Game of Thrones - Countdown to Season 2 - Access Hollywood Talks to Daniel Portman (Podrick Payne)

Peter Dinklage is back in his Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning role as Tyrion Lannister in “Game of Thrones” Season 2, and he’ll have a new ally in his court as he journeys to King’s Landing beginning April 1 on HBO — Scotsman Daniel Portman as Podrick Payne.

One of the freshest faces in the cast this season, the 19-year-old Glasgow-bred actor is thrown into the heart of the King’s Landing drama upon its return, playing quiet observer Pod, the insecure and youthful squire to the new Hand of the King.

Daniel had just one major credit to his name (British director Ken Loach’s “The Angels Share”) when he was offered the role of the shy and endearing Pod, who shadows and assists the newly raised-up political power player, Tyrion.

A talented sportsman throughout his early teens (he nearly went pro with rugby), who kept up his personal fitness through intense training sessions, Daniel let his six-pack and regular gym routine slide to play the young and far less cut squire Pod.

But axing the weightlifting and workouts was the easy part. When Daniel first realized something lovers of the books already know – Podrick’s interactions are most often with Tyrion – and would therefore pit the rising star opposite the veteran, Daniel told AccessHollywood.com he ended up with a major case of nerves.

As we continue with the second installment in our weekly “Game of Thrones” Season 2 countdown series, AccessHollywood.com caught up across a transatlantic phone line with Daniel to find out how things turned out when he finally met his co-star. First, though, Daniel explains just who is Podrick.

To read the complete phone interview click here.
Source: AccessHollywood