Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau happy to have issues as Lannister clan reunites

“FOR the first time since season one you have the whole Lannister clan together and it is quite a dysfunctional family,” says master of the understatement Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

Nikolaj Coster Waldau As Jaime Lannister In Game Of Thrones 4 On Showcase Picture: Supplied

THERE’S no disputing the passion of Game of Thrones fans.

The first episode of the new season drew HBO’s biggest US audience since the finale of legendary The Sopranos. The broadcaster’s online app crashed under the strain.

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Nikolaj Coster Waldau as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones.

The fourth season debut drew 6.6 million viewers, the most since 11.9 million fans said goodbye to mob boss Tony Soprano in 2007.

Since its debut in 2011, the drama based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling novels has won a devoted global fan base — President Barack Obama among them — to establish itself as the star of the US cable channel’s stable. And it’s been a massive hit for Foxtel’s showcase channel.

The series has won over critics with its densely layered plot, lavish production values and a readiness to kill off, invariably in gruesome fashion, protagonists who had hitherto seemed integral to the show.

Four words — “No one is safe” — have become the unofficial catchphrase for devotees of the series.

Guessing which character may soon meet his or her maker is all part of the fun.

An infamously bloody episode last season, involving a massacre at a wedding party, was one of the most talked about and tweeted television events of 2013.

And there’s been buckets of blood shed in season four — notably when Joffrey fell off his perch after being poisoned at his wedding.

No surprise HBO, keen to maintain the momentum, recently announced it had commissioned another two seasons of the show.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau with Lena Heady as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones.

Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays Jaime Lannister, says he’s loving that fans have been seeing a different side to his character.

“For the first time since season one you have the whole Lannister clan together and it is quite a dysfunctional family,” Coster-Waldau explains.

“They have issues. That’s why it’s interesting for Jaime.”

■ Game of Thrones, showcase, Monday, 3.30pm, 7.40pm

Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau at an event in Sydney this month.