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A highly successful show likeGame of Throneswould attract many celebrities who attempt to snag a role or two, but even with its worldwide popularity and Emmy wins, Gillian Anderson never found the series appealing. The actress reportedly declined an offer to star in it, much to the shock of her daughter.
Known for her roles inThe CrownandThe X-Files, Anderson is a multi-awarded actress and writer who began her career in the 1980s. She rose to stardom for portraying FBI Special Agent Dana Scully and made a name for herself by playing strong female roles.
Gillian Anderson reveals why she turned downGame of Thrones
Gillian Andersonearned a good reputation in the acting industry, and because of her love for complex and strong-willed female roles, she was offered to join HBO’sGame of Thrones. It’s only fitting to say that women had a dominant presence in the show and several of them played a crucial part in the narrative. Unfortunately, Anderson was not interested.
In a 2013 article byDaily Mail, the 56-year-old actress said her then 18-year-old daughter was shocked she rejectedGame of ThronesandDownton Abbey. She said Piper “cannot believe that I would turn down Game of Thrones or Downton — things she loves to watch.” This is indeed a surprise since many actors are dying to get aboard the ship heading to Westeros.
For Anderson, time is gold, and she wants to spend it with creatives she truly wants to work with. “If I am going to be spending that amount of time working on something I would rather be working with a director like Martin Scorsese,” she explained.
In another conversation withStylist, she revealed turning downGame of Thrones“because I don’t like the roles very much.” She said that family commitment was also the reason as having two young children could not afford her to be away from home for a long time unless she was working with a famed veteran director.
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The actress never specified which role she was offered, although there was aspeculation onRedditthat HBO wanted her to play Cersei Lannister, the evil and ruthless queen portrayed wonderfully byLena Headey. Still, it would have been intriguing to see how Anderson would take on the villainous role had she accepted the proposal.
Gillian Anderson on playing complex female roles
Anderson as Cersei Lannister would have felt weird but interesting for many fans as the actress would be acting against type as an antagonist. She is more recognized for playing heroic characters, although as a mother herself, it would be compelling to see how she would relate to Cersei’s maternal instincts.
“Is it misogynistic or feminist?”: George R.R. Martin Was Conflicted for the Most Brutal Game of Thrones Scene That Made Us Feel Bad for Cersei Lannister
The role also fits thestrong and complex type of womenthat Anderson prefers to portray on screen. Anderson once toldMarie Clairethat she is “much more likely to say yes to a project if her complexities are already on the page” – sounds very much like Cersei!
Game of Thronesis currently available to watch on HBO.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3532
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
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