TV - Movies
Did The Game Of
Thrones Cast
Really Do Their
Own Stunts?
By CAITLIN STEPHENS
Many "Game of Thrones" scenes involved incredibly physical feats, from horseback riding to complicated swordplay, so it is no surprise that they required stunt doubles. Though some actors impressively did their own stunts, the production's insurance policy ultimately decided who did what, as a serious injury could set production back.
In an interview with Esquire, the show’s horse trainer Camilla Naprous said, "As much as possible, I like to see the real thing," but noted there are times that they couldn't even use a real horse for the shots, let alone a real person. Some scenes were so dangerous even for highly-trained stunt doubles that digital production was used instead.
The show’s stunt director Rowley Irlam told Time that Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow, did most of his own stunts. Irlam said, "He's doing all the fighting, he moves really well. He's great." Others on the show valued Harington's willingness to do his own stunts because it helped with the show's overall authenticity.
Harington did get injured while filming his first dragon ride during Season 8, but ironically it was his actions outside of work that necessitated he take a break from stunting. At his London flat, he climbed through a window and shattered his ankle, resulting in Harington having to use a body double on "Game of Thrones."