Nikolaj Coster-Waldau on Jaime Lannister’s “act of powerlessness”

In a new interview with The Daily Beast, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau shares his thoughts on last night’s controversial scene between Jaime and Cersei Lannister.

Nikolaj says that, like many of the viewers, he found it difficult to understand Jaime’s actions, ultimately calling it an act of powerlessness.

“To understand the psychology behind it, and why he goes as far as he does, was really difficult. To me it became, When does physical desire take over? It’s one of those things where he’s been holding it back for so long, and then out of anger he grabs her, and instinct takes over, and he lets loose. He says, I don’t care. He wants to not care. He has to connect to her, and he knows this is the most fucked up way for it to happen, but in that moment, he knows it’s all he can do. It’s an act of powerlessness.”

It was equally difficult to shoot, as Nikolaj wanted to convey the scene’s true intentions, as written by GRRM.

“It was tough to shoot, as well. There is significance in that scene, and it comes straight from the books—it’s George R.R. Martin’s mind at play. It took me awhile to wrap my head around it, because I think that, for some people, it’s just going to look like rape. The intention is that it’s not just that; it’s about two people who’ve had this connection for so many years, and much of it is physical, and much of it has had to be kept secret, and this is almost the last thing left now. It’s him trying to force her back and make him whole again because of his stupid hand.”

Nikolaj also answers the definitive question: was it rape?

“Yes, and no. There are moments where she gives in, and moments where she pushes him away. But it’s not pretty.”

For the full article visit The Daily Beast.

• Published on 04/21/2014 at 1:47 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 12:42 PM CDT