The singer talks canceling a week of studio time to play a Lannister soldier and why he thought his character would die on GoT.
HBO: How did you get involved?
Ed Sheeran: I was on tour with Snow Patrol in 2012, and I think the first season had just come out. Gary Lightbody [Snow Patrol’s lead singer] said, “Watch the show! I’m going to guest star on it.” As soon as I watched it, I was like, “Can you make me an extra at some point?” So Gary put in the word for me then, and I got an email for this season. I had a week of studio scheduled, and I just cancelled it to come and film.
HBO: What’s it like to guest star on Game of Thrones?
Ed Sheeran: The overall experience was good. I like the armor. It’s very, very cold. It was 21℉, so there’s not a lot of warmth.
HBO: Do you know the story behind the song featured in your cameo?
Ed Sheeran: This song was in the book. It’s [Symon Silver Tongue] singing to Tyrion when he and Shae are doing their thing.
HBO: What was it like working with Maisie Williams?
Ed Sheeran: It’s cool to see Maisie get into character. I think people expect her to be Arya Stark, but she’s just a sweet, smiley person. When I first got the scene and saw I was a Lannister soldier and playing opposite Maisie, I just assumed we’d all get killed at the end. I think the underlying theme is ‒ as in any war ‒ the soldiers are just people. We are young boys who don’t have qualms with anyone. We’re doing what we’re told, and I think Arya realizes the human side of that. She can just chill, have some food and crack some jokes.
Check out the lyrics to the song and watch the scene below:
He rode through the streets of the city,
down from his hill on high,
O’er the wynds and the steps and the cobbles,
he rode to a woman’s sigh.
For she was his secret treasure,
she was his shame and his bliss.
And a chain and a keep are nothing,
compared to a woman’s kiss.
For hands of gold are always cold,
but a woman’s hands are warm…