"Game of Thrones" actor Alexander Siddig feels his character Doran Martell was killed off earlier than intended. He suggested several reasons why the series showrunners eliminated the Dornish ruler in Season 6 episode 1.
When Siddig's casting was announced during the San Diego Comic Con in 2014, fans were excited. He has been a favorite for the role of Prince Martell, the cautious elder brother of Oberyn (Pedro Pascal), according to Watchers on the Wall.
"There was an enormous amount of fan excitement when I got named to be on the show, and everyone was like, 'Oh my god, yes, Doran Martell. He's going to be great as Doran Martell.'," Siddig told Star Trek.com in a recent interview. "That might have been the kiss of death."
The actor believed the people behind HBO's multi-Emmy awarded series did not want much attention to his character. Perhaps, Martell was used to prove that the plot could stray from George RR Martin's books on which the series is based. Siddig also speculates it could be that he screwed it up, or said the wrong thing to a wrong person.
Furthermore, he may have leaked episodes. As thousands of people came to him in the streets for selfies and autographs, they asked what will be in the next season. He had hinted that Martell would be dead.
In "Game of Thrones" Season 6 episode 1, Martell and his guard Areo Hotah (DeObia Oparei) were killed by Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma). Martell's son Trystane (Toby Sebastian) was also killed by Sand's other two daughters. Their deaths wiped out one of the leading houses in Westeros, which is a significant change.
Fans of Martin's books are aware that the Martells are alive and are actively involved in some plot lines. The show has now overtaken the novels but its divergence has created a secretive climate that makes it unpredictable. According to Siddig, it is understandable that the more secretive it is, the more special it becomes.
Cast members of the show should not give spoilers, but it was difficult for Siddig. He could not even tell his wife though he already read the script. He cannot stand walking with secrets, and compares it to making a deal with the devil.
Here is Siddig playing Prince Martell in HBO's fantasy series: