Game of Thrones author criticises controversial Daenerys and Khal Drogo season 1 scene
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
Game of Thrones fans had a lot to say about the fantasy series' final season last year – and it's safe to say that not all of their takes were positive.
Turns out, though, author George RR Martin wasn't keen on something the show did much earlier on, as he pointed to a scene between Emilia Clarke's Daenerys and Jason Momoa's Khal Drogo in the show's pilot.
In James Hibberd's new companion book Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon, Martin explained that he's still not happy with changes that were made to Daenerys and Khal Drogo's wedding night.
Related: Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin confirms this character has different fate in the books
In Martin's book series, the two characters ultimately consummate their marriage consensually, despite the fact that the 13 to 14-year-old Daenerys was forced into marrying the older Dothraki warrior.
The show’s unaired pilot, which saw Tamzin Merchant in the role of Daenerys, followed the original material much more closely, but when the role was recast and Clarke was brought in, the scene was re-shot.
In the aired pilot 'Winter Is Coming', Khal forced himself upon his new bride, with Daenerys seen to be visibly upset following their wedding night.
Speaking about the change in Hibberd's Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon, Martin questioned (via Metro): "Why did the wedding scene change from the consensual seduction scene that excited even a horse to the brutal rape of Emilia Clarke? We never discussed it.
"It made it worse, not better."
Related: Game of Thrones' prequel spin-offs explained: House of the Dragon and more
In the book, showrunner DB Weiss responded to Martin's comments, saying: "In the second episode [Daenerys] has to go back to the less consensual, rougher relationship.
"In the book that works, but we just didn't have that amount of time and access to the character's mind. It turns too quickly. It was something the actors themselves felt wasn't gelling. They weren't able to find an emotional handhold."
Hibberd's Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon provides an oral history of the making of the HBO show, featuring interviews with everyone from author Martin and showrunners Weiss and David Benioff to show stars Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams and more.
The book is also set to provide an insight into the show's divisive final season, while also exploring the future of the franchise, including the upcoming spin-off series House of the Dragon.
Game of Thrones seasons 1-8 are now available on DVD and Blu-ray. Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon is available to purchase now.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contactRAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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