Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Says It’s Time to Let Go of ‘Game of Thrones’ Finale Frustration

Game of Thrones was one of the most popular and acclaimed shows on television. For years, it won awards, topped “best of” lists, and drew massive audiences around the world.

But the show’s final season, season eight, left many fans disappointed and frustrated. The ending felt rushed, some character choices seemed out of place, and key storylines were wrapped up in ways that didn’t satisfy longtime viewers.

Fans were particularly upset by Daenerys Targaryen’s sudden turn to a villainous role, Bran becoming king, and other decisions that seemed inconsistent with years of buildup. Even the success of the prequel series House of the Dragon hasn’t eased the disappointment for many.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister, recently spoke about the backlash in an interview with The Independent.

He acknowledged the criticism but also urged fans to see the bigger picture. “How are you ever gonna make an end that’s gonna satisfy everyone? That’s a very difficult thing. I absolutely think people are entitled to whatever opinion they have, but it’s a television show. Someone told you a story and you didn’t like the ending. It’s really annoying, but…”

His comments show that, as an actor, he is aware of fans’ strong feelings but feels the criticism can sometimes be overwhelming.

Of course, Coster-Waldau and other cast members were not responsible for the writing, and many agree that the issues were out of their control.

According to reports, Coster-Waldau earned over $1 million per episode during the show’s final season, which may have made it easier to handle the public reaction. Other cast members, like Peter Dinklage, have shared more positive takes on the finale. Dinklage said he enjoyed the ending and thought that sparking discussion among fans was part of the fun.

Despite the disappointment, Coster-Waldau’s words suggest that it’s time for fans to move forward. The series was an enormous success over its run, and while the final season may not have met everyone’s expectations, the story, characters, and impact of Game of Thrones remain significant in television history.

In my opinion, it’s understandable that fans were frustrated with the ending. After years of investment in the characters and their journeys, the sudden shifts in tone and story choices felt jarring.

However, focusing on the show’s entire run and the remarkable performances can help balance that disappointment. What do you think? Did the ending ruin the series for you, or can you still enjoy the story as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments.