Hello, Natalie! What was it like working with Jack Gleeson ("Joffrey")? How did you find the strength to resist slapping the shit out of him when he was in character?
Because he's so fun and so lovely between takes...that it takes the edge off of it! Haha!
How are you liking your new role as Cressida in the Hunger Games? Is it at all similar to your experience playing Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones? They both have that sci-fi/fantasy theme so I’m guessing the experience you’ve gained on GOT has prepared you for your role in Hunger Games.
I loved how physical the role was for playing Cressida, and that she's all about her job. It was fun to play someone who works the other side of the camera. Like Cressida's out there in the field, whereas everything Margaery does is sitting around behind closed doors. They're both very PR-savvy, that's what they have in common, they both know how to manipulate hearts & minds. So there's a trend, a theme there between the two of them.
Ser Pounce: future king of Westeros or a diva and right royal pain in the ass to work with?
Oh, the CAT! Hahahah! Actually, Ser Pounce was a bit of a diva that day, he didn't want to stay on the bed, he was very difficult to work with.
What's up Natalie! Thanks for doing an AMA!
If you had to switch lives with either Margaery Tyrell from Game of Thrones or Cressida from The Hunger Games, who would you choose and why?
Cressida, definitely. Because I love the concept of her job. And I'm a big Lee Miller fan, as in the American photographer, and for me, she's like a dystopian Lee Miller.
Ms. Dormer, you have played both Irene Adler and Moriarty in the most recent television adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, Elementary. What was it like to play such iconic characters in a not-so-iconic way? Are there any plans to return to Elementary?
Also, Margaery Tyrell is one of my favorite characters on Game of Thrones, so keep being awesome in that role as well. Thanks!
Effing FANTASTIC, I love playing Moriarty! And I love being in New York, I hope very much to return. I'm just lulling Sherlock into a false sense of security.
Aw, that's sweet.
Hi Natalie! I’ve been a big fan of Margaery for a long time now and I just wanted to thank you for doing this AMA! My questions are:
1) Who is secretly the funniest person off the set? 2) Who is most like the character that they portray?
Thanks again!
1) Who's the funniest person OFF the set? Like between takes? Oooh. Oooh! That's a hard one. All the following people make me laugh easily, and I'm going to give you a list of four:
They all make me laugh, and I'm very easy to make laugh, easily.
2) Probably Peter, he is that droll and intelligent.
Hi Natalie!
You've taken on roles in films/shows which have gone on to become very popular and huge franchises (Elementary, Hunger Games, Game of Thrones etc). Quite a lot of these franchises have very enthusiastic fanbases; have you ever felt overwhelmed by how eager/enthusiastic fans are of certain shows or films you've been in?
No, I just get infected by it. I'm a very lucky gal.
Hey Natalie, I love your work on in the Tudors and Game of Thrones! You do such a great job of mixing innocence and malevolence. I have two questions regarding Game of Thrones:
I heard you're an avid Fencer, have you pushed at all to use your skills in the show?
With the show being closely based but not identical to the books do you or other cast members read the books to prepare for your characters and if so, how has that influenced your work?
Thank You so Much!
1) I haven't fenced for over ten years, but I love physical work, and that's why I loved filming MOCKINGJAY part 2, but you're going to have to wait a year for that! Concentrate on this movie first!
P.S. And I've been told to say that the information about me fencing actively is incorrect on Wikipedia or IMDB - that information on IMDB is out of date. But I'm really looking forward to the physical demands of PATIENT ZERO and THE FOREST!
2) For Game of Thrones, I haven't read the books, because she's not a POV character, so I was advised by Dan & David that it might not help me. And I just love watching the show as a fan, and not knowing what's going to happen. In contrast, I did read all the Hunger Games books, and thought they were amazing.
What's your favourite soup?
HAHAHAHAHA!
Um... I like creamy tomahto. And when I'm sick, chicken.
What does Nikolaj Coster Waldau smell like?
Musky spicey woody gorgeousness.
Do you get identified on the street more as Anne Boleyn or Margery Tyrell these days?
Uh, it's probably 60/40, more as Margaery. Or 10% Moriarty. But that's going to chance, Cressida's going to be taking over.
Hello Natalie, has there been a scene so far in Game of Thrones that was particularly difficult?
Uhhhhhhhhh. I tried very hard to find the line of manipulation of Tommen in this last season. It was a difficult thing for me and the creators to get the right tone on. We tried our best.
I heard that you can speak French. What is your favourite French word?
I can't speak fluent French, that's another IMDB myth, so here's a good opportunity to set that straight!
I do know basic french, cuz I did it at school? And I like the word "vin rouge" I use it a lot.
I can't speak fluent French, that's another IMDB myth, so here's a good opportunity to set that straight!
I do know basic french, cuz I did it at school? And I like the word "vin rouge" I use it a lot.
But I also really like the french word "Malheuresement."
I've always liked that word.
Now that you have played a documentary film maker on screen, can you tell us if you were one in real life, what topic or person would you make a documentary film about?
Lee Miller.
Natalie, who has the better food? King's Landing or the Capitol?
On set, as in the craft service, or as in on-set dressing? Because it's the opposite - like for production design, the fake food is BETTER in King's Landing than obviously in the rationed District 13, but if you're talking about the craft table, then the craft table in the Hunger Games was way better than in Game of Thrones.
If you're looking for Natalie Dormer, she'll be standing by the craft table next to Jennifer Lawrence...
Cressida comes from the Capitol, but from the short clip released, she looks like a badass. Is she possibly a former Peacekeeper?
OOHOOOH! That's a controversial question. No, definitely not. Cressida's background - I think she came from a subversive family of artists that never agreed with the government for the past 75 years. She comes from an artistic, freedom-fighter family. I don't think she'd ever be a Peacekeeper, not in a million years.
You've mentioned before that you almost went into academia for history. Have you ever wondered how things would've been like if you ended up on that path? Would you still have pursued it back then knowing how your acting career would turn out?
Thanks for taking the time to do this!
I'd like to think of myself that I would have become an actress. I just would have done it after my degree.
Hey Natalie, my friend and I are huge fans! My question to you is: What have you been listening to lately?
Alt-J's new album. And also, Sia, and I also loved Hozier, he's a friend and I shot his new video for "Someone new" which should be out in January.
Hi Natalie, what were your initial thoughts about Cressida? Did you know exactly what you wanted to do with the character?
Yeah, I had a pretty strong instinct about her? Which I think is why it only took one audition tape to get the job.
Hi Natalie! I'm a big fan. Any interest in doing Broadway anytime soon? I would love to see you on the great white way.
Yes, please!!!!!
More women are rocking the Cressida undercut now. Are you aware of the trend and the new level of spunk you've set for us?
Yes, I am aware of the trend! And it's kind of cool I'm a part of it completely by accident!!
Hi, Natalie. Are you a horror movie fan? If so what are your favourite horror movies?
THE SHINING, THE ORPHANAGE, JULIA'S EYES (it's not really a horror, it's kind of a horror) - I'm going to be watching more horror movies in preparation for THE FOREST - oh, and ROSEMARY'S BABY is a classic!
What was Margaery thinking during Tyrion's trial?
She felt wretched. Because she knew he was innocent.
Hey Natalie, I saw in your semi-recent interview with Seth Meyers that you're a marathon runner. Do you have any tips for someone who has run a half but hasn't yet gone for a full marathon? Also, how did it go? Any plans on doing another one soon?
Uh, hullo fellow runner!
My tips would be:
What's your favorite t.v. Show?
What's my favourite TV show? I love VEEP. I was just watching it last night on the plane from New York to L.A..
Hello Natalie. What gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you motivated throughout the day?
My amazing job. And my amazing friends.
What has been your favorite thing about working on Game of Thrones?
To be a part of that incredible ensemble that has such great scripts. The show's a phenomenon, and it's such a privilege to be a part of that ride.
Who's your favorite superhero?
Batman!
So would you rather fight 1 horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?
One huge duck. Hahahaha!
Cuz your focus is one moving thing, finding the weakness on that one thing is probably easier than being attacked from more angles!
Hi Natalie! What's a hobby of yours outside of work that people wouldn't expect?
I love to scuba-dive.
What's the biggest stunt you've ever had to do yourself? Love you ❤️
Thank you!
Um... pbbhhhht.
I had to do an underwater crash once, which is how i learned to scuba-dive. The stunts in MOCKINGJAY 2 were pretty hard - there was water involved there, but i'm not allowed to tell you! wink
What's your favorite cereal?
(If you exclude granoler)
Then... Crunchy-Nut Cornflakes. D'you have that here? In the states? We call it Crunchy-Nut Cornflakes in Britain.
How awesome is Peter Dinklage in real life?
Totally awesome.
If you could play any other character in The Hunger Games franchise, who would you choose and why?
Boggs.
As a female Boggs.
I think it's a really cool character, and I'm a little bit in love with Mahershala Ali.
Hi Natalie, I was wondering which character have you enjoyed acting as from all the dramas you've been in and which one do you think is most like you?
P.S I think you're genuinely amazing, beautiful and talented. I wish you all the best and have a great life! :D
Aw, that's very kind of you. Thank you.
Um... they're all different sides of my personality. That sounds like a get-out answer, but it's true! I'm not as brave as half of them, probably. And I'm definitely not as manipulative as Margaery. I probably have the same work ethos that Cressida does. Hahaha! This is my laughing, because Mo riarty's a psychopath, pure and simple, so I hope i"m not like her at all, but I do love playing her, very much. And i love the weird dependency she has on interacting with Sherlock.
What are your preferred pizza toppings, Miss Dormer? =]
I know it's kind of really simple, but I still like a good ol' Hawaiian, a bit of pineapple and ham. And pineapple is very good for you!
Natalie,
You have been quoted saying that Jennifer Lawrence is everything that she portrays herself to be. Very down to earth and personable. What was it like working with her?
(I'm laughing, everything you would expect it to be)
She's a cool chick.
Hi Natalie,
did you keep any of the AMAZING dresses you wore on Game of Thrones / The Tudors?
Lots of love from Germany!
No. I wish! They tend to go on exhibition tour. I did keep a pair of earrings and a crucifix from Anne Boleyn, though. It's in my jewelry box. I wear the earrings occasionally. And I still have the white cap from the execution scene, somewhere...
How reluctant were you to shave part of your head for the hunger games?
It was a small price to pay to join the Hunger Games family. Hair grows back!
Have you always had that smirk as part of your facial expressions or did you have to practice it?
I have an asymmetrical mouth. I have a naturally crooked smile. People call it a smirk, but it's not, it's just my natural smile with my lips closed. If you could quote me verbatim, I'd appreciate that...
My sister has it too, it's a family trait.
Who from the game of thrones series would you like to be on your survival group in a zombie apocalypse? 4 people!
I'll take Pedro as the Red Viper. I'll take Rory as the Hound. I'll take Gwendoline as Brienne, and I'll also take... Jaime Lannister. But I also very cheekily ask to take Norman Reedus as well, please! I'm sure we can fit him in!
I love your acting. Is Diana Rigg as fun off camera as she is when playing Margaery Tyrell's grandmother?
Uh, she's INCREDIBLE. She's a veteran actress that's won Tonys and BAFTAs, she's so well-read, she's always got a dirty story and a piece of wisdom. I love working with her.
Hi Natalie! I'm looking to becoming an actress but I hear the business is really tough, how did you get started?
I went to dramer school and got an agent upon graduation. it is really tough. The secret to this industry is perseverance.
What's the funniest thing Jennifer Lawrence has ever said to you?
"Dude, are you SURE?!"
when I was about to shave my head. It's actually only funny in hindsight. Hahaha!
For Mockingjay, were the military boots you wore comfortable, what with all the running you had to do?
Very comfortable. I loved being in flat shoes that long. Margaery wears small heels, but they are heels - because i was training for the marathon and filming MOCKINGJAY, I didn't wear heels for 9 months and it was amazing.
Have you kept any memorabilias from mockingjay or Game of Thrones sets?
Besides the haircut?!... yea, I kept the back of my cast chair from MOCKINGJAY. And I'm still shooting Game of Thrones, so no!
Hello Natalie, I've never seen Games of Thrones. Everybody has gone mad about this series.
Why would you recommend it? :)
Because it's got something for EVERYONE - whether you love humor, action, romance, politics, whatever you love, there's something in it for everyone!
Hi Natalie - gutted you had to drop out of London Comic Con over the Summer, any plans to attend any Cons in the UK in 2015? (We really want to meet you!) :)
I hope so. My schedule is pretty rammed right now. But I can't really say either way at the moment. I love meeting fans. And will always trying to do so, if I can.
Hello, Natalie! What countries have you gone to? What countries would you like to explore?
Oh god, I can't list all the countries I've been to, it's a long list! Where I haven't been that i'd really like to go - I haven't been to South America, and i really really want to go - a lot of countries there. I've never made it down to Oz, I'd like to get to Australia and New Zealand, and I'd love to visit Japan, hopefully that will be possible with THE FOREST.
Natalie! You played a great Anne Boleyn and have been killing it on Game of Thrones!
What do you like on your waffles?
Maple syrup.
Whats your favorite kind of cheese?
I'm cheese-crazy. It's my big dairy weakness.
I'm cheese-crazy. It's my big dairy weakness.
Manchego! I love feta! I love goat cheese! I love mature chedda! I also love Wensleydale, I have no idea how you spell Wensleydale, especially with cranberries in it, it's the perfect cheese for Christmas. The only thing i can't do is blue. I can't do blue cheese. It just doesn't work with me. It's not even so much the smell, I just can't do it, you know? Maybe as a bit of a salad, but... hahaha. I mean, very rare circumstances! Brie, I love brie, melted brie. Burrata! God I love a Burrata.
I literally could talk about cheese for 10 minutes.
Manchego! I love feta! I love goat cheese! I love mature chedda! I also love Wensleydale, I have no idea how you spell Wensleydale, especially with cranberries in it, it's the perfect cheese for Christmas. The only thing i can't do is blue. I can't do blue cheese. It just doesn't work with me. It's not even so much the smell, I just can't do it, you know? Maybe as a bit of a salad, but... hahaha. I mean, very rare circumstances! Brie, I love brie, melted brie. Burrata! God I love a Burrata.
I literally could talk about cheese for 10 minutes.
You found my achilles heel, reddit!
hello natalie how are you today?
I'm good, I'm getting ready for a really long day of press with the grand finale of the MOCKINGJAY premiere here in LA, tonight.
What's your favourite film?
Oh... I have too many to say there's one favourite!
But I did my "Sky On-Demand movies" playlist the other day. I recommended, the other day, on Sky Movies on-Demand playlists back in the Uk, I recommended Robert Altman's "McCabe & Mrs. Miller," "Monsters Inc," and "Thelma & Louise." I have a poster on my wall at home of BLADE RUNNER signed by Ridley Scott when I worked with him. And I also have a La Reine Margot. Those are the two authentic movie posters I have at home, because I love those movies very much.
Hi Natalie! What's your favorite dessert and/or best guilty pleasure?
I think we've established that cheese would be one of my guilty pleasures. With a nice glass of vin rouge.
My favourite dessert... I'm not really a dessert girl, to be honest. I would rather have a starter. Like prosciutto, and Manchego! Hahahaha! Oh my god, if I don't get a Manchego endorsement after this, I'm going to be very disappointed. Any opportunity to go to Spain. I love Tapas.
Hey first of all i want to say that you are PERFECT and i love you loads!And the question is:What do you think about Jena Malone and how was it to work with her? <3
Unfortunately I didn't really get to spend much time with Jena. But I think she's a really interesting, cool woman. And would love to see her band live sometime. She's got a band.
What's the strangest place you have been recognized?
Hmmm...the strangest place... bathrooms & airplanes happens a lot, it's not really strange. In a sauna? I got recognized as Anne Boleyn in a sauna, I think I was in Luxembourg, or Germany, I can't remember...
What are your thoughts on ham (the food)?
Uh, yeah.
Uh...just, yes. The british are very good at ham. Britain does good ham.
Hi Natalie, How about playing a Bond girl ???
I would always consider that opportunity. But that's not for me to decide.
If Katniss or Cressida were to fight any character on Game of Thrones, who would you put them up against?
Well... hm... there's a whole new bad government that's going to come in on season 5 of GoT that's going to need overthrowing, in King's Landing.
So that's what's interesting - now Joffrey's gone... wait, I suppose Ramsay needs to be dealt with. Ramsay needs to be dealt with! So we could take him on.
Well... hm... there's a whole new bad government that's going to come in on season 5 of GoT that's going to need overthrowing, in King's Landing.
So that's what's interesting - now Joffrey's gone... wait, I suppose Ramsay needs to be dealt with. Ramsay needs to be dealt with! So we could take him on.
Interesting coincidence that his name is Snow.
What Hogwarts house do you think you would be sorted to?
Either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, please.
Either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, please.
Moriarty would be part of Slytherin, obviously.
If you ever had the chance to do a voiceover in a cartoon film would you do it? ❤️
Oh, I'd love to! I'd jump at the chance, yeah. I've done radio, I did the radio version of NEVERWHERE with Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy, and we had so much fun, I laughed 'til I cried every day!
Oh, I'd love to! I'd jump at the chance, yeah. I've done radio, I did the radio version of NEVERWHERE with Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy, and we had so much fun, I laughed 'til I cried every day!
You can basically turn up to work in your pajamas and have so much fun!
Hey Natalie, chocolate chip or sugar cookies?
Chocolate chip!
What do you think of this?
Yeah, my friend sent it to me, I think it's hilarious!
