Hodor is dead, now Kristian Nairn has a weight off his back — he no longer has to carry around Bran Stark. Isaac Hempstead Wright was a 10-year-old boy when he was cast as Bran Stark, now he’s 17 and quite obviously much bigger than the Bran who fell from the tower back in season one.
While everyone is heartbroken over the death of Hodor (I’m convinced it’s not the last we’ll see of him though *cough* White Walker), at least Nairn is in a way finally recognized for being one of the most nuanced and best parts of TV’s most popular show over the last few years.
In an extensive interview with Alan Sepinwall at HitFix, Nairn discusses the impact Hodor has had on his career and the relief that comes with the knowledge he doesn’t have to lug around a grown man playing a boy.
“He is massively big now. It’s not only the physical thing. It looks ridiculous, too. He’s about 6′ tall, and looks like he sings for Oasis. He’s not that little Bran of Winterfell anymore. He’s an NBA player, man.”
Now that he’s done with Game of Thrones, maybe Kristian will take some time off to rest his back, or maybe go on another prog house tour. One thing is for certain for the future of Kristian Nairn — everyone will always be holding the door for him, no matter where he goes.
