From real-life romances to hidden historical influences, this guide has the most interesting facts you probably don't know about Game of Thrones. Let's get started!
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12. Peter Dinklage has most episode appearances
Peter Dinklage, who portrayed Tyrion Lannister, appeared in more episodes than any other cast member. Dinklage is in a total of 61 out of 67 episodes, so he never missed any important moment. | © HBO
11. Notable musicians appeared on GoT
Only the most dedicated music fans may have spotted iconic performances from Snow Patrol and Coldplay. Even Sigur Rós showed up to perform at Joffrey's wedding. | © HBO
10. Jack Gleeson was inspired by Joaquin Phoenix
For his role as cruel King Joffrey, Jack Gleeson took inspiration from Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Commodus in Gladiator. It was Gleeson's nod to Phoenix, who perfectly captured the essence of a villain you love to despise. | © HBO
9. Opening credits were a last-minute addition
The legendary map-based opening sequence was a last-minute addition after the first episode was done. Thankfully, that decision gave us one of the most memorable TV intros ever. | © HBO
8. There was real life romance
There was a real-life romance with a real happily-ever-after beyond the scenes! Kit Harington and Rose Leslie, who played Jon Snow and Ygritte, found love on set and eventually tied the knot in Scotland on June 23, 2018. | © HBO
7. $100 million for season 6
With a whopping budget of over $100 million—averaging $10 million per episode, Game of Thrones became one of the most expensive TV shows ever by season 6. And let's be honest, epic battles and stunning visuals let you see every dollar on screen. | © HBO
6. Dean-Charles Chapman played multiple roles
While there are some characters played by multiple actors in the series, there is also an actor who plays multiple characters. Dean-Charles Chapman played a minor role of Martyn Lannister in Season 3 but was later cast as Tommen Baratheon for later seasons. | © HBO
5. Daenerys had purple eyes
Did you know Daenerys was supposed to have purple eyes? Emilia Clarke initially wore contact lenses to match the books, but they affected her performance so much that the idea was abandoned. | © HBO
4. There's an alternative plot
Game of Thrones almost started with a different story. After poor reactions from test audiences, the original pilot was scrapped, leading to the creation of the iconic first episode that launched the series we love today. | © HBO
3. The Red Wedding was based on actual history
The Red Wedding was more than drama for Game of Thrones, this scene was inspired by real Scottish history. George R.R. Martin drew inspiration from two events: Black Dinner in 1440, and Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. | © HBO
2. Sophie Turner adopted a direwolf
Sophie Turner had a special connection with one of the direwolves while filming, so she couldn't resist taking Zunni, the Northern Inuit dog who played Lady, home. A girl and her direwolf should never be parted. | © Sophie Turner
1. The show was banned by the Turkey Army
Due to the graphic violence and explicit use of adult content, the Turkish military academy decided it was too inappropriate for cadets and banned the iconic series. | © HBO
From real-life romances to hidden historical influences, this guide has the most interesting facts you probably don't know about Game of Thrones. Let's get started!
