‘Game of Thrones’ season 6, episode 5: Isaac Hempstead Wright on Hodor twist

We’re all still in many ways reeling from the shocking “Game of Thrones” twist from this past new episode, but we imagine that nobody is feeling it more than Isaac Hempstead Wright. The actor behind Bran Stark has worked for years with Kristian Nairn, and the two forged a great friendship while they acted out some of their scenes.

Now, however, it’s looking as though Hodor is gone. The lovable character and seemingly killed on Sunday’s episode in a last-ditch attempt to save Bran from the wrath of the Night’s King, who came for him as a result of him staying in the dream for too long. He learned the hard way that while he may have powers, there are limits to them and if he exploits them too much, there can be consequences to people he is close to.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly on the subject of “The Door” (which you can read our full review for here), Hempstead Wright had the following to say:

“It’s so sad! We learned Hodor really is this vulnerable soul, who had such potential to live a happy life. First, through [Bran’s] selfish actions, going to the White Walker vision in the first place, I’ve screwed him over. He didn’t pick up that he should get out of the dream. And then Hodor sacrifices himself. He’s been through all this and he’s still having to do this.”  

It’s somewhat difficult to think of each “Game of Thrones” character through the lens of whether or not they had the worst death in show history (there have been so many!), but we think that losing Hodor is right up there with losing Robb and Catelyn Stark. He was not as significant to the overall story, but he was this iconic figure whose name would immediately spawn great memories. He’s the sort of soul you wanted to believe would make it through.

If you missed it, head over here to see what Nairn had to say about the character’s demise; also, sign up now to secure some other TV news on all we cover, sent right to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: HBO.)