Steven Knight’s surprising revelation about ‘Game of Thrones’
A mistaken first impression
Steven Knight, the creative mind behind the acclaimed series “Peaky Blinders,” recently shared an amusing anecdote at the Royal Television Society conference in London. In a conversation with a BBC journalist, Knight revealed that he initially thought “Game of Thrones” was a children’s show. This misconception persisted until he cast one of its actors, Aidan Gillen, in his own series.
A son’s obsession leads to a revelation
Knight recounted how his young son was captivated by “Game of Thrones” and requested the DVD box set for Christmas. Knight, seeing dragons on the cover, assumed it was a fantasy series suitable for children. It wasn’t until he considered casting Aidan Gillen, who played the brothel keeper Lord Petyr Baelish in “Game of Thrones,” that he realized the series had much more mature themes. His reaction was one of shock: “What are you talking about? It’s a kid’s show!”
Aidan Gillen’s versatile career
Aidan Gillen’s role as Lord Petyr Baelish in “Game of Thrones” was just one highlight in his diverse career. He later joined the cast of “Peaky Blinders” as Aberama Gold, further showcasing his versatility. Gillen has also appeared in notable films such as “The Dark Knight Rises”, “Mayor of Kingstown”, and the “Maze Runner” franchise.
The birth of ‘Peaky Blinders’
Knight shared some nostalgic memories about the creation of “Peaky Blinders.” The idea for the Birmingham-set show originated in the 1980s. Initially, Knight pitched it as a novel and later presented a treatment to a U.K. broadcaster, but it didn’t materialize at the time. Reflecting on this, Knight expressed relief, noting that the technology back then wasn’t advanced enough to do justice to a period drama.
Years later, when asked if he had any ideas for TV, Knight revisited the forgotten treatment for “Peaky Blinders.” This serendipitous moment led to the creation of the iconic series that has captivated audiences worldwide.
A cinematic future for ‘Peaky Blinders’
Knight is currently working on a movie adaptation of “Peaky Blinders” for Netflix. The film will feature Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Cillian Murphy. While Knight remained tight-lipped about specific plot details, he did reveal that the movie is set during the Second World War, promising an exciting continuation of the story.
A multifaceted career
Steven Knight’s career is as varied as it is impressive. He co-created the long-running quiz show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and is involved in an upcoming “Star Wars” movie, set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Knight is also a frequent collaborator with director Pablo Larraín, having written the Princess Diana biopic “Spencer”, starring Kristen Stewart, and the upcoming “Maria”, starring Angelina Jolie.
Passion for the U.K.’s screen industry
Knight’s passion for the U.K.’s screen industry is evident. He has founded a film and TV studio complex in his hometown of Birmingham, the same city where “Peaky Blinders” is set. Knight emphasized the importance of investing in the arts and screen industries in the U.K., stating, “The way people see our country is via our industry mostly. We need to ensure people in this country know this is a career that you can have.”
Insights from the Royal Television Society conference
The Royal Television Society conference, hosted this year by Netflix, featured a lineup of notable speakers, including streaming boss Ted Sarandos, footballer David Beckham, and culture secretary Lisa Nandy. The event provided a platform for industry leaders to share their insights and discuss the future of television and film.
Final thoughts
Steven Knight’s journey from misunderstanding “Game of Thrones” to creating one of the most beloved series of our time is a testament to his creativity and vision. His contributions to the screen industry continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. As we look forward to the “Peaky Blinders” movie and his other upcoming projects, Knight’s influence on the world of cinema and television remains undeniable.