Comic-Con 2012: ‘Game of Thrones’ Panel Talks Sex Scenes and Swordplay

The Comic-Con 2012 'Game of Thrones' panel tapped the San Diego convention's largest space, Hall H. Even still with two of its stars bailing right before -- Lena Headey (aka Cersei Lannister) due to a scheduling conflict and Kit Harington (aka Jon Snow) because of an ankle injury -- it's still one of the most anticipated events.

Moderator George R.R. Martin brought with him a few series favorites -- Rose Leslie (Ygritte), Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark) and Richard Madden (Robb Stark) -- to answer some burning questions about season 3, due out around April 2013. There's already been talk about Tara Fitzgerald becoming Stannis Baratheon’s wife Selyse Florent, and Mackenzie Crook getting cast as Vargo “The Goat” Hoat.

George R.R. Martin and his beard first took the podium in Comic-Con's massive Hall H to thunderous applause. He referred to his absent show co-creator as a 13-year-old in charge of boobies, who wanted to come to SDCC to do some scouting, but was off in Belfast shooting.

Things started off quickly with a piece of film recapping season 2, but when Khaleesi Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen Drago appeared, the place went nuts. Same with the Red Priestess Melisandre's smoke vagina monster. And Jaqen H'ghar. And the White Walker from the last shot of the last episode. Hot damn, I'm reminded how much I love this show.

Then we got to see the faces of season 3's new characters. For those still trying to memorize the characters that are already on the show, take a deep breath because here comes: Blackfish Tully, Missandei, Orell, Shireen Baratheon, Jojeen, Breen, Meera Reed, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr and The Queen of Thorns, played by Diana Rigg.

Martin remarked that it was already such a big cast, he may have to start killing some of the characters to make room. (Ha... wait, is he serious?) Then he introduced Robb Stark, Catelyn Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Ygritte and the Khaleesi herself.

Turns out Daenerys is a brunette. Still gorgeous, but a brunette.

Theon Greyjoy (and, yes, I know this guy probably has a real name, but he's Theon) doesn't think of himself as a villain, but definitely a guy with problems. GRRM reminded him that he's had a great many sex scenes (and he listed all of them) but has yet to receive a box of chocolates. Greyjoy mentioned, however, that his character oftentimes has to pay for it, so he's hardly a stud muffin.

On the other hand, Robb Stark, who has a sex scene in season 3, says he prefers the violent scenes to the sexy ones. "Swinging a sword is a lot more fun."

The young lass playing Ygritte, wearing a Hermoine Granger get-up, actually grew up in a castle of some sort. (Brits!) However, the land will go to her older brothers, unless, as Martin suggested, something should happen to them.

Daenerys Targaryen says she doesn't often get recognized in public, because without the hyper blonde hair she looks really quite different, but it does happen once in a while. Best, she said, was getting on an elevator and a man looked her in the eyes and breathlessly whispered, "Khaleesi."

Martin then kibitzed with Theon Greyjoy about whether or not he died in season 2. Martin did a LOT of giggling. He is the world's biggest dork. (He's like if V.I. Lenin and Peter David gave birth to Comic Book Guy.) He gave a shoutout to Hodor in the audience, then remarked he's still working on his line.

Just before the panel opened the discussion up for questions, we did get some disappointing news -- Robb Stark admitted that the Dire Wolves on the show are actually silver balls on the end of a wooden stick. Womp!

Martin did a pretty good job monopolizing the panel, letting very few fans ask question. But one dude in a Black Watch costume asked the panel what kind of sigil they would have if they could have one. Theon Greyjoy said an asshole and the Khaleesi said she was sticking with dragons.

When asked, Martin denied that 'Game of Thrones' was any sort of veiled political commentary. He says that's in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkein and, an author you may not necessarily associate with dragons, William Faulkner.

A fan from Iceland said that the North sent his regards, then asked a question about turtles. The main gist of GRRM's answer was that he grew up in a housing project in Bayonne, NJ and was not allowed to have a traditional pet, so he collected these creatures. He gave them names and made up stories about them killing one another and jockeying for power. They were, essentially, the original characters from 'Game of Thrones.'

Finally, some new footage:

Just kidding! Nothing! Just a title card and someone (Catelyn?) saying, "This war has just begun." A little underwhelming, but I'm still psyched for Season 3.