‘Game Of Thrones’: Gemma Whelan On Yara’s Interaction With Daenerys, The Greyjoys’ Bond

Yara and Theon Greyjoy took a big risk in “Game of
Thrones'” “Battle of the Bastards” episode, and it paid off.

After journeying to Meereen in advance of their Uncle Euron,
Yara and Theon approached Daenerys Targaryen and struck a bargain. In exchange
for their 100 ships (with men to sail them), and supporting Dany’s Queen of the
Seven Kingdoms claim, the Mother of Dragons agreed to support Yara’s own claim
to the Salt Throne, and the Iron Islands’ independence.

Yara, played by Gemma Whelan, was fearless in her
interaction with Daenerys, something Access Hollywood asked the actress about
when we spoke with her earlier this week (especially considering Dany has dragons!).

Game-Of-Thrones-Gemma-Whelan-On-Yaras-Interaction-With-Daenerys-The-Greyjoys-Bond
‘Game Of Thrones’: Gemma Whelan On Yara’s Interaction With Daenerys, The Greyjoys’ Bond (HBO)

PHOTOS: ‘Game Of Thrones’: How The Epic ‘Battle Of The Bastards’ Was Made

We discussed this and she has to be so
front-footed and ruthless and clear about what she wants because she doesn’t
have an alternative,” Gemma said. “If this doesn’t work, they’re
screwed, so she has to be clear and concise and use whatever wiles and wills
she has in order to make this woman accept what they have to offer, rather than
quite a reasonable offer from somebody else — apart from the marriage bit. But
yeah, she has to go in and be so — ‘You better flippin’ accept this, because we ain’t
got a plan B.’ So I think the conviction comes from there really, and you know,
she also is just a bada**. She doesn’t give a sh**. She goes in and she says what
she thinks.”

The entire scene was a delight to watch as Yara and Theon
told Dany and Tyrion what they wanted and what their uncle wanted (Euron was
aiming for Dany’s hand in marriage, for his help in taking the Seven
Kingdoms, before killing her). 

PHOTOS: ‘Game Of Thrones’: Scenes From The Season 6 Finale — ‘The Winds Of Winter’

“And I imagine your offer is free of any marriage demands,” Dany said, part question, part statement.

Yara replied, “I never demand, but I’m up for anything
really.”

“That scene is so playful, even though it’s so
grave,” Gemma said. “That’s what’s so clever about it —
it’s such a grave amount of things being talked about with a light levity,
really. There’s a little playfulness between the two of them and I loved that.
It’s just — it’s glorious.”

After making the deal, the two women shook on it – an
interaction that Gemma and Emilia Clarke, who plays Dany, had to repeat a few
times after a not-quite-correct take prompted a bit of laughter.

PHOTOS: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Characters Who Have Died On The Show

“We actually shook hands and then we shook elbows, but shook too much. It took ages to film that powerful moment because we were just laughing and laughing because we’re so close as well. It doesn’t look like we’re that close, but we are face to face, so close. And having to hold it for a long time, we just got the giggles a lot and eventually it was decided upon that’d we grab elbows, one shake and just don’t think about anything funny, hold it, hold it until they say cut, because it took a while because we laughed so much,” Gemma said.

Since Yara and Theon arrived at Dany’s steps not long after
Viserion, Drogon and Rhaegal made ash of dozens of ships, Access had to ask if
Yara might have been hoping for a little dragon-assist in helping to take care
of the Uncle Euron problem.

“I don’t think she’s seduced by anything other than
getting the job done. … Okay, so it’s a dragon. I don’t think she would — maybe
I’m wrong — but I don’t feel that she’d be too awestruck by it. Obviously it’s
really impressive, but she ain’t gonna show that. She’s just going to get on
with the job because she’s got revenge to wreak, and I think she respects Dany
and what Dany does with them, but she doesn’t need to ride one herself.
Although you never know,” Gemma laughed.

Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6
Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6 (HBO)

Yara and Theon formed an alliance with Daenerys, but another big Greyjoy development this season has been about repairing the bond between Balon Greyjoy’s remaining children. Yara attempted to save Theon last season, but it ended in the loss of many Iron Islands men, and rebuilding the trust between the siblings hasn’t been easy. It has, however, been happening, with Theon supporting and standing up for Yara’s claim as Iron Islands Queen.

I think the whole season has gone from sort of deep mistrust to like a full strong alliance between the two of them again,” Gemma said when we asked her about the dynamic between Yara and Theon. “He’s been such a jerk and he’s rejected her and refused to do anything that anyone’s told him to do and been a right little upstart. And she’s had to learn to trust him again and learn that he’s not going to be that guy anymore because he’s got to step up and if he doesn’t step up then he’s got to get lost. So I think all those strong words and the fact that they’ve got a family bond, she really does trust him now and they’re back and they’re stronger than ever, and I think they have a great deal to bond them in their [past], and it only can be a strong foundation for their future.”

The “Game of Thrones” Season 6 finale airs Sunday night at 9 PM ET/PT on HBO. 

Jolie Lash

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

‘90 Day Fiancé: Love In Paradise’ Returning With Dramatic & Wild New Season