'Game of Thrones' prequel stars talk shaving hair and sword fights | REUTERS

Key Concepts

• Physical Transformation: The actor underwent significant physical changes for the role, including learning horse riding and shaving their head.
• Role Fulfillment & Gratitude: The actor expresses deep satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunity to play the role, finding joy in the physicality and immersive experience.
• Childhood Play & Professionalization: The experience of filming evoked nostalgic memories of childhood games, now realized as a profession.
• Identity & Role Perception: Initial anxieties about physical appearance (hair loss) being tied to career success were overcome.

Physical and Emotional Challenges of Role Preparation

The actor details the substantial challenges encountered in preparing for the role. A primary hurdle was the requirement of horse riding, a skill the actor previously lacked. This necessitated learning to ride and perform complex scenes with horses, described as “crazy scenes.” Beyond the physical demands, the actor highlights the emotional impact of shaving their head as a particularly difficult moment. This wasn’t simply a cosmetic change; it triggered anxieties about their professional identity. The actor initially feared that their career success was contingent on their appearance – specifically, their hair – stating, “I was like wow all my hair is gone and that I've been that the only reason why I've been getting jobs and then the only reason why I've got this is because I have no hair.” This reveals a vulnerability and a questioning of self-worth tied to external factors. Despite these initial fears, the actor ultimately embraced the baldness, expressing gratitude for the opportunity the role provided.

The Joy of Immersive Role-Playing & Nostalgia

The filming experience itself was profoundly enjoyable, evoking strong nostalgic feelings. The actor describes it as a return to childhood, specifically referencing playing “Lord of the Rings” with cousins, involving “swinging swords” and imaginative battles. The transition from playful imitation to professional execution is emphasized: “It just felt like I was back in the day with my cousins… So, it's it was so much fun and to get to do it for for a living and contribute to actually making a show.” The actor specifically lists the enjoyable aspects of the role: sword fighting, participating in battles, horse riding, and jousting, collectively described as “amazing.” This highlights the appeal of a physically demanding and immersive role.

Overcoming Insecurities & Embracing the Role

The actor’s initial anxieties regarding their appearance demonstrate a common insecurity within the acting profession. The statement about hair being the sole reason for job acquisition reveals a fear of being perceived as replaceable or lacking inherent talent. However, the subsequent expression of love for being “bold” signifies a shift in perspective and an acceptance of the physical transformation as integral to the role and, ultimately, personally fulfilling. The actor’s gratitude for the job underscores the positive outcome of overcoming these initial concerns.

Role Identification & Direct Address

The concluding line, “Are you Bor Targaryi?” directly links the actor to the character they portray, suggesting a blurring of lines between performer and role, and potentially indicating a question posed to the actor as the character. This reinforces the success of the actor’s transformation and their embodiment of the role.

Synthesis:

The actor’s experience highlights the multifaceted challenges and rewards of embodying a role requiring significant physical and emotional commitment. The initial anxieties surrounding physical transformation were ultimately overcome, leading to a deeply satisfying and nostalgic experience. The actor’s journey demonstrates the power of embracing change and finding joy in the immersive nature of performance.