Game of Thrones series 7: Five things we've learned from Aidan Gillen
Littlefinger actor offers clues about his character's plans, confirms a fan theory and makes a surprising revelation
As anticipation builds for the seventh season of Game of Thrones, interviews with one of the show's most intriguing stars has given fans some clues about the series' key relationships.
Irish actor Aidan Gillen, who plays the Machiavellian Lord Littlefinger Baelish, opened up about his character and his key relationships during recent interviews.
Here are five things we learned.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sansa and Littlefinger continue to get along, sort of
Littlefinger and Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) seem to have reached an understanding after he revealed his ultimate ambition to seize the Iron Throne with Sansa as his queen.
"I finished last season on a promising note by laying my cards on the table - at least to Sansa," the actor told Entertainment Weekly.
Littlefinger realised Sansa was an equal, he added, and both had learned not to underestimate each other.
"They're on to each other. They use each other. They enjoy each other," he said.
Littlefinger is undermining Jon Snow
In the previous season, Littlefinger's strategy was to make Sansa question an allegiance with Jon Snow - and that won't change.
"I was [sowing seeds of doubt about Jon Snow] throughout my appearances in season six and, yeah, that will continue," said Gillen. "It's pretty obvious what my game is there. We're playing out that final exchange in the Great Hall in Winterfell."
He did recognise Arya
Fans may remember a scene from season two where Littlefinger met Arya Stark while she was pretending to be a servant for Tywin Lannister, but kept the information to himself.
Why? "It was unclear if he recognised her or not, but I have my own thoughts on that," Gillen told EW. "Yes, I did recognise her. I just didn't say anything or do anything about it."
Gillen didn't say why he didn't expose Arya, but perhaps he wanted her to kill Tywin to further his own rise to power - or does he plan to call in a favour in the future?
Littlefinger is playing with fire
Littlefinger’s schemes always involve an element of risk, but Gillen says that's how his character functions.
"With carefully laid plans, there's always a bit of risk involved," he said. "He puts himself in a situation that could backfire on him. But I think he likes that. His plans are never fail safe. But he puts himself on the line like a good gambler."
He might be a good guy after all
Gillen doesn't see Littlefinger as such a bad person, on balance.
"Recently, I decided to list all the despicable acts. I thought, 'I just want to weigh this up and see am I good or am I bad?' And, you know, overall, I like the guy," he said, in an interview with the Irish Independent.
"People tend to think of it as a villainous role and you can have fun playing the villains, but I think it's beyond that."
He tried to bring warmth and fun to the character, he added, "to make someone who commits despicable acts likeable".
Was Gillen also hinting that Littlefinger might be a better person than we think? No doubt we'll find out when the final battle comes.
Game of Thrones season seven airs premieres on Sky Atlantic at 9pm on 17 July.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Elevating Earth Day into a national holiday is not radical — it's practical'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
UAW scores historic win in South at VW plant
Speed Read Volkswagen workers in Tennessee have voted to join the United Auto Workers union
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 22, 2024
Cartoons Monday's cartoons - dystopian laughs, WNBA salaries, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Will George R.R. Martin ever finish 'The Winds of Winter'?
In Depth The much-anticipated sequel has been a long, long, long time coming
By Brendan Morrow Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published