For eight epic seasons, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was the brooding, complex heart of HBO's global phenomenon, Game of Thrones. But the actor reveals that stepping into the chainmail for his new historical drama, King and Conqueror, presented a challenge of an entirely different magnitude—and one he describes as a career-defining opportunity.
In an exclusive interview, the Danish star confessed that the immense shadow of his iconic role as the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister, initially made him hesitant to return to the sword-and-sandal genre. "You do worry about being typecast," Coster-Waldau admitted. "After Thrones, I was offered a lot of men in armour. But this script was different. This was the one."
A Story Seven Years in the Making
The project, which charts the volatile relationship between Harold of Wessex and William the Conqueror, has been a passion project for Coster-Waldau and his former Thrones brother, Iain Glen, for nearly a decade. The two actors, who shared countless scenes as Jaime Lannister and Jorah Mormont, are now executive producers as well as leads.
"Iain and I have been talking about doing something together for years," Coster-Waldau explained. "We developed this idea seven years ago. To finally see it come to life is incredible. It's our story, and that makes it incredibly personal."
Escaping the Shadow of the Kingslayer
The actor spoke candidly about the pressure that came with his Game of Thrones fame, particularly the weight of fan expectations for his character's arc. He recalled the intense online reaction to Jaime's controversial return to Cersei in the final season, a narrative choice that divided viewers.
"It was a very stressful time," he revealed. "You're trying to do your job, but you're aware of this tidal wave of opinions and theories. It was overwhelming at times." This experience, he suggests, makes the creative control he has on King and Conqueror all the more satisfying.
While he will forever be associated with Jaime Lannister, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is now ready to be known for another legendary name. With King and Conqueror, he isn't just playing a part; he's helping to tell a story he helped create, proving there is compelling life after the Iron Throne.
