Paddy Considine Got The Most Surprising Text Message From George R.R. Martin
A common trend in Hollywood is to produce a film or television adaptation of an already successful novel. What isn't as common is for the author of one of these novels to praise an actor's on-screen portrayal of their character. That is what Paddy Considine, who portrays King Viserys Targaryen I on House of the Dragon, experienced a short while back.
Considine received a text from George R.R. Martin about his portrayal of the king. The actor had a chance to recount the exchange and what it meant to him in a recent interview for GQ Magazine.
Recognition from the Throne
The Game of Thrones prequel, which is based on Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, has given fans a lot to talk about. One of those fans is none other than Martin himself! Considine received a text message from the author that read: "Your Viserys is better than my Viserys". Considine remarked that the praise would "do it" for him, and proceeded to thank the author for having faith in his performance.
This was not the only instance of George R.R. Martin giving a nod to Paddy Considine. In addition to their private interaction, Martin has publicly praised the 49-year-old star. He highlighted how the portrayal produced a stronger and more tragic figure than that of Targaryen in the novel–an opinion Considine himself shares. "He's just too compassionate for the job." the actor added when asked about the perception of Viserys as a weak leader. Considine also noted that it was intriguing that the monarch was not corrupted by power, which is commonplace amongst most monarchical rulers.
A Breathtaking Spin
Paddy Considine has put a greater touch of humanity into a character that fans can relate to with more depth. The King is a profoundly conflicted leader who simply wants peace among his people. Contrary to criticisms of the King's weakness, his inherent ability to put his own ego aside for the greater good is an admirable trait.
He shows that a little bit of compassion can cast a greater mark on the world than an infinite amount of greed. That is the lesson we all need to take away from Considine's portrayal. Acting out of the goodness in your heart is no easy feat, but it shows the kind of courage humanity needs more than ever.