The world of Westeros may be fraught with betrayal and conflict, but off-screen, the ensemble cast of “Game of Thrones” is surprisingly close-knit. Iconic duos like Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams (Sansa and Arya Stark) and Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey (Tyrion and Cersei Lannister) boast enduring friendships. The real-life marital bliss of Kit Harington and Rose Leslie, who portrayed the star-crossed lovers Jon Snow and Ygritte, further cements this camaraderie. However, all was not well among all cast members. Lena Headey, who played Cersei Lannister, and Jerome Flynn, who played Bronn, allegedly had a complicated on-and-off romantic relationship that ended messily in 2014, fueling rumors of on-set feuds and avoidance.
How Did the Breakup Rumors Start?
In 2019, just before the “Game of Thrones” series finale aired, British magazine The Sun claimed Headey and Flynn hadn’t shared any scenes since their falling out during their breakup. Observant fans noted some odd occurrences, such as Bronn’s glaring absence in Season 7’s pivotal meeting scene, “The Dragon and the Wolf,” which had various factions assembling in King’s Landing—with Bronn nowhere to be seen. After Season 4, Bronn’s character was noticeably distanced from King’s Landing, embarking instead on adventures with Jaime Lannister. This distance raised eyebrows, prompting further speculation about the alleged behind-the-scenes drama.
Bronn’s close association with Jaime overshadowed any potential chance encounters with Cersei. The narrative arc seemed deliberately designed to avoid interactions between Headey and Flynn. Whether it was a genuine production decision or a strategic move to manage personal tensions remains a subject of debate among fans.
Jerome Flynn Insists There Was No Personal Drama
Dismissing the rumors, Jerome Flynn has openly denied any personal drama between him and Headey. During an appearance at Nashville’s Con of Thrones in 2019, Flynn was asked about the breakup rumors and was quick to negate them. He mentioned that they were in the same scene and spoke amicably, reinforcing that Lena Headey is “a wonderful person and actress.” Flynn’s statement seemed aimed at quelling the persistent rumors, but Headey has never publicly addressed the matter, leaving room for speculation.
Although Flynn’s reassurance could be seen as an attempt to diffuse a tense narrative, there is little concrete evidence supporting the on-set feud theory. The lack of interaction between Bronn and Cersei could very well be incidental rather than intentional. The intricacies of the show’s production, especially in its latter seasons, remain opaque, complicating any definitive conclusions.
Closing Credits
While the rumors of a feud between Lena Headey and Jerome Flynn added an unexpected layer of intrigue for fans, there is no substantial evidence to confirm any animosity affecting their professional lives on “Game of Thrones.” Flynn’s public denials and the thematic narrative choices provide plausible deniability for any alleged on-set drama. Until more details emerge, if they ever do, the breakup rumors remain speculative. For those curious, the epic saga of Westeros and all its behind-the-scenes stories continue to be available for streaming on Max.
