Game of Thrones - Season 2 Discussion

[Zaxxon]

Well, here we are. Season 1 is complete, and the season 2 news is coming out. Given the trouble that we had with spoiler-rule agreemeng in the Season 1 thread, I started this new thread for S2. Before reading this thread, please ensure that you've seen all of season 1 or that you don't mind having season 1 events spoiled. Once season 2 premieres, episodes that have aired will also be fair game to be spoiled.

If you've read the books and plan to post a comment that gives away something that has not yet been aired on the television show, please use spoiler tags.

Onward to today's season 2 news: Natalie Dormer has been case as Margaery Tyrell. (Minor not-really-a-spoiler-but-some-might-quibble in the link, stating a tiny bit about Margaery's role). I'm not familiar with the actress, but apparently she had a well-liked role in the Tudors, and will be appearing in Captain America, as well.

Spoiler:

[Edit: Season 3 thread is here.]

[Ralph-Wiggum]

She's

Spoiler:

way too old to play Margaery.

[Odin]

She's

Spoiler:

way too old to play Margaery.

Combine the fact that all of the "young" characters have been aged in the series (as compared to the novels) with the fact that it's extremely common for actors to play below their actual ages, I doubt it'll be an issue. It's not like she's all wrinkly or anything.

She sure is cute, though. Not how I'd ever pictured Margaery, but good enough. I wonder how much we'll see of her in Season 2.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

She's

Spoiler:

way too old to play Margaery.

Combine the fact that all of the "young" characters have been aged in the series (as compared to the novels) with the fact that it's extremely common for actors to play below their actual ages, I doubt it'll be an issue. It's not like she's all wrinkly or anything.

She sure is cute, though. Not how I'd ever pictured Margaery, but good enough. I wonder how much we'll see of her in Season 2.

She's almost 30. Margaery is

Spoiler:

14. I can see a 30 year old pulling off a 20 year old. I can even see potentially a 20 year old pulling off a 14 year old. But a 30 year old acting like a 14 year old? Seems far fetched to me.

The age thing wouldn't be a big deal except that Margaery acts very much like a 14 year old and is, allegedly, a virgin. Plus, it's just going to be odd to see someone that much older betrothed to Joffrey. Hopefully they can pull it off.

[Zaxxon]

I enjoyed this article, mainly for the image: Maisie Williams Says Goodbye to an On-screen Father

[Daveman]

As others have said they've aged just about everyone on the show (some considerably... wasn't Eddard 34 in the books?) so I don't mind some casting discrepancies. As for Natalie Dormer, a quick glance at Google images shows she's both very attractive (IMO) and at times disturbingly young looking. I don't doubt they can make her look young enough to fit the overall age of the cast.

[JonathanStrange]

I agree that the actress to play Margaery Tyrell is too old for the character but I don't see it as excessively distracting. For example, before the first season was shown, I would've said that Sean Bean would make an excellent Ned Stark were it not that he was alas a bit too old now. Yet his presence and ability made his age a non-issue.

However, age discrepancies are much more important for younger characters and that remains something not to be lightly dismissed. If HBO continues to produce more seasons, I think it will be interesting to see how things play out as the younger actors either age faster or slower than the books. I personally think there are other bigger ways for the series to go wrong; age differences between the book's characters and the actors probably isn't among the top 5.

[dedewhale]

I agree that the actress to play Margaery Tyrell is too old for the character but I don't see it as excessively distracting. For example, before the first season was shown, I would've said that Sean Bean would make an excellent Ned Stark were it not that he was alas a bit too old now. Yet his presence and ability made his age a non-issue.

However, age discrepancies are much more important for younger characters and that remains something not to be lightly dismissed. If HBO continues to produce more seasons, I think it will be interesting to see how things play out as the younger actors either age faster or slower than the books. I personally think there are other bigger ways for the series to go wrong; age differences between the book's characters and the actors probably isn't among the top 5.

I have no problem with the age, almost every actor is older. The only time age seemed off was in the final episode when Joffrey said to Sansa, that "he will give her a boy when she has her first blood" (or something close to that). I thought to myself this girl is 16 or 17 and she has been a lady for many years...that line should have been changed to "next blood" or something. But those are minor quibbles.

[Odin]

The only time age seemed off was in the final episode when Joffrey said to Sansa, that "he will give her a boy when she has her first blood" (or something close to that). I thought to myself this girl is 16 or 17 and she has been a lady for many years...that line should have been changed to "next blood" or something. But those are minor quibbles.

Hah, that's funny - I didn't even catch that. I'm so used to all of the "kids" being 4-5 years younger than they are on the show that it whooshed right past me. Hmm, now that I think of it... (fairly minor, IMO, spoilers from book 2):

Spoiler:

A not insignificant chunk of Sansa's "on-screen" time in book 2 has her dealing with and/or talking about having her first period. I'll be interested to see how they cut or change that in the show.

[TiLT]

I agree that the actress to play Margaery Tyrell is too old for the character but I don't see it as excessively distracting. For example, before the first season was shown, I would've said that Sean Bean would make an excellent Ned Stark were it not that he was alas a bit too old now. Yet his presence and ability made his age a non-issue.

However, age discrepancies are much more important for younger characters and that remains something not to be lightly dismissed. If HBO continues to produce more seasons, I think it will be interesting to see how things play out as the younger actors either age faster or slower than the books. I personally think there are other bigger ways for the series to go wrong; age differences between the book's characters and the actors probably isn't among the top 5.

I have no problem with the age, almost every actor is older. The only time age seemed off was in the final episode when Joffrey said to Sansa, that "he will give her a boy when she has her first blood" (or something close to that). I thought to myself this girl is 16 or 17 and she has been a lady for many years...that line should have been changed to "next blood" or something. But those are minor quibbles.

Sansa is 13 in the TV series. She says as much in the first episode.

[dedewhale]

I agree that the actress to play Margaery Tyrell is too old for the character but I don't see it as excessively distracting. For example, before the first season was shown, I would've said that Sean Bean would make an excellent Ned Stark were it not that he was alas a bit too old now. Yet his presence and ability made his age a non-issue.

However, age discrepancies are much more important for younger characters and that remains something not to be lightly dismissed. If HBO continues to produce more seasons, I think it will be interesting to see how things play out as the younger actors either age faster or slower than the books. I personally think there are other bigger ways for the series to go wrong; age differences between the book's characters and the actors probably isn't among the top 5.

I have no problem with the age, almost every actor is older. The only time age seemed off was in the final episode when Joffrey said to Sansa, that "he will give her a boy when she has her first blood" (or something close to that). I thought to myself this girl is 16 or 17 and she has been a lady for many years...that line should have been changed to "next blood" or something. But those are minor quibbles.

Sansa is 13 in the TV series. She says as much in the first episode.

yes I get that, but the actress looks 16 or 17. Though Sophie Turner is now 15 and probably 14 when they filmed.

[Odin]

Sansa is 13 in the TV series. She says as much in the first episode.

Ugh - between the character ages in the story, their ages on the show, and how old the actors actually look, I'm having a hell of a time keeping it all straight.

[Teggy]

Wait until season 7, approximately 10 years from now, when Bran is 6 foot with a beard but is supposed to be 9 years old.

[Asharak]

Wait until season 7, approximately 10 years from now, when Bran is 6 foot with a beard but is supposed to be 9 years old.

You're actually going to assume that any of the characters currently cast will still be alive in season 7? That's...bold.

- Ash

[Zaxxon]

This could have gone in either thread, but since discussion is likely moving here and it does concern season 2, I placed it here. Westeros has an interview with one of the lead people at GoT's lead VFX house. Some very light spoilers for season 2 in the interview.

Summary:
-We didn't see the full Khalasar simply due to budget/time constraints. In fact, this is (as expected) likely going to be the reason for every VFX failure.
-This VFX house will not continue as the lead in season 2, due to their small size and season 2's increased VFX requirements.

The Wall before/after:


Winterfell before/after:


King's Landing before/after:


Sky Cells before/after:


Just because I can:

[cheeba]

Every link is a 403 error, Zax. (Except the main one where you can view the pics ).

[Zaxxon]

They all load for me. I bet that they disabled external linking and it works for me because I first loaded them from the page itself.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

They all load for me. I bet that they disabled external linking and it works for me because I first loaded them from the page itself.

The first link loaded for me, albeit very slowly.

[Zaxxon]

Actually they all load for me in a diff browser as well. I wonder if they just got HBOed.

[Odin]

After going to the site and loading each one manually, they all appear for me here as well.

Great find, by the way. The technical work that turns reality into movie (TV) fantasy is truly amazing!

[TiLT]

Some more casting news! It seems they're getting the women out of the way first. Our second confirmed new cast member for season 2 is Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, who according to George R. R. Martin looks just like her. She was also a fan favorite. The picture below is prettier than what they're going for in the show.



As for the rumor mill, there are two going around from a single source right now, though both appear legit. The first is Kerr Logan who may have been cast as Matthos Seaworth (according to speculation), one of Davos Seaworth's sons. A minor role, but a role nonetheless.



Finally we have Gemma Whelan who seems to have been cast as Asha Greyjoy. However, they appear to have changed that character's name to Yara Greyjoy, probably so that viewers won't confuse her with Osha.

[Zaxxon]

I actually like the Brienne casting. GRRM said on his blog that she looked more like Brienne when she auditioned than she does in that pic. And she's big.

[Hamlet3145]

Yeah, I just read the actress is 6'3". I think she'll work out nicely.

[dedewhale]

I actually like the Brienne casting. GRRM said on his blog that she looked more like Brienne when she auditioned than she does in that pic. And she's big.

Brienne in my mind seemed not as hot as the chick cast. I will re cast her in mind mind now...yippie. My chick had her not so waif'ish and much sturdier

[Zaxxon]

She won't be as hot as the chick cast.

[cheeba]

Looks like a good choice for Brienne. Hopefully they buff her up a bit before shooting begins.

[Zaxxon]

13-in-one violin cover of the title theme. Good stuff.

[Zekester]

love it

[Jag]

Looks like a good choice for Brienne. Hopefully they buff her up a bit before shooting begins.

She's repeatedly described as 'freakishly strong'. They do need to buff her up a bunch.

[Redfive]

13-in-one violin cover of the title theme. Good stuff.

Wow..chills.

[Odin]

She won't be as hot as the chick cast.

I'd sure hope not. Actually, if I were the actress in question, I'd be offended to have GRRM say I "looked just like" the Maid of Tarth. She's a very ugly woman, mitigated only by her large eyes and the way her face lights up when she smiles. Otherwise, she's about as homely as they come, stopping short of hideous.

[TiLT]

She won't be as hot as the chick cast.

I'd sure hope not. Actually, if I were the actress in question, I'd be offended to have GRRM say I "looked just like" the Maid of Tarth. She's a very ugly woman, mitigated only by her large eyes and the way her face lights up when she smiles. Otherwise, she's about as homely as they come, stopping short of hideous.

Perhaps you might want to consider the ever so slight possibility that the actress dressed up and got her look adjusted to be a dead ringer for Brienne before the audition for that particular role? She might even have gone through a professional makeup session before showing up. You don't seriously think she just showed up for an important audition like that (particularly for someone of her stature who probably doesn't get the choicest roles) looking like her usual self, do you?

People tend to do some crazy stuff to get noticed during auditions. My favorite is still Bruce Campbell who is known for starting his auditions by suddenly doing a backflip just to make sure he has everyone's attention.

[Zaxxon]

TiLT, I don't think that's what Odin was saying. Although I suppose it might have been what dede was saying.

[stimpy]

Question.......Havent read any of the books.
Saw season ! and enjoyed it. From my understanding, it covered book 1.

I have book 2 in my hands. Do I start reading there or do I have to (should I) start at book 1?

[TiLT]

TiLT, I don't think that's what Odin was saying. Although I suppose it might have been what dede was saying.

I'm not sure what you mean. My post was trying to point out that GRRM said that she looked like Brienne at the audition because she had prepared herself. This means that GRRM's statement becomes a compliment rather than an insult. Odin seemed to say that she should take it as an insult, which is rather silly.

[Zaxxon]

I have book 2 in my hands. Do I start reading there or do I have to (should I) start at book 1?

You would probably be able to follow along with 90% of what's going on, but you would be missing out on the experience that is book one. There's a reason the series was 10 hours and the audiobook takes 33 hours, 45 minutes. So my recommendation is that while you could skip book one, you shouldn't.

[Isgrimnur]

Ditto. Season one clipped through about 70 pages of material per episode in 60 minutes. You'd be missing on a lot of the stuff that makes the characters and world even richer.

[Odin]

TiLT, I don't think that's what Odin was saying. Although I suppose it might have been what dede was saying.

I'm not sure what you mean. My post was trying to point out that GRRM said that she looked like Brienne at the audition because she had prepared herself. This means that GRRM's statement becomes a compliment rather than an insult. Odin seemed to say that she should take it as an insult, which is rather silly.

You should really check and see if you can pick up a sense of humor on eBay or something.

[Odin]

Ditto. Season one clipped through about 70 pages of material per episode in 60 minutes. You'd be missing on a lot of the stuff that makes the characters and world even richer.

Thirded - the experience of the books is not to be missed. The series was highly abridged, cutting or changing all but a handful of scenes and some of the best lines in the book.

[stimpy]

Well it seems I'm not the only one debating this.
I was able to get book 2 with no problem from my library.

Book 1...............there's a waiting list of 10 people ahead of me.