Natalie Dormer Reflects on Margaery Tyrell’s Poignant Demise in Game of Thrones

Natalie Dormer Reflects on Margaery Tyrell's Impactful Demise in *Game of Thrones*

Natalie Dormer, known for her role in *Game of Thrones*, shared insights into her character’s conclusion. Making her entrance in the second season as Queen Margaery Tyrell, Dormer’s character navigated the intricate dynamics of power in King’s Landing with a unique and astute approach, securing the favor of the common folk. Despite her remarkable ability to adjust and maintain influence amidst various upheavals—including the demise of King Renly Baratheon, King Joffrey Baratheon, and the ascent of the High Sparrow and the Faith Militant—Margaery met her end in the sixth season’s finale, failing to make it to the series’ conclusion.

In an interview with *Collider Ladies Night*, Dormer expressed her mixed feelings of frustration and vindication regarding Margaery’s death in the Great Sept of Baelor.

Dormer articulated that much of her frustration stemmed from Margaery’s experience in the scene, as the High Sparrow and other figures ignored her warnings about Cersei Lannister’s trap. She also reflected on Margaery’s final words and her last moments with her brother, Loras Tyrell. Dormer’s remarks can be summarized as follows:

“I felt frustrated by her demise, yet that mirrored her own frustration in the scene. An experienced actor once advised me not to confuse my feelings with my character’s, as emotions can seep into you through osmosis during repeated performances. Naturally, she deserved a better fate. I had higher hopes for her. However, her frustration with the Sparrow in that moment indicated we were doing it right. It felt like, ‘I just need someone to listen to me a bit more.'”

In the end, she found vindication. A few sentences sufficed to convey her realization. I felt a sense of closure as she articulated it.

Experiencing a character confronting their mortality is one of the most distinctive aspects of acting. When a character faces death, the imagination plays a crucial role in conveying that experience.

Why Margaery’s Death Was Effective in the Show

She Mastered the Game of Thrones Until Her Final Moments

As Dormer highlighted, Margaery’s death was executed with precision. Her final words revealed her as the sole individual within the Great Sept of Baelor who recognized the dangerous trap set by Cersei. Margaery consistently demonstrated greater cunning and insight than many others in the game, ultimately losing only because influential figures ignored her and prevented her and Loras from leaving before the wildfire ignited beneath them.

Surpassing Dormer’s portrayal and Margaery’s poignant, albeit fulfilling, demise in *Game of Thrones* may be a challenge for the remaining books by Martin.

Margaery consistently outshone Cersei in winning over the smallfolk and charming those around her, even exerting considerable influence over Cersei’s son, King Tommen Baratheon. Cersei’s victory required a ruthless approach, and even then, Margaery discerned her scheme, albeit too late to thwart it. This conclusion perfectly encapsulated the conflict between Margaery and Cersei, providing an effective strategy for Cersei to eliminate her adversaries in King’s Landing in a single stroke.

House Of The Dragon Confirms A Massively Harsh Reality About Its Cersei Lannister "Replacement"

While *Game of Thrones* has faced criticism for certain aspects of its adaptation of *A Song of Ice and Fire* novels, the portrayal of Margaery in the HBO series stands out as an improvement over the source material. Dormer’s frustration with the death scene is understandable given her character’s cunning nature, though she realized the danger too late. In the books, Margaery remains alive, and her fate is yet to be revealed. It remains to be seen if Martin’s future works will match Dormer’s performance and Margaery’s tragic yet satisfying end in *Game of Thrones*.

Source: *Collider Ladies Night*

Game Of Thrones

  • Drama
  • Action
  • Adventure

Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones is a TV series based on the book “A Song of Ice of Fire” by George R. R. Martin. It tells the story of the ongoing battle between the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros - as they fight for control of the coveted Iron Throne. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the far north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, led by House Stark's Jon Snow, is the first to encounter icy horrors that threaten all realms of men. The series premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011, and quickly became one of the biggest event series in the "Golden Age" of TV. Winner of 38 Primetime Emmy Awards, Game of Thrones has attracted record viewership on HBO and has a broad, active, international fan base.

Cast
Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Richard Madden, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Maisie Williams, Alfie Allen, Peter Dinklage
Release Date
April 11, 2011
Seasons
8
Writers
D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
Directors
David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
Showrunner
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Streaming Service(s)
HBO Max
Franchise(s)
Game of Thrones
Jasper Thornhill
Jasper Thornhill

Jasper Thornhill is a seasoned journalist with a fiery passion for television storytelling that matches his vibrant red hair. At 60, Jasper has spent over four decades immersing himself in the ever-evolving world of TV series. His keen eye for detail and knack for uncovering the hidden gems in the entertainment industry have made him a trusted voice among television enthusiasts worldwide.

Jasper's career began in the bustling newsrooms of New York City, where he quickly rose to prominence for his insightful critiques and engaging articles. His love for storytelling extends beyond the screen, as he has penned several well-received books analyzing the cultural impact of television. Jasper's work is characterized by his wit, warmth, and a genuine appreciation for the creative minds behind the shows.

Beyond his professional life, Jasper is an avid traveler, drawing inspiration from cultures around the globe. He often shares anecdotes from his journeys, blending his love for adventure with his writing. Jasper is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and dedicates his spare time to volunteering at local shelters.

Residing in a cozy brownstone filled with an eclectic collection of memorabilia from his favorite series, Jasper continues to captivate his readers with his vibrant storytelling and deep understanding of the medium that he has devoted his life to celebrating.

Articles: 42