Game of Thrones’ Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Missandei, Daenerys’ strong, loyal and smoking hot bestie, was in Manila for the three days of Asia Pop Comic Con 2015. It was her very first comic con experience, as well as her very first time to the Philippines — a good work-cation spend signing autographs, being photographed, and exploring Intramuros! “I learned so much! I was very proud. We went to the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin church,” she says.
During the panel, Nathalie casually and generously spoke about her character, co-stars, and Game of Thrones experience — plus: Season 6! She kept mum about Jon Snow’s whereabouts (or should we say, deadabouts?) of course. But we’re still head-over-heels in love with her.
WHAT’S IT LIKE ACTING WITH “DRAGONS”?
“Most of the time, it’s mostly a big green ball on the end of a stick and you just have to use your imagination and that’s part of the magic of being an actress and getting to play make believe.”
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A PART OF SUCH A MASSIVE SHOW?
“What’s so great about Game of Thrones, the cast and the crew…everybody, is they’re just really good people. Every time I get those emails that say, ‘You’ve got costume fittings this weekend,’ every time I go back, I’m so excited. It’s like going home and going back to school. It’s familiar and comfortable. Everyone works really really hard. I often just feel so lucky, because it’s such a good gang there. It’s pretty sweet, I’m not gonna lie. I get in at Season 3, but I watched the show from the beginning, religiously. I’m there with you guys.”
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE MISSANDEI TO DIE?
“Part of me is like, she’s had a hard life. So I just want her to settle down and be happy and have some kids. But then part of me thinks maybe she should just die in an epic battle and kick some butt first, and people would be like, ‘Oh my God, Missandei’s so badass!'”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S RELATIONSHIP WITH DAENERYS?
“Daenerys hasn’t really had a genuine friend and I think they’re just really good friends and it’s just really sweet. They genuinely support each other and recognize each other’s abilities and powers. They’re two women from very very different backgrounds, and they just have this common ground.”
CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT SEASON 6?
“This season’s really exciting. It’s got a lot of momentum. We were left with Peter Dinklage in our little team, and we’re seeing a whole new dynamic in that group, which only Tyrion can bring.”
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ‘GAME OF THRONES’ CHARACTER AND WHY?
“My favorite Game of Thrones character is Daenerys. It’s got to be. She’s my homie as well, so I gotta be loyal. A close second is Tyrion, just because he’s so brilliant — and hilarious.”
WHAT’S EMILIA CLARKE LIKE?
“Emilia is so sweet. We have so much fun together. It’s kind of a match made in heaven. We get to hang out offset, and have little tea parties. She’s a sweetheart and I really love working with her.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MISSANDEI?
“She represents people who have nothing and come from nothing, and use what’s up here (head) and here (heart) and their courage to overcome incredible, astonishing circumstances. Her intelligence is what made Daenerys go, ‘Okay, I see you. We need to be friends. We need to be in cahoots.’ Missandei represents that and that’s why I love playing her.”
(Text and photos by CHONX TIBAJIA, Missandei photo via HBO)
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