George R.R. Martin: “Everybody trusts him” on How Game of Thrones Butchered His Original Character That Was Much More Realistic in the Books

SUMMARY

• George R.R. Martin pointed out how Aidan Gillen's Littlefinger was totally different in the show as compared with the book.
• The show portrayed a very menacing figure while the novel depicted him as very friendly and helpful.
• Gillen reflected on filming Littlefinger's death scene and his last day on set.

One of the biggest criticisms Game of Thrones receives is the deviation of the TV adaptation from the source material in terms of depicting characters. While it’s understandable that some changes had to be made to accommodate the visual medium, there was one character that was terribly altered.

George R.R. Martin via TIFF Originals / Credits: YouTube

The famed HBO show concluded in 2019 after an eight-season run, but many fans were still not over the underwhelming finale. Even author George R.R. Martin was disappointed with how the project turned out, as many of his demands for the show remained unfulfilled.

George R.R. Martin wasn’t happy with Game of Thrones version of Littlefinger

If there’s one character that truly stood out for many fans throughout the show’s run, it’s Aidan Gillen’s Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger. Fans who only watched the series know that he was a master of deception – cunning, ruthless, and very dangerous. This made him a very worthy antagonist who mostly uses his wit and words to manipulate people and get what he wants.

Aidan Gillen in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO Entertainment

The book version of Littlefinger is far from what we’ve seen on television, according to George R.R. Martin. The author remarked that he was the character most different from his novels. In fact, in his interview with BBC via YouTube, he recalled two characters speaking of Littlefinger saying no one trusts him and he has no friends. This isn’t true for the book version.

Littlefinger, in the book, everybody trusts him. Everybody trusts him because he seems powerless, and he’s very friendly, and he’s very helpful.

Indeed, he was there to lend a helping hand to almost every character we know. He aided Ned Stark, Tyrion Lannister, and Robert Baratheon, to name a few. He was always able to raise money, and that’s why people befriended him. But, the Machiavellian thing, as Martin pointed out, is that he’s never a threat and is always just accommodating as it “ingratiates himself with people and rises higher and higher as a result.”

Littlefinger in the show turned into a menacing figure that people would fear to approach or be involved with. He was much more subtle in his cunningness in the book than in the series, making him a more nuanced character than his screen counterpart.

Aidan Gillen reflected on Littlefinger’s death

Aidan Gillen in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO Entertainment

Every fan must have cheered on upon witnessing the end of Littlefinger. After seven seasons, his arc has come to an end and the show gave the viewers a satisfying finish to his treachery. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Gillen revealed what he felt upon filming his death scene,

“I don’t necessarily mean that I was sad, but it’s an emotional moment for the character so I felt what he was feeling.”

The actor surprisingly said in an interview back in 2015 that he thought Arya Stark would be the one to kill his character, and it happened just as expected.

Game of Thrones is currently available to watch on HBO Max.

Written by Ariane Cruz

Articles Published: 2812

Ariane Cruz, Senior Writer. She has been contributing articles for FandomWire since 2021, mostly covering stories about the latest movies and series. With a degree in Communication Arts, she has an in-depth knowledge of print and broadcast journalism. Her other works can also be seen on Screen Rant and CBR.