Go Behind the Scenes of Game of Thrones' Final Season

See what it was like wrapping up the story of Westeros

By Chris Harnick Apr 25, 2019 2:27 PMTags
Game of Thrones, Episode, Daenerys, JonHBO

When your show notoriously known for keeping secrets on lockdown is ending, it's very hard to document your feelings about it. But some of the Game of Thrones cast snuck out photos here and there, and now that the eighth and final season is on the air, more are trickling out.

Shooting the final six episodes of the acclaimed series "seemed to be designed to break us, Kit Harington said.

"Everyone was broken at the end. I don't know if we were crying because we were sad it was ending or if we were crying because it was so f--king tiring," he told GQ Australia. "We were sleep deprived. It was like it was designed to make you think, ‘Right, I'm f--king sick of this.' I remember everyone walking around towards the end going, ‘I've had enough now. I love this, it's been the best thing in my life, I'll miss it one day—but I'm done.'"

But that didn't stop folks from having fun.

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Game of Thrones Season 8 Photos: Farewell to Westeros

Below, see the behind-the-scenes photos and keep coming back for more as they come out.

The Night King Waits

Vladimir Furdik, a stuntman who played the Night King.

The Table Read

Joe Dempsie, Rory McCann, Sophie Turner and Kit Harington.

Make-Up!

Pamela Smyth, crow make-up supervisor.

The Director

David Nutter, director

Copies

Patrick Strapazon, assistant to David Nutter.

Tears

Candice Banks, hair supervisor.

Unmasked

Vladimir Furdik, stuntman and the Night King.

The Producers

Bernadette Caulfield, Chris Newman, executive producers.

Snow Days

Del Reid, special effects snow crew supervisor.

Hair People

Candice Banks, hair supervisor, Kevin Alexander, hair designer

The Kingdom

Chris Newman, executive producer.

On Location

Naomi Liston, locations manager

A New Crew Member

"New make up chap @sophiet @maisie_williams @isaachwright #kitharington," Gemma Whelan posted on Instagram.

The Pack

"The pack survived," Sophie Turner posted.

Starks

Sophie Turner posted this snap from filming the promo in her goodbye to Sansa Stark.

The Crew

Sophie Turner posted this assembled group photo as part of her farewell to the show.

Learning the Truth

"BEING TOLD THE ENDING TO @gameofthrones," Gwendoline Christie posted.

Lannister Lovers

"When @nikolajwilliamcw and I wore jellyfish ... I f--king love you ya big weirdo," Lena Headey shared.

Siblings Forever

"The best, sweetest most wonderful sister from another mother @iamlenaheadey. That was a fun decade," Nikolaj Coster-Waldau posted.

Two Men Enter, One Man Leaves

"Thanks @nikolajwilliamcw. Two men enter, One man leaves.... it's been such a pleasure working with you!!! Oh and sorry about last night...didn't know you were in a hurry.... don't have that many friends on #gameofthrones and just wanted to hang out on the beach...maybe play the guitar, make a [fire] and chill under the stars while the world was burning around us...kinda romantic if you ask me...but sadly you never do... #jaimelannister #eurongreyjoy #youneverknow," Pilou Asbæk posted.

Legs for Days

"What can I say? Happy Monday and please enjoy #gameofthrones episode 5....photo by the wonderful David Benioff #whatisdeadmayneverdie #longlegs #umbrellaacademy #spinoff #eurongreyjoy," Pilou Asbæk shared.

Mad Couple

"Just wanna say....it's been an absolutely blast getting to know you @iamlenaheadey THANKS for many good hours.... remember when we took this photo after our first shooting day...season 8... a long time...loved working with you!!" Pilou Asbæk posted.

The Coffee Cup

"Did I just stumble upon the truth here?! The cup bearer does not drinketh the Starbucks tea... oh and this ain't a spoiler just a lost wanderer coming home for a mid filming cuppa.... @prideofgypsies you so fire you make my hair turn blue," Emilia Clarke posted. "#forfuturereferenceileavethebagin #drogonyouhavemyheart4lyfe #familyvalues @gameofthrones #forthethrone #forthecaffeine #forthedragons"

The North Remembers

To celebrate her time on the series, Bella Ramsey posted a number of behind-the-scenes photos, including this one with Isaac Hempstead Wright.

Queen in the North

Bella Ramsey, the young actress who portrays Lyanna Mormont, posted a number of behind-the-scenes photos following the Battle of Winterfell.

Smile, the White Walkers Are Gone!

Joe Dempsie, Gendry on the series, with Bella Ramsey in a snap from the young actress.

RIP

Bella Ramsey posted this behind-the-scenes photo as part of a tribute to her character, Lyanna Mormont.

An Alternate Ending?

"Here's a still taken from the alternate episode 3 ending in which the Night King becomes Bran's carer and they both live happily ever after," Isaac Hempstead Wright posted.

All Smiles

"GiantKILLER and Mr. GiantBABE!What a blast to work with @bellaramsey A super talented, hard working and fearless actor (and worrier!) #gameofthrones #battleofwinterfell," Kristofer Hivju posted.

Simply the Best

Emilia Clarke posted this tribute along with lyrics from Tina Turner's hit song "Simply the Best."

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View More Photos From Game of Thrones Final Season: See the Behind-the-Scenes Snaps

Game of Thrones airs Sundays, 9 p.m. on HBO.