The Journey of Conleth Hill as Lord Varys in Game of Thrones
Conleth Hill’s portrayal of Lord Varys has left an indelible mark on the iconic HBO series, Game of Thrones. Since the show’s inception in 2011 until its conclusion in 2019, Hill has captivated audiences with his multidimensional character. In a recent interview with The Irish Times, he opened up about his initial hesitation to take on the role.
A Reluctant Decision to Join the Cast
Despite his eventual success in the role, Hill admitted to grappling with the decision to portray Varys. His reservations stemmed from a lack of interest in fantasy elements, stating:
“I was resistant for a long time. I’m not into wizards.”
The Complexity of Varys’ Character Arc
The character of Varys, known as the Master of Whisperers, is celebrated for his intricate narrative journey throughout the series. His storyline culminates in the emotionally charged scene during Season 8, Episode 5, titled “The Bells,”where Daenerys Targaryen’s (played by Emilia Clarke) dragon, Drogon, ultimately kills him. This pivotal moment is etched in the memories of fans as one of the series’ defining highlights.
Emotional Reflections on Departure
Hill’s emotional connection to Varys is evident, especially when discussing his character’s exit from the series. Echoing his sentiments in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he expressed that he took it “very personally”when he learned of Varys’ demise. In a conversation with The Times UK, he divulged, “I thought I’d done something wrong,”reflecting on the rushed nature of the final season. His thoughts align with those of fellow cast member Kit Harington, who also criticized the pacing of the series’ conclusion.
A Perfect Fit for the Role
Despite his initial reluctance to join the cast, Hill’s rich background in Shakespearean theater proved essential for the role. He has showcased his talent in productions like All’s Well That Ends Well at London’s National Theater, explaining to The Irish Times:
“I don’t think it was a typical casting call. They wanted people who could handle the language, who had done Shakespeare.”
Continuing a Versatile Career
Outside of Game of Thrones, Hill has expanded his repertoire with various roles. He portrayed Edward Darby in the legal drama Suits and features in the television drama Vienna Blood as Mendel Liebermann, a role he held from 2019 to 2024. Additionally, Hill plays Alan Conway in the upcoming series Moonflower Murders, set to release in 2024. He has even taken on the role of Pope Gregory XIII in Netflix’s science fiction adaptation of 3 Body Problem.
In conclusion, Conleth Hill’s journey as Lord Varys not only showcases his talent but also highlights the rich narrative possibilities within the realm of television. As fans continue to reflect on Game of Thrones, Hill’s insights offer a deeper understanding of the complexities of character development and storytelling in such a beloved series.
Source: Theirishtimes.com