1. The Show’s Iconic Opening Sequence Was Created by a One-Man Team
The epic opening credits sequence, which shows the rise and fall of key locations in Westeros, was created by a single person. The animation was designed by a visual effects artist named Angus Wall, who worked with his small team at Elastic. The sequence became a fan favorite and helped set the tone for each episode, but its creation was a labor of love from a very small group of people.
2. Sean Bean's Death Wasn't Always Planned for Season 1
Sean Bean's character, Ned Stark, meets a brutal end at the end of Season 1, but this wasn’t the original plan. In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Ned’s fate was sealed early on, but the show’s producers initially discussed keeping him alive longer, as they knew how beloved the character was. Ultimately, they stuck with Martin's vision and stayed true to the story's brutal reality.
3. A Real-World Historical Figure Inspired the Character of Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, is one of the most iconic characters in Game of Thrones, and her storyline shares some striking similarities with historical figures. The most notable influence is Cleopatra. Both women were thrust into leadership after the deaths of powerful family members and fought for power in a male-dominated world, facing betrayal and loss along the way.
4. The Iron Throne Was Almost Completely Different
The infamous Iron Throne, an imposing structure that symbolizes power in Westeros, went through several design iterations before landing on its final look. Initially, the throne was designed to be far more symmetrical and orderly, but it was later decided that it should look more chaotic and dangerous, much like the political world it represents. The final design, with its jagged edges and towering presence, perfectly captured the show’s theme of power struggles.
5. The "Valyrian Steel" Swords Are Crafted from Real Metal
While Valyrian steel swords are rare and magical in the Game of Thrones universe, the swords used on set were carefully crafted using real metal. The show's prop team worked with blacksmiths to create detailed and realistic versions of iconic swords like Jon Snow’s Longclaw and Jaime Lannister's Oathkeeper. Though they may not be forged with ancient magic, they were made with extreme care and attention to detail.
6. The Direwolves Were Originally More Intense
In the first season, the Stark children’s direwolves were shown as fierce protectors, but originally, they were supposed to be even more dangerous. The directors considered having the direwolves play a much larger role in battle scenes, but eventually, it was decided that their appearances would be more subtle, serving as symbols of the Stark children’s connection to the wilds of the North.
7. The Red Wedding Was Almost Spoiled by a Spoiler in the Books
The infamous Red Wedding was one of the most shocking moments in the series, but some fans knew it was coming because of a spoiler from the books. George R.R. Martin’s 2005 novel A Feast for Crows contained a subtle clue that hinted at the massacre, but it was buried so deep in the text that only eagle-eyed readers caught it. Even so, the show’s ability to keep the plot twist hidden for viewers made the event even more devastating.
8. There Was a Hidden Tribute to George R.R. Martin in the Final Season
In the final season of Game of Thrones, there is a subtle tribute to George R.R. Martin hidden in plain sight. In Episode 5, "The Bells," a character can be seen reading a book with the title A Song of Ice and Fire. This is, of course, the name of the book series that the show is based on, and the inclusion of this detail is a nod to Martin's impact on the entire show and its world.
9. The Cast Had to Learn Real Languages for Their Roles
While Game of Thrones features fictional languages like Dothraki and Valyrian, the actors didn’t just memorize gibberish. The show worked with linguists to create fully developed languages, and the cast underwent rigorous training to speak in these languages with proper pronunciation and grammar. For example, Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, spent considerable time learning the basics of the High Valyrian language for her scenes.
10. The Show’s Budget Was Huge, but Not Enough for All the Ideas
Game of Thrones was known for its stunning special effects, grand sets, and large-scale battle scenes, but the production team had even bigger ideas than the budget allowed. Showrunner David Benioff revealed that there were several scenes they wanted to shoot but simply couldn’t afford. Some of these ideas were never realized, such as additional epic battles that would have added even more intensity to the show.
Conclusion:
Game of Thrones was full of surprises, not just in its plot twists but also behind the scenes. From design changes to historical influences, the show was a carefully crafted work of art that kept fans hooked until the very end. These secrets reveal just how much thought and effort went into creating the world of Westeros and beyond.
