HBOOne of Game of Thrones' most beloved characters, Lyanna Mormont, was only supposed to have one scene. But when the world—including series creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff—met Bella Ramsey, that changed.
"Lyanna Mormont was supposed to be a one scene character, and then we met Bella Ramsey and realized we would not be doing our jobs if we kept her as a one scene character," Weiss said. "We knew that you can't give a big death to everybody who dies in this battle because it would've been too much, but also if she were to die, there was no way to not make a moment of it so that's where the zombie giant comes in."
Ramsey, 16, paid tribute to her beloved character on Instagram.
"I had a song in my head during the filming of episode three...Every Giant Will Fall by @rendcollective it basically sums it all up. I'm overwhelmed by the response, thank you so so much," she wrote. "'I will not hide underground. I pledged to fight for the North, and I will fight.' RIP Lyanna #gameofthrones #everygiantwillfall #lyannamormont."
Weiss said the zombie giant added a whole new level of complexity to the big moment, and was needed to "give one of the strongest smaller people in the show a chance to out taking down one of the strongest larger things we've ever seen on the show."
In an interview ahead of her character's death, Ramsey said she'd miss one key part about her character: "I think the opportunity to stand up in front of a load of grown men and shame them," Ramsay told The Cut. "I think playing confident characters also helps with your own confidence. Say you're in a situation where you're feeling anxious or nervous—you can become a character and work through it that way. I'll miss that about her."
See more behind-the-scenes photos below.
Vladimir Furdik, a stuntman who played the Night King.
Joe Dempsie, Rory McCann, Sophie Turner and Kit Harington.
Pamela Smyth, crow make-up supervisor.
David Nutter, director
Patrick Strapazon, assistant to David Nutter.
Candice Banks, hair supervisor.
Vladimir Furdik, stuntman and the Night King.
Bernadette Caulfield, Chris Newman, executive producers.
Del Reid, special effects snow crew supervisor.
Candice Banks, hair supervisor, Kevin Alexander, hair designer
Chris Newman, executive producer.
Naomi Liston, locations manager
"New make up chap @sophiet @maisie_williams @isaachwright #kitharington," Gemma Whelan posted on Instagram.
"The pack survived," Sophie Turner posted.
Sophie Turner posted this snap from filming the promo in her goodbye to Sansa Stark.
Sophie Turner posted this assembled group photo as part of her farewell to the show.
"BEING TOLD THE ENDING TO @gameofthrones," Gwendoline Christie posted.
"When @nikolajwilliamcw and I wore jellyfish ... I f--king love you ya big weirdo," Lena Headey shared.
"The best, sweetest most wonderful sister from another mother @iamlenaheadey. That was a fun decade," Nikolaj Coster-Waldau posted.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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"
To celebrate her time on the series, Bella Ramsey posted a number of behind-the-scenes photos, including this one with Isaac Hempstead Wright.
Bella Ramsey, the young actress who portrays Lyanna Mormont, posted a number of behind-the-scenes photos following the Battle of Winterfell.
Joe Dempsie, Gendry on the series, with Bella Ramsey in a snap from the young actress.
Bella Ramsey posted this behind-the-scenes photo as part of a tribute to her character, Lyanna Mormont.
"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.
"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.
Emilia Clarke posted this tribute along with lyrics from Tina Turner's hit song "Simply the Best."
Game of Thrones airs Sundays, 9 p.m. on HBO.