The headliner of Comic Con Astana 2026 talked about why he understands the ending of Jaime Lannister, what roles he is ready to refuse, what he learned on the set of 'Shot Caller', and why artificial intelligence will not replace auteur cinema.

Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau came to Kazakhstan as one of the main guests of Comic Con Astana 2026. Most viewers know him primarily as Jaime Lannister from 'Game of Thrones', but the actor's filmography has long gone beyond Westeros. He has appeared in 'Black Hawk Down', 'Oblivion', 'Gods of Egypt', 'Shot Caller', and 'Against the Ice', and in recent years has increasingly worked as a screenwriter, director, and producer.

During a meeting with the media and audiences, Coster-Waldau discussed the ambiguity of Jaime Lannister and the ending of 'Game of Thrones', moral boundaries in the profession, his transition to directing, artificial intelligence, and future projects. We have gathered the actor's key answers.

Kazakhstan between Lannisters and Dothraki

When asked what place Kazakhstan could occupy in the world of 'Game of Thrones', he assigned the country the role of a territory of diplomacy.

Kazakhstan is located between two large and strong countries. Therefore, I think that in the world of 'Game of Thrones' it would be situated somewhere between the Lannisters and the Dothraki and would represent diplomacy. And, of course, it would make each side believe that it is its best friend.

'The less you know about the actor, the better'

For millions of viewers, Coster-Waldau remains Jaime Lannister. But what would he like the public to know about himself?

The fact that many people know Jaime Lannister is, of course, great. But when you watch a film or series, in many ways the less you know about the actor himself, the better. You just see the character. So there is nothing that I desperately want to tell about myself.

The actor added that, despite the differences between people, their main desires largely coincide.

I look at you and understand that we are all the same — we are people and want roughly the same things. My wife is from Greenland, and there I see people with the same desires. I want to take care of my family, want to be loved and to love, want peace and quiet. I want my children to have a good future. I am sure your dreams are roughly the same.

How he understood Jaime Lannister

Coster-Waldau admitted that at first he did not fully understand his character. The turning point was the final scene of the first episode of 'Game of Thrones', in which Jaime pushes Bran Stark from the tower.

When I got the role of Jaime Lannister and read the script, I saw that in the final scene he pushes Bran. At first I did not understand this character, but I felt that for such an act he must have a serious reason. I talked to the writers, learned Jaime's story, and began to understand why he did it.

According to the actor, Jaime never had easy decisions.

I understood what drove him. There was no easy path for Jaime — or that path was always unpopular. Need to kill the king? He decided it was necessary. Every choice he made was very difficult.

Why Jaime returned to Cersei

The final season of 'Game of Thrones' sparked much debate, but Coster-Waldau is calm about different audience reactions.

Usually everyone has their own idea of how the story should end. In our case, probably any ending would have been wrong. Everything could have turned out differently. But if I wanted to change the ending, I probably should have become a screenwriter. Some people liked the ending, some did not, and I am fine with that. Personally, I am proud of the project. The fact that Jaime returns to his sister at the end shows how true he is to himself. Therefore, I understand the meaning of his return to Cersei.

Should an actor be responsible for the actions of their character?

Coster-Waldau believes that an actor is not obliged to share the beliefs of the person they play. At the same time, he has his own boundaries when choosing roles.

Moral aspects are subjective. We, actors, tell stories and become part of them. If you try to align yourself with the character's moral principles every time, you will not be able to play who you are supposed to. While working on a role, you try to identify with the hero and believe that you are that person. But there have been cases when I was offered roles where I had to treat children cruelly. I refused because I could not imagine myself in such a role. If you are asking about Jaime Lannister, I had no such problems with him.

How Coster-Waldau chooses projects

The actor's approach to the profession changes with age. Now it is important for him to feel that he can bring something of his own to a project.

The philosophy changes as you get older. Some characters resonate with me especially strongly. When I choose a project, I try to understand whether I can make a meaningful contribution, whether I can add something to it.

At the same time, Coster-Waldau does not rule out that one day his priorities will change again.

That is how I answer today. And tomorrow, maybe I will think: 'Now I want to star only in fun films.' Sometimes you want to do something meaningful, sometimes just feel comfortable. And sometimes you just want to eat very tasty food.

Has he reached the peak of his career?

The actor would not like to think of his career as a path to one highest point, after which there is only descent.

Every time something new appears. I remember when I was first offered to play a father, I thought: 'Well, that's it, now I will only be offered father roles.' Next time, apparently, they will offer a grandfather role. With each project, I learn more about my art and craft, gathering new knowledge. When they talk about a peak, I think: if you have reached it, you can only go down from there. That thought depresses me greatly. Therefore, I hope that I will always be going up.

The most famous role is not necessarily the most beloved

Coster-Waldau acknowledges that Jaime Lannister will forever remain his most recognizable character, but he does not call him unconditionally his favorite.

Every project leaves something in the heart. I understand that Jaime Lannister is my most famous character. But that does not mean that this role is my favorite.

Among the works especially close to him, the actor singled out the Netflix drama 'Against the Ice' — the story of a Danish expedition to Greenland, in which he played the lead role and co-wrote the screenplay.

What 'Shot Caller' taught him

While preparing for his role in the crime drama 'Shot Caller', Coster-Waldau spent a lot of time talking with people who had been in prison. This experience changed his view of human behavior in extreme circumstances.

I spent a lot of time with people who had been incarcerated and realized that we are all first and foremost human. Under great pressure, everyone behaves differently. Sometimes we can come out of a difficult situation with dignity, and sometimes we do not do very good things. At our core, we are quite similar.

Currently, the actor is again working with the director of 'Shot Caller', Ric Roman Waugh, on a new project.

How directing differs from acting

About ten years ago, Coster-Waldau began to go beyond the acting profession — writing scripts, producing, and directing.

I really enjoyed working behind the scenes. At the same time, the experience I gained as an actor helps me a lot. An actor can star in two or three films a year, while working on one directorial project takes two or three years. Therefore, as an actor, I managed to participate in more different projects and accumulate a lot of experience.

The transition to directing, in his words, turned out to be a natural stage in his career.

Directing became a logical continuation of what I was already doing. Therefore, I was not scared, I was not worried, and I felt in my element.

Coster-Waldau sees the main task of a director as helping the entire film crew to flourish.

The first thing a director should do is expand the capabilities of their team and the people they work with. At the same time, you need to be precise and concise.

Can artificial intelligence replace a director?

Coster-Waldau is reserved about the capabilities of artificial intelligence. In his opinion, the technology is not yet able to reproduce a full-fledged authorial statement.

With the help of artificial intelligence, you will not be able to create a film like 'The Odyssey'.

Who he would like to act with

Among actors of his generation, Coster-Waldau would especially like to work with Christian Bale.

I would like to act with Christian Bale, if I were to choose an actor of my generation. But in fact, there are many artists with whom I would be interested in working.

What films with him will come out next

One of Coster-Waldau's upcoming works will be Robert Zemeckis's psychological thriller 'The Last Mrs. Parrish', based on the novel of the same name by Liv Constantine. Alongside him, the film stars Jennifer Lopez, Isabel May, and Pearson Fode.

There are also several projects I am working on behind the scenes. One of them is a black comedy.

Blitz

Have you watched 'House of the Dragon'?

— No, I haven't watched it yet.

What series do you consider your favorites?

— It's always like that with series: you pick your favorites, time passes, and new ones appear, even better. But for now, my choice is 'Breaking Bad', 'The Sopranos', and 'The Office'. Tomorrow I might name a different top three.

Who could Jaime Lannister have married?

— Brienne of Tarth.