The Journey of Peter Dinklage: How He Was Chosen for Game of Thrones

As a renowned actor, Peter Dinklage’s casting for the iconic role of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones was the result of a thoughtful and thorough selection process. This article delves into the various factors and key moments that led to his selection, including his auditions, previous work, character interpretation, and physicality.

1. Audition Process

The process of choosing the perfect actor for Tyrion Lannister required a careful audition. Dinklage’s ability to capture Tyrion's wit, intelligence, and complexity stood out among many other candidates. His nuanced character portrayal was a testament to his skill and dedication. The audition was more than just a test of acting ability; it was an opportunity for Dinklage to showcase his unique interpretation of the character. Here is a true story from the mind of the creator, David Benioff. According to Benioff, after reading the book and going through the casting process, he found himself with only two actors in mind for the role of Tyrion Lannister: Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage.

2. Previous Work

Before his journey to Westeros, Peter Dinklage had already established a solid reputation in the film industry. His roles in films like The Station Agent and Elf had garnered him critical acclaim. This established reputation made his casting a natural choice for Game of Thrones.

3. Character Interpretation

The creators of Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, were particularly impressed by Dinklage’s understanding of his character. They believed that he had brought a depth and nuance to Tyrion that resonated with the series' tone and the character's complexity. The interaction between the creators and Dinklage during the character development phase was crucial. Dinklage's ability to delve into the psyche of Tyrion and portray his multifaceted personality was a key factor in his selection.

4. Physicality

Apart from his acting skills, Dinklage's physicality played a significant role in his casting. The source material for Game of Thrones already had Tyrion Lannister described as having dwarfism, a condition that Dinklage also lives with. His casting was seen as a commitment to represent the character authentically. This authenticity was vital for the believability of the character within the narrative, adding another layer to the mix of the character's portrayal.

These key aspects—audition process, previous work, character interpretation, and physicality—combined to make Peter Dinklage the ideal candidate for the role of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones. His portrayal of the character not only earned him critical acclaim but also multiple awards, including several Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

As George R.R. Martin, the author of the series of fantasy novels from which the show is based, puts it:

“His performance as the character is extraordinary. He is the character come to life. When we originally started doing this show years ago, there were two roles we agreed on instantly, and one was that we had to have Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister.”

Indeed, Dinklage’s casting revolutionized the way fans and critics approached Tyrion Lannister, making him one of the most beloved characters in the series.