Game Of Thrones Season 7 looks to be loaded with answers to questions we've been dying to know for years now, and one character was almost missing from all the action. Jessica Henwick, who plays the deadly Sand Snake Nymeria Sand, almost had to drop out of the impending season due to scheduling conflicts with her other series,Netflix's Iron Fist. Henwick explained her dilemma and how she managed to make it work:
I wasn't able to do it. My schedule clashed. I was filming Iron Fist for six-to-seven months and they wouldn't give me the time off. [GoT] was so massive for me in terms of my career and building my profile and as an experience in itself, I wanted to return. [A GoT producer explained], 'It's really important that you come back; otherwise your character will just disappear.' So I spoke to Marvel and I managed to get a release. I literally was flying back and forth while I was doing Iron Fist in New York to Belfast, even during Christmas break.
Jessica Henwick told EW it was a tough commitment to make, and she almost considered dropping out of Game Of Thrones because of it. Considering the flight from New York to Belfast is around ten hours going just the one way, we can't say that we blame her for the initial hesitation! Even though the temptation was strong, Henwick said she ultimately chose not to "Gendry," Nymeria Sand, and found a way to make sure she was a part of both Iron Fist and Game Of Thrones.
The decision to drop Game Of Thrones for Iron Fist may sound silly, considering the HBO show's proven success, but the Marvel role is a bigger gig for Jessica Henwick than her side character status on the fantasy drama. With Henwick slated to return as Colleen Wing in The Defenders, one might further see why she was considering exiting the critically acclaimed series for a recurring role in Marvel's Netflix universe. Ultimately, both roles worked out in a way that pleased all parties, which has to make all those long flights worth it for Henwick, whose celebrity profile continues to rise following her appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
As for what's in store for Nymeria Sand in Season 7, Jessica Henwick shared that things pick up right where they left off. For those shaky on where we last left Henwick's character, Nym and the rest of the Sand Snakes were alongside the Tyrells when Varys announced an alliance with Daenerys against Cersei Lannister. Henwick promises that her character's story (as well as all others) picks up speed in Season 7 of Game Of Thrones, which is good, considering the reduced episode count.
Game Of Thrones returns July 16th at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and we're already making our predictions as to who will win the great war. Check out our reasoning behind why Cersei, Jon, and Dany will win and be sure to keep up on all shows premiering this summer via our summer premiere guide.
