The Asian Age

WINTER IS FINALLY HERE!

- GEMMA WHELAN

Forget the delay, or the fact that there only seven episodes this season; fans across the world are waiting with bated breaths to witness the magic of Game Of Thrones Season 7 to unfold. The trailers have left us whetted for more, and going by the promos, there are many more stunning war sequences, mind games, politics, and of course, blood and gore.

Westeros is going to be changed forever and we know it, but hearing it from the cast themselves is something else. Actors Daniel Portman who plays as Podrick Payne and Gemma Elizabeth Whelan, who plays Yara Greyjoy, talk about how their characters grow in the season and what the fans can expect.

QWHAT SORT OF RECEPTION DOES YARA GET FROM THE FANS?

Only from Comic Cons, do I know that she’s hugely loved as a kind of strong, forward-thinking, independen­t woman. I have to say that I get asked, ‘What’s it like to play a strong woman?’ — a lot, which I think is a shame; women are strong and it shouldn’t be a question is my answer.

But, I do really enjoy that people find her inspiring. I know certain people have said to me at things like, ‘you inspired me to go to drama school,’ or just, ‘you inspired me’ — obviously, not me but the character of Yara. The strength that she has, who she is and what she stands for, has made small difference­s sometimes. I think it’s a huge privilege to be respected in that way, as someone who plays that character.

QIN THE FINAL RECKONING WOULD YOU LIKE YARA TO CLAIM THE THRONE OR VANQUISH THE LAST WHITE WALKER? I’ve got a horrible feeling that the White Walkers are going to take over in season eight. Obviously I’ve got no idea, but they seem to be gaining strength and power and tenacity. But if I had a dream ending, me and Dany would own it. Why not?

(The Season 7 of Game of Thrones premieres on Star World on July 18 at 11 pm)

 ??  ?? Gemma Whelan from the show
Gemma Whelan from the show

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India