(NEW YORK) — (SPOILERS AHEAD!) So many characters died during Sunday night’s Game of Thrones season-six finale, but perhaps one of the most unexpected was when Cersei Lannister blew up the temple of the High Sparrow, killing not only the religious leader, but also Queen Margaery Tyrell, the king’s wife, and her brother, Ser Loras.
Natalie Dormer, the actress who plays Tyrell, tells Entertainment Weekly she learned of her character’s death even before producers intended.
“I pre-empted the phone call because in true Natalie Dormer style, I tried to fit a million projects into a single year. I requested [while making season five that showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss] release me from working on the show earlier than usual so I could do another project, and they ended up phoning me — and that was ‘The Call,'” she told the magazine.
She also said her character’s death shouldn’t be a surprise to Game of Thrones fans.
“Every year something comes from the left field that no one could have predicted. It’s great they can still shock people six years on. I watch as an audience member as well, you get side-swiped,” she said
Dormer’s last day on set included a visit from Weiss and Benioff.
“Dan and David made sure they were there at the very end. It seemed very fitting Margaery’s last day is shooting a scene with the Queen of Thorns. They gave me a big hug and made a fuss out of me. It was lovely,” she said.
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