Latest news with #GameOfThrones
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dept. Q star Chloe Pirrie says filming in her hometown let her reconnect with family
Her career to date has seen her travel the world, including a stint filming in Canada alongside Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones. But Scots actress Chloe Pirrie, 37, insists she was more excited by the opportunity of shooting in her home town of Edinburgh for six months as it allowed her to reconnect with family. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, she is currently starring as prosecutor Merritt Lingard in Netflix crime drama Department Q. Discussing what it meant to be back in the city of her youth, Pirrie, who is known for her roles in The Queen's Gambit and The Crown, said: 'I've got family there that I hadn't seen for a while so it was great to be able to spend time with them. 'A family member came to set – I've never had that before. That kind of stuff is really special.' The actress also told how she and her Scottish co-stars proved themselves expert at delivering the expletives written in the script. She joked: 'We're just good at it. It's like a national sport.' Pirrie's co-stars on the new show include Downton Abbey's Matthew Goode, Harry Potter and Bridget Jones star Shirley Henderson, Trainspotting alumni Kelly Macdonald and Game of Thrones actress Kate Dickie. However, despite spending six months in Edinburgh, Pirrie revealed she didn't have time to let her hair down with them. Speaking on the red carpet at the show's premiere in London, she said: 'I didn't get to socialise with people as much as I probably would have liked because my schedule was so different to everyone else.' Based on a series of books by Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen, the series follows Goode's character DCI Carl Morck, who sets up a cold case unit while struggling with guilt over an incident that left a young police officer dead and another paralysed. As Goode's character brings his team together he is reluctantly paired with rookie assistant Akram Salim, played by Swedish actor Alexej Manvelov. And while Pirrie might have struggled to socialise, the same can't be said for Goode and Manvelov. In an interview to promote the show, Goode revealed that he and Manvelov hung out together as most of the home-grown cast decided not to stay in Edinburgh. He said: 'Most of the actors lived in Glasgow. It was only me and Alexej in Edinburgh.' Explaining how the pair bonded, he said he invited Manvelov to meet him at a French restaurant on their second day in the city. He added: 'We had lunch and were still there five hours later sort of six bottles of red wine down. If you become friends off-screen then it really helps on screen.'
Forbes
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Daytripper's Guide: Where To Eat And Drink In OId Town Dubrovnik
Old Town, Dubrovnik. Ivan Vuković Dubrovnik's Old Town isn't just a living postcard of medieval limestone streets and terracotta rooftops with uninterrupted Adriatic views—it's a UNESCO World Heritage site with roots stretching back to the 7th century. Its iconic city walls, which have protected this marble paradise for over 500 years, have always been a magnet for travelers. But since Game of Thrones premiered in 2011—casting Dubrovnik as the fictional King's Landing—the city has experienced a dramatic surge in visitors. With all that beauty and history comes the crowds, especially during cruise ship season, when daytrippers pour through the city gates like extras from a Renaissance fair. Is it even possible to make the most of a day in Dubrovnik's Old Town and avoid rookie mistakes? I turned to my favorite local guide, Ivan Vuković, whose Game of Thrones tours (no dragons, but plenty of wit) and off-the-beaten-path excursions have earned him cult status among travelers seeking the real, unfiltered Dubrovnik. A view of Old Town, Dubrovnik. Ivan Vuković Whatever you do, respect the 'Walk of Shame' steps, which have been around centuries longer than the show. Their real name is the Jesuit Stairs, inspired by Rome's iconic Spanish Steps—a true 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. Leading up to the grand Church of St. Ignatius, they're one of the city's most dramatic architectural gems. Those iconic steps—immortalized by Cersei's infamous stroll—are newly polished for summer, and I was mortified to learn that people actually strip down for photos here. 'Do not get naked on that infamous walk of shame,' Vuković says. 'And please, do not scream 'shame'; we all have PTSD from it in Dubrovnik.' Crowds and heat can be daunting in peak summer. 'Use Buža and Ploče gates to dodge the cruise ship hordes who get dropped off at Pile gate,' Ivan advises. 'We built tiny gates as nobody had a clue that tourism was gonna be a big thing.' And don't skip a walk around the city walls—a 1.2-mile stretch circling the Old Town. 'Finish your daytripping with a walk around the walls,' says Vuković. 'Best time? Late afternoon. Get your camera ready!' Pro tip: If you want to see Dubrovnik through a local's eyes (and learn more about those infamous steps), book a Game of Thrones tour with Vuković. He offers a variety of tours if GOT isn't your speed. Now that you know how to be a savvy daytripper, here's where to eat and drink inside the city walls even if it's for a few hours only. Peka at Local. Local If you want to experience Dubrovnik like a local, book a reservation at Local—the new outpost of Marija and Zlatko Papak's wildly successful Eat With Locals experience, right in Old Town. It's the first-ever spot where travelers can get a slice of peka—a traditional Dalmatian dish where meat, potatoes, and veggies are slow-cooked under a bell-shaped dome covered in hot coals, resulting in tender, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. While peka is the star, you'll also find the most perfect charcuterie and cheese spread (all local, of course), Marija's homemade bread, fresh salad, and apple strudel. And yes, even inside the city walls, the Papaks pour local wine and homemade grappa like old friends welcoming you home and you'll always walk away with strangers-turned-new friends. Chilly prawns at Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant. Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant Nestled atop a 16th-century building, this spot remains the only rooftop restaurant in Old Town and the 360 views are incredible . It's a climb up five flights to a sleek, elegant rooftop where every bite feels like a mini celebration. The menu blends Mediterranean flavors with modern gastronomy. My personal highlights are chilly prawns served with marinated red cabbage, butternut squash purée, and pickled baby beetroot and the chef's version of surf n' turf—a zucchini roll filled with lobster salad, filet mignon, roasted cauliflower cream, and Bordelaise sauce. And whatever ice cream creation is, order without hesitation. Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant. Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant Bonus: The restaurant is part of a gorgeous 4-star luxury hotel, Hotel Stari Grad, spread across two historic Old Town buildings, complete with Icona spa (a true hidden oasis with standout services) and a cocktail bar where the bartender nails the perfect Americano. Trust me, you'll want to linger. Azur is praised for innovative fusion dishes like pulled pork tacos and seared tuna, balancing bold flavors with fresh Adriatic ingredients and Asian influences—and perfect if you're seeking something off the beaten path from traditional Croatian fare. 'It's owned by a great local chef, Darko Perojević,' says Vuković. It's situated next door to the iconic Bard Buža bar. Vuković notes that Bard Buža bar is still more local than the other Buža bar, where tourists jump off the cliffs. 'It can be spicy and you will get your hands dirty.' It's wise to order the salmon pillows and the CroAsian seafood Laksa. For the best gelato in town, Peppino's is a must. Creamy, artisanal gelato made daily with fresh ingredients, offering both classic and inventive flavors to cool you down after a day in the sun. Flavors range from traditional pistachio and stracciatella to creative combinations featuring local Croatian ingredients. Forty Four. Forty Four Owned by NBA player Bojan Bogdanović (jersey number 44, hence the name) and Damir Bogdanović, Forty Four is celebrated for its exquisite seafood offerings—be sure to order whatever crudo is featured on the menu and the lobster pasta if it's available. The restaurant masterfully combines elevated, modern seafood and pasta dishes and traditional Croatian dishes done right. The wine list is also noteworthy and I fell hard for the Crvik Blasius Malvasija Dubrovačka—an organe wine that pairs perfectly with literally any dish on the menu. Bonus: There's also a hotel attached, Guesthouse Forty Four, and the duo are behind Villa 44—a gorgeous villa in Old Town, in the center of Stradun. Black risotto at Konoba Pupo. Ivan Vuković This wonderland is a combination of family recipes, fisherman's old-style cooking, and local ingredients. Go for the Šporki Makaruli ('dirty macaroni')—a traditional Dubrovnik pasta with a hearty, meaty ragù sauce made with wine and plenty of onions. Konoba Pupo is a hidden gem for authentic Dalmatian flavors, particularly praised for its rich black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink) and hearty pasta dishes. Owner Viktor Kužnin is often around and can pick out the best bottle of Dingač wine (and might even sit down and join you for a glass or three!). Bonus: Just across the way, the team has opened a gorgeous pastry shop with a stellar menu of sweets and plenty of great wine. Don't miss a slice of the typical Ston cake—a pastry where layers of penne pasta are mixed with nuts and sweet cream, named for the nearby town famous for its medieval walls and salt. D'Vino Wine Bar. D'Vino Wine Bar D'Vino is a top spot for wine lovers wanting to explore Croatia's diverse varietals, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through Croatia's unique wine regions, from full-bodied reds of the Pelješac Peninsula to crisp whites from Istria. 'The One With da Boss' tasting is the best, letting you sample rare and small-producer bottles from the owner's archive. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for people-watching along the bustling Old Town streets, whether you need that essential morning espresso or want to unwind with a cold Croatian beer after exploring the medieval walls. The best part? It's across from D'Vino, so if your group is split between beer and wine, you can happily collide on the patio with your drink of choice. Holy Burek in Dubrovnik's Old Town. Holy Burek This beloved bakery serves up savory pastries that are crispy outside, rich and melty inside. During peak season, thousands of bureks—a flaky Balkan pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach—are made daily. Go for whatever's fresh out of the oven and wash it down with ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink. It's a traditional sidekick to balance the buttery goodness. 'It's perfect for people watching, a great wine selection, and live music every night,' says Vuković. This café dates back to 1927 and occupies the spot of the former Manon Café, a legendary Dubrovnik gathering place between the world wars. 'It reminds me of my childhood, still tucked in Antuninska street, one of many Old Town side streets,' says Vuković. 'We skipped classes and went there—pssst, do not tell my mum. Lovely simple sandwiches with homemade bread, cheese from oil, and prosciutto.' For a genuine taste of local life away from the tourist crowds, this is a must.
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Rory McCann Opens Up About Taking on Baylan Skoll for ‘Ahsoka' Season 2
Whenever we return to Ahsoka, and its mysterious antagonist Baylan Skoll, we'll be doing so in the sad recognition of the passing of the late, great Ray Stevenson, who brought the character to such intriguing life in season one. Now, Skoll will be played by Game of Thrones' Rory McCann, who has opened up about the responsibility–and the fight training–that comes with taking on such a legacy. McCann was only officially confirmed as taking on the mantle of the dark Jedi for season 2 at Star Wars Celebration Japan last month, following reports about the decision to recast the character rather than write Skoll out of Ahsoka entirely. 'I think it's the right decision to carry on his storyline, not just cut it off,' McCann told about the decision, one of the first times he's spoke out about joining the galaxy far, far away. 'We've done it before with other things. I hope the fans embrace it, and I'll do my best. I'm just starting now, so I'm just trying to be in the right zone for doing it. It's pretty bloody exciting.' McCann's right–although the circumstances around Skoll's recasting are understandably forced by tragedy, Star Wars fans have gotten used to accepting characters being recast over the course of the long Skywalker saga (and arguably should continue to get even more comfortable with, if the alternative is as either McCann says, not carrying on a storyline, or whatever the whole digital Luke Skywalker homunculus situation The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian have going on). Aside from having to take on another actor's character, McCann's also getting to grips with something he's already plenty familiar with thanks to his time in Westeros: the sword training. 'I mean, I remember being a kid with my dad, going to the first one probably in the late '70s and '80s,' he added. 'Now I'm training with a lightsaber at night, so it's pretty exciting.' Turns out he's also right about another thing–training with actual swords is a transferable skill in the galaxy far, far away. 'Thrones has really helped with that. Same kind of moves, same blocking… doesn't have the same sexy sound though, oh, my god,' McCann joked. 'Lightsabers are lighter, but having said that, the Thrones swords were stunt swords and you've got to pretend that they're three times heavier than they are. But it's all pretend, really. It's all very exciting.' Ahsoka is expected to return to Dinsey+ some time in 2026.
Geek Tyrant
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
George R.R. Martin Rants About WINDS OF WINTER Pressure: 'You Don't Care About Anything but WINDS" — GeekTyrant
If you've been on the internet any time in the past decade, you've probably seen the familiar chorus: 'Where's The Winds of Winter ?' It's become a meme, a plea, and sometimes a demand hurled at Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin every time he announces… well, anything that's not the next book in A Song of Ice and Fire series. This week, Martin addressed that ever-persistent noise head-on in a characteristically frank and personal post on his Not a Blog, triggered by the announcement of a new project: an animated adaptation of Howard Waldrop's A Dozen Tough Jobs . 'I know, I know. Some of you will just be pissed off by this, as you are by everything I announce here that is not about Westeros or THE WINDS OF WINTER. You have given up on me, or on the book.' From there, the post took a sharp turn into brutal honesty, and maybe a little sarcasm, as Martin rattled off the recurring criticisms he's heard over the years. 'I will never finish WINDS, If I do, I will never finish A DREAM OF SPRING. If I do, it won't be any good. I ought to get some other writer to pinch hit [finish it] for me… 'I am going to die soon anyway, because I am so old. I lost all interest in A Song of Ice and Fire decades ago. I don't give a shit about writing any longer, I just sit around and spend my money.' He didn't stop there. Martin pointed out that many fans seem to resent anything he does outside Westeros, whether it's Wild Cards , his award-winning short stories, or the many anthologies he's edited with the late Gardner Dozois. 'You may hate everything else I have ever written… You don't care about any of those, I know. You don't care about anything but WINDS OF WINTER. You've told me so often enough.' But if it sounds like Martin's throwing in the towel, think again. 'Thing is, I do care about them, and I care about Westeros and WINDS as well. The Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens, Tyrion and Asha, Dany and Daenerys, the dragons and the direwolves—I care about them all. More than you can ever imagine.' Martin isn't brushing off Winds of Winter . He's telling fans, in his own slightly grumbly, very George R.R. Martin way: I'm still in this. I still love these characters. I'm just not going to sacrifice every other part of my creative life to satisfy one demand. Fair enough, but it's taking so damn long! Martin hasn't abandoned Westeros. He's just trying to live a full creative life outside of Westeros. Fans have been waiting so long for the book, though, that there's not much more patience.
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
George R.R. Martin Is Really Starting to Get Sick of Your ‘Winds of Winter' Complaining
The longer it's taken the 'Song of Ice and Fire' author to finish its latest chapter, the more it feels like addressing it is like warning a child not to touch a hot stove. George R.R. Martin has been writing The Winds of Winter for a very long time, and in that process, he's also happened to do a lot of things that are not 'write The Winds of Winter.' Most of Game of Thrones' production, the birth and death of multiple of its spinoffs, movies, TV shows, book anthologies, video games, updates on his blog about how he is indeed writing The Winds of Winter, begging us to not ask him about updates on Winds of Winter, giving us the updates on Winds of Winter anyway: the man's been doing stuff. But that is still not enough for some who have made the wait for Winds of Winter become as excruciating for the writer as it is for them. And Martin is letting it be known through his medium of choice, his Not a Blog blog, that it's really starting to annoy him. As part of an update announcing his involvement in producing an animated feature adaptation of Howard Waldrop's novella A Dozen Tough Jobs—a mythic riff on the story of Hercules and the Greek gods, reimagined in 1920s Mississippi—with Lion Forge, Martin took a moment to pop off at anyone priming to make a joke about him adding yet another side quest to his list of projects. 'I know, I know. Some of you will just be pissed off by this, as you are by everything I announce here that is not about Westeros or The Winds of Winter,' Martin wrote. :You have given up on me, or on the book. I will never finish Winds, If I do, I will never finish A Dream of Spring. If I do, it won't be any good. I ought to get some other writer to pinch hit for me… I am going to die soon anyway, because I am so old. I lost all interest in A Song of Ice and Fire decades ago.' 'I don't give a shit about writing any longer, I just sit around and spend my money. I edit the Wild Cards books too, but you hate Wild Cards. You may hate everything else I have ever written, the Hugo-winners and Hugo-losers, 'A Song for Lya' and Dying of the Light, 'Sandkings' and Beauty and the Beast, 'This Tower of Ashes' and 'The Stone City,' Old Mars and Old Venus and Rogues and Warriors and Dangerous Women and all the other anthologies I edited with my friend Gardner Dozois, You don't care about any of those, I know. You don't care about anything but Winds of Winter. You've told me so often enough,' Martin added. The point Martin, continues, is that he does care about Winds and the world it inhabits, it's just more than who he is as a writer—and in this case, a producer acting on the behalf of a late friend to bring their work to life. 'Thing is, I do care about them. And I care about Westeros and Winds as well,' Martin continued. 'The Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens, Tyrion and Asha, Dany and Daenerys, the dragons and the direwolves, I care about them all. More than you can ever imagine.' 'I loved A Dozen Tough Jobs the first time I read it, ages ago. I loved Howard too. It saddens me that he did not live long enough to see the film; I hope we do him justice. How can we not? Hercules, Howard, Joe, Lion Forge… I wish you all could share my excitement at the prospect of this movie.' It's the sort of frankness that Martin has, for better or worse, become known for on his personal blog–where has has, of course, done everything from rail on his Winds of Winter progress detractors to engage in a bit of backroom drama with HBO over changes to House of the Dragon. Martin has also used the blog to announce that he's no longer giving the world updates on Winds of Winter, before promptly giving them anyway. It's clear that, for as long as it is taking to finish the novel, Martin does have the passion for it that people sometimes, jokingly otherwise, accuse him of lacking. Otherwise he just wouldn't keep telling us about it anyway, even as he rails against people's response to those updates in turn. People are still going to complain over how long it's taken him, but woe betide anyone who accuses the author of not caring about it. Whenever Winds of Winter finally comes our way, there's probably going to be plenty more Martin-affiliated projects that get announced or come along before it regardless. No one's going to stop him from doing them±just as Martin himself insists that no one will stop him from finishing Winds on his own terms.
