Reflections on the Red Wedding: A Decade Later with Game of Thrones' Richard Madden

Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden has reflected on the infamous Red Wedding nearly a decade since it first aired. Hailed as one of the most devastating episodes in television history, season 3, episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere," featured the merciless slaughter of Madden's character, Robb Stark, along with his mother, Catelyn Stark, his pregnant wife, Talisa Stark, and the entire Stark congregation present at the wedding. The Red Wedding massacre was orchestrated by Walder Frey as revenge for Robb breaking the marriage pact between House Stark and House Frey.

Years after the finale, Game of Thrones remains one of the best HBO shows and one of the greatest TV shows ever. It was a game-changing phenomenon with shocking moments and twists, an expansive world, deep and thoughtful characters, and much more. It also introduced a host of relatively unknown actors to massive audiences and many are still reaping the rewards of their time on the series. Before Game of Thrones, Richard Madden had a handful of modest parts in British TV shows. The Red Wedding is a critical moment in the actor's career, in retrospect.

Richard Madden Had "Fond Memories" Of Game Of Thrones Despite "A Lot Of Crying"

The Red Wedding Brings Up Different Emotions For Richard Madden

Edmure Tully's wedding feast before the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones, people are seated at tables in a great hall. - The Red Wedding Brings Up Different Emotions For Richard Madden - Richard Madden Had "Fond Memories" Of Game Of Thrones Despite "A Lot Of Crying"

Madden made an appearance on Entertainment Tonight in April 2023 alongside his co-star Priyanka Chopra Jonas to discuss their new Amazon Prime series Citadel. The conversation naturally turned to the topic of the Red Wedding, as 2023 marked the ten-year anniversary of the iconic event. Madden took the opportunity to reflect on his experience working on the HBO series.

I still have fond memories of that whole experience. It’s nice to be back into recurring series drama where you get so much time to tell a story and get these huge payoffs like [the Red Wedding.] Three seasons deep we got to have this horrible death with characters that you’re invested in. I think that’s our ambition [with Citadel] too, to create a huge world and get to know these people well.

It was clearly an emotional scene for Madden to film and, despite its importance to the show, it follows that he would not be particularly fond of it considering it's the last time he's in the series. In May 2023, during more press tours for Citadel, Madden was again asked about the Red Wedding for its tenth anniversary. He told Variety.

Richard Madden had spent three seasons on Game of Thrones before his character was killed off. During this time, he had formed strong bonds with his fellow castmates and the crew. The emotional impact of filming his character's death scene was intensified by the fact that he was saying goodbye to a family he had grown close to over the years.

The Red Wedding is considered one of the most influential TV episodes in recent history.

Few TV Moments Have Been As Shocking As This One

Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark holding Frey's wife and screaming at the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones - Few TV Moments Have Been As Shocking As This One - The Red Wedding Is One Of The Most Influential TV Episodes

The Red Wedding from Game of Thrones remains a highly iconic and famous sequence, with its impact leading audiences to eagerly anticipate weddings in any show. Following this, the notorious villain King Joffrey Baratheon met his demise at his own wedding in a shocking event known as the Purple Wedding. House of the Dragon, a Game of Thrones spinoff, also had its own intense moment reminiscent of the Red Wedding in a graphic birthing scene.

Game of Thrones was known for its ruthless approach to killing off main characters. The Red Wedding massacre was a groundbreaking moment, as few shows had ever dared to abruptly eliminate multiple major characters simultaneously, especially not so far from the series finale. Any TV shows featuring similar massacres and significant character deaths may owe a debt of gratitude to the innovative sequence from Game of Thrones.

Richard Madden, best known for his role in the hit HBO drama Succession, has been the subject of James Bond rumors. In season 3, his character drew comparisons to the infamous Red Wedding, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In season 4, episode 3, titled "Connor's Wedding," Madden's performance led to one of the most shocking twists in TV history, earning universal acclaim similar to the Game of Thrones episode. As fans eagerly anticipate his next career move, the James Bond rumors surrounding Madden have been addressed.

Will Richard Madden Take Daniel Craig's Crown?

Mason Kane (Richard Madden) looking angry in Citadel season 1. - Will Richard Madden Take Daniel Craig's Crown? - What's Next For Richard Madden — James Bond Rumors Addressed

Richard Madden is confirmed to star in Citadel season 2, despite facing numerous delays. Mason's loyalties remain uncertain following the events of season 1, suggesting season 2 will explore his decision-making process. Additionally, the upcoming season will delve into the repercussions of his actions, including indirectly causing the deaths of several Citadel agents, providing Madden with substantial material to showcase his acting skills.

In another project, Richard Madden is slated to appear alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley in Killer Heat, an Amazon production centered around two brothers entangled in a tumultuous love triangle. As of now, the film does not have a set release date (via THR).

Rumors have been circulating about potential replacements for Daniel Craig in the Bond franchise ever since his departure was announced. Among the many British actors speculated to take on the iconic role, Richard Madden's name has frequently been mentioned by fans. However, Madden himself has remained elusive about the rumors. In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2018, he remarked on the constant speculation, stating, "This is what happens with all these shows... Then there’s the next one. I’m the next one. Everyone just loves the rumor mill on that topic. I’m just the current one. There’ll be a different one next week."

It may not be a promising response for Madden fans hoping to see him as the next 007, but in 2023, he was featured in an Instagram video with Stanley Tucci. The duo was seen enjoying martinis, Bond's iconic drink, and flashing smiles. While it could just be a playful tease for eager fans, Madden's willingness to engage in such a scenario suggests that he may still have an interest in taking on the role.

Instagram article posted by stanleytucci

Source: Entertainment Tonight, Variety, Vanity Fair, Stanley Tucci/Instagram

WATCH ON MAX

Editor's P/S: