Earlier this month, fans began to speculate that ‘Game of Thrones’ star Lena Headey had been sharing spoilers on her Instagram account. After the shock of Oberyn Martell’s death in ‘The Mountain and the Viper’, people realized that the actress behind Cersei Lannister had posted a picture that practically foreshadowed that episode’s events. Some time later, a heart made of stones made it’s way onto her account, which indicated to some that Lady Stoneheart would be appearing before the end of the season. For those who haven’t read the books, that is the title taken by the resurrected Catelyn Stark as she seeks retribution for her son’s death during the Red Wedding. But as we came to see in the season finale, the appearance never came and based on a recent interview, it won’t be coming at all.
While speaking with Entertainment Weekly about her run with Jack Bauer on ‘24’, actress Michelle Fairley was asked about a potential return to Westeros for season five of HBO’s acclaimed fantasy drama. But the reporter ended up getting an answer that indicates the series’ biggest departure from George R.R. Martin’s books yet:
EW: There was a lot of online conversation. I heard third-hand that you were basically told that it’s not likely to ever happen. Is that accurate?
MF: Yeah, the character’s dead. She’s dead.
EW: Do you have a preference at all—do you think Catelyn’s arc should end where it ended, or would you be into the resurrection idea?
MF: You respect the writers’ decision. I knew the arc, and that was it. They can’t stick to the books 100 percent. It’s impossible—they only have 10 hours per season. They have got to keep it dramatic and exciting, and extraneous stuff along the way gets lost in order to maintain the quality of brilliant show.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that Fairley could be covering up a big surprise coming up next season, so fans hoping to see Lady Stoneheart exact revenge could hold out if they see fit. However, I, for one, will definitely not be holding my breath. There’s nothing wrong with a little deviation from the source material. After all, look at ‘The Walking Dead’ or any of the Marvel Studios films.
Are you disappointed that Michelle Fairley probably won’t be returning to ‘Game of Thrones’ as Lady Stoneheart? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
