USA TODAY International Edition
Gillen talks Littlefinger’s fate on ‘Game of Thrones’
Rest in Peace, Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish — if you can. That’s quite the interesting life you lived.
Littlefinger, the self-made lord and schemer, came to his end in Sunday’s Game of Thrones Season 7 finale, his death sentence for treason and murder pronounced by former ward Sansa Stark and carried out by her sister, Arya, who slit his throat.
Irish actor Aidan Gillen (The Wire, The Dark Knight Rises), 49, who imbued Littlefinger with charm, wit and a hint of danger, spoke with USA TODAY about his character, the death scene, his favorite moments and how it feels to leave an international phenomenon.
Q How do you feel about Littlefinger, a character you’ve embodied for seven years, being dead?
A It was inevitable. … It’s been a long ride and an exciting one, so you feel a little empty afterward. In a way, it’s good to get out when you’re ahead.
Q Do you think Littlefinger deserved to die?
A As the actor playing him, I’ve always been able to justify his actions: This is survival, this is revenge. If you’re talking to me as Littlefinger, I’d probably say no. From (the audience’s) point of view, they want him to get his comeuppance. He’s a classic villain ... That’s what they want. It’s a classic payoff. I’m fine with that.
Q Did Littlefinger really love Sansa or was it political, an alliance that would lead to greater power?
A Tricky question. … You can tell
somebody you love them, and it can mean 50 different things. I’ve always tried to be a bit nonspecific about that. He definitely has feelings for her and strong protective feelings, as well. I think (feelings and politics were) intermeshed.
Q Arya (Maisie Williams) had a smile on her face when Sansa accused Littlefinger of murder and treason.
A Well, she would, wouldn’t she? … Here’s an interesting piece of information: In the last three years, I’ve had two Funko (Thrones) dolls on the shelf in my house, (Littlefinger) and Arya standing just behind to the right with, not a dagger, but a sword. … There was a Q&A over a year ago where I suggested Arya (would kill Littlefinger). I hadn’t read anything. (But) if I had known it was going to be her, I wouldn’t have said it. (He laughs.)
Q Do you have any favorite Littlefinger scenes?
A There’s one in Season 2 in the brothel with Ros (Esmé Bianco), where he was talking to her about how he wasn’t happy if she wasn’t happy, but the language is very veiled. It was a threat. I felt it was one of the first times I had a proper shot at explaining who this guy was and what he was capable of. … I like the scenes with Sean Bean, (who played Ned Stark). When Ned arrived in King ’s Landing, there was a classic line (from Littlefinger): “Distrusting me was the wisest thing you’ve done since you stepped off your horse.” … Scenes with Varys (Conleth Hill) were highlights. We always felt we were going to see each other again, but it was not to be. … So much with Sansa (Sophie Turner). Much (of my story) was interlocked with hers. That scene at The Eyrie where he plants a kiss on her: It reveals a lot and was a good character scene.
Q You have upcoming roles in the film Pickups and the U.K. series Peaky Blinders. How has Thrones affected your career?
A It’s the biggest production I’ve
been involved with and it’s run for a long time and the character is quite eye-catching. I hate talking about the mechanics of career, but I’m sure it all helps.