10 Interesting Facts About The Making Of Game Of Thrones

10. Jack Gleeson Was Inspired By Joaquin Phoenix’s Performance In Gladiator

With the possible exception of Ramsay Bolton, Joffrey Baratheon is the most hated character in Game of Thrones. Spoiled by the poor parenting skills of his wicked mother, Joffrey is a vain, sadistic, immature king with no redeeming qualities.

Jack Gleeson captured all these traits with his exceptional performance right up to his painful death in the second episode of Season 4. Whenever he was on screen, it was impossible not to hate him.

Interestingly enough, Gleeson’s performance was inspired by the main antagonist in Gladiator, Emperor Commodus, who was played by recent Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix. Though Joffrey is much more of a brat than Commodus, both villains carry a similar sense of pride and arrogance. Even Gleeson’s smirk is reminiscent of Phoenix’s performance.

Whilst George R. R. Martin will always be the real genius behind the characters in Game of Thrones, it’s cool to know that Gleeson’s portrayal was also inspired by one of the greatest actors of our time.