Sibel Kekilli currently co-stars on HBO’s “Game of Thrones” as Shae, the concubine and lover of Peter Dinklage. She started as a guest star in the first season and has since become a series regular in season 3. Media Mikes had a chance to briefly ask Sibel a few questions about the show and her character.
Mike Gencarelli: What did you feel your biggest change/challenge for Shae was going into the third season of “Game of Thrones”?
Sibel Kekilli: To survive. Most of the time you don’t know whether your character will survive the episode or not. George, Dan and David are able to write you out easily out; they are the authors.
MG: How is it working with a cast of 28 characters? Do you find it hard to stand out?
SK: I am very fortunate that most of my scenes are with one of the leading actors, as to mention these wonderful actors like Peter, Lena or Sophie. And I do believe that Dan and David pay very much attention to each character’s individuality to ensure that everyone has their moment.
MG: Have you ever had the opportunity to chat with George R.R. Martin about your character?
SK: Yes, I did. And he was telling me, that the Shae on the screen is different but much better than his Shae in the books… well,
actually, he was laughing. George R. R. Martin is a great author.
MG: Have you read ahead in the books to see where you character is going?
SK: As the scripts sometimes really differ from the books, I have not read them so far.
MG: How can you reflect on the fandom surrounding this show?
SK: It is crazy. The fans are very unique, with lots of passion about every little detail, and since it is a novel adaption, it is a really tough challenge for them, when something happens that differs from the books. Yet, that does not mean that they don’t like it.
MG: After being involved with the show during production, do you still watch each week during the season?
SK: Not every week. In Germany the show airs a bit delayed.