When looking back at all the deaths that occurred on HBO’s Game of Thrones, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have shared their favorite ones. While the series witnessed the demise of numerous characters, it was the deaths of the villainous figures that stood out to the show creators. According to Weiss, the early seasons of the show saw the killing of many good characters, like Ned Stark, portrayed by Sean Bean, meeting his tragic end in the first season. However, it was the deaths of Joffrey, played by Jack Gleeson, and Ramsay Bolton, portrayed by Iwan Rheon, that particularly resonated with Weiss.
Weiss expressed that there was a sense of satisfaction in being able to finally kill off characters like Joffrey in season 4 and Ramsay Bolton in season 6. These deaths represented a return to the classic narrative trope of eliminating a truly despicable antagonist. Benioff added that Ramsay’s death, in particular, was impactful because of the focus on Sansa Stark’s reaction to the event rather than the graphic depiction of the death itself. Sansa’s subtle smile after Ramsay’s demise conveyed a sense of justice served, especially considering the horrors she endured at his hands.
Benioff shared his admiration for Sophie Turner’s portrayal of Sansa Stark during Ramsay’s death scene. He mentioned that Turner’s performance was so compelling that he felt a profound sense of satisfaction once they captured the perfect shot. The scene, shot in a single take with Sansa’s reaction as the focal point, encapsulated the emotional weight of Ramsay’s downfall. Similarly, Joffrey’s demise in season 4 by poisoning brought a sense of relief to many viewers who had been eagerly anticipating the downfall of the tyrannical character.
While Game of Thrones may have concluded its main series, Benioff and Weiss have moved on to collaborate with Netflix on various projects, including the adaptation of the novel “3 Body Problem.” Additionally, fans of the Game of Thrones universe can look forward to the upcoming spinoff series, House of the Dragon, set to premiere in June. Despite the conclusion of the original series, the legacy of Game of Thrones lives on through its intricate storytelling and memorable character deaths that continue to resonate with audiences.
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