans across the globe, becoming an endearing part of the series, which will be remembered long after it ended.