'Game Of Thrones' Star Brienne Of Tarth On Her "Awkward" Relationship With Tormund

While Game of Thrones is not exactly a show known for it's love stories, in these later seasons we've seen fans start "shipping" characters in a way that didn't used to happen in the early years.

While some fans have hoped for a relationship between, say, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, or even sparks between Jaime and Brienne, it wasn't until last year that we saw a potential relationship catch the imagination of fans across the board: Tormund and Brienne of Tarth. And it started with one script direction. "Tormund stares at Brienne, having never seen a woman like that before."

At the panel for Game of Thrones at San Diego Comic-Con 2017, moderator Kristian Nairn (HODOR!) got right down to asking about this fan favorite relationship. Of the pair, only Gwendoline Christie (who plays Brienne) was in attendance. (We assume Kristofer Hivju is off making more totally amazeballs hotel commercials or something.)

Christie had some very eloquent thoughts on their relationship, saying,

I don't think at the foremost of her consciousness is a value system based on how men appreciate her. But who doesn't like being appreciated as both, really? But I don't think that's what she's invested in. She's finding it awkward. But underneath any awkwardness is potential secret enjoyment.

Certainly, the actors enjoy filming the scenes. Everything since that first stage direction so far had been totally improvised by the actors, including so much improv in the Game of Thrones premiere that the director had to cut it back lest it take over the episode.

As for there being any way Tormund could actually win Brienne over? Christie says it's very possible. It's just that, well, Tormund is 100% currently going about it totally the wrong way.

 I think to win Brienne's heart is about mutual respect about your skill and your ideals, not about overpowering of sexual advance.

That's unfortunate. Maybe Tormund will figure it out? If so, it will need to be sooner rather than later, since he and the rest of the wildlings will be heading to Eastwatch-By-The-Sea to become their own version of the Night's Watch by next Sunday.