Peter Dinklage’s 10 Best Post-‘Game of Thrones’ Roles

It’s challenging for Peter Dinklage to break free from the Tyrion Lannister persona, despite his best efforts, as this character has become iconic due to his portrayal. The charm, intelligence, and cleverness of Tyrion made him a beloved figure among many fans of Game of Thrones, but it’s Dinklage’s performance that truly brings the character to life. For his exceptional performances, Dinklage has been awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series four times. Additionally, he received a Golden Globe in 2011 and a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2020, both for the same role.

Since the HBO fantasy drama ended, you might be wondering about Peter Dinklage’s latest endeavors. Just like other actors from critically acclaimed series, finding new significant roles can sometimes prove challenging. However, Dinklage has managed to secure some substantial projects and has also shone in lesser-known films and TV shows. If you’re curious about his versatility beyond Westeros, there are several noteworthy productions from recent years that showcase his talent. Here are a few worth checking out as he gives it his all.

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Chans

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013 – Present)

Rick and Morty’s” Season 6 Episode 2, titled “Rick: A Mort Well Lived,” is a nod to the action movie “Die Hard.” The story revolves around Rick, who’s on a mission to rescue Morty from the game Roy: A Life Well Lived. Meanwhile, Summer steps into the spotlight as she thwarts a gang of alien terrorists intent on seizing control of the arcade. Notably, the alien equivalent of Hans Gruber is portrayed by Peter Dinklage.

The Alien Gruber Doesn’t Come in Peace

Hans Gruber is an exceptional multi-faceted villain, but he’s particularly famous for his distinctive voice. Fortunately, Peter Dinklage possesses the perfect tone to emulate this aspect effectively. This animated alien portrayal of Gruber will both terrify and amuse you, thanks to Dinklage’s proficiency with dialogue delivery. He knows when to soften and intensify his voice, a talent that is not surprising given his experience playing antagonistic roles and his work in prominent voice acting projects such as Angry Birds and Ice Age.

9
Harry Friendly

‘Unfrosted’ (2024)

Jerry Seinfeld’s first directorial venture, titled “Unfrosted,” is a tale set in 1963 that focuses on the intense rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post, two cereal giants locked in a battle to innovate a groundbreaking pastry that could redefine breakfast as we know it. Peter Dinklage stars as Harry Friendly, the CEO of Friendly Farms, a milk company caught in the midst of this corporate conflict.

Devious Dinklage… Once Again

Peter Dinklage truly excels when his character is involved in scheming or generally underhanded activities. In the movie “Unfrosted,” he gets to showcase this talent as a plot unfolds where the dairy industry attempts to thwart the cereal industry’s expansion into the breakfast market. This is particularly significant because the new pastry doesn’t require milk. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast that includes Hugh Grant and Amy Schumer, and it garnered mixed reviews but was nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Television Movie.

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Scourge

‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ (2023)

The movie titled “Transformers: Rise of the Beast” is a separate continuation of “Bumblebee,” and it marks the seventh installment in the Transformers film series. Set in the early ’90s, this film tells the story of an ex-military electronics expert and an artifact researcher who team up with the Maximals and Autobots to safeguard a precious artifact from the malevolent Terrorcons. Peter Dinklage lends his voice to Scourge, the leader of the Terrorcons, who can transform into a black Peterbilt 359 logging semi-truck.

Thriving in Great Company

In the continuation of this series since Michael Bay’s tenure, each installment has been well-received, and “Rise of the Beasts” delivers the excitement that fans have come to anticipate. Particularly impressive is its depiction of human-technology interplay. Peter Dinklage’s voice lends an ominous tone to Scourge, but it’s not just his performance; Ron Perlman, Michelle Yeoh, Pete Davidson, Colman Domingo, and the rest of the talented cast deliver compelling performances as well.

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Winston Gooze, aka, The Toxic Avenger

‘The Toxic Avenger’ (2023)

In the latest adaptation of “The Toxic Avenger”, the storyline deviates slightly from the original. Instead of the janitor being the victim, it’s now a Garb-X health club employee who is struggling with a terminal illness. After his pleas for financial aid are ignored, he resorts to robbing his company. Unfortunately, during this robbery, he falls into a toxic waste pit, transforming into a grotesque monster to exact revenge on those who wronged him.

The Long Wait

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been eagerly waiting to share my excitement over The Toxic Avenger, a film that made a splash at Fantastic Fest and Beyond Fest in 2023, only to leave me on tenterhooks due to its delayed release in major markets like the US. Despite its acclaimed international premiere at the 56th Sitges Film Festival, Out of Competition section, its distribution seems to have hit a snag.

Reports have been circulating that it might be considered “unreleasable” due to its graphic nature, but I find that hard to believe given the positive response from more than 20 critics who’ve had the privilege of viewing it. The film has earned a remarkable 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with most reviews highlighting Peter Dinklage’s exceptional performance as the standout feature.

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Jady Munger

‘Brothers’ (2024)

The story revolves around two brothers, Moke (Josh Brolin) and Jady (Peter Dinklage), who have a shared passion for living on the wrong side of the law. In an attempt to satiate this penchant, they decide to rob a warehouse, but it’s Jady who ends up getting apprehended. Time passes and Moke secures a job at a restaurant while Jady serves his sentence in prison. However, once Jady is released, their old criminal inclinations are rekindled, particularly when their mother hints at the existence of $4 million worth of hidden emeralds.

Outstanding Performances in a Standard Crime Comedy

In this movie, although the storyline follows a familiar pattern, Peter Dinklage’s exceptional performance keeps it engaging. His talent for portraying stoicism is truly impressive, and he doesn’t shy away from showing his comedic side in the humorous scenes. Having strong co-stars like Josh Brolin and Glenn Close certainly helps, as their interactions are captivating. The acting in this film is standout, so it’s worth watching for that reason rather than the predictable plotline.

Stream it on Prime Video

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Doctor Dillamond

‘Wicked’ (2024)

The upcoming movie is an interpretation of Stephen Schwartz’s musical with the same title, inspired by “Oz” novels and the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” This film focuses on the bond between Elphaba, who will eventually be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and her college friend Galinda, who transforms into Glinda the Good. Peter Dinklage lends his voice to the character of Dr. Dillamond, a talking Goat who teaches history at Shiz University.

A Great Team Effort

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but gush about Peter Dinklage. In “Wicked,” while his talent certainly doesn’t overshadow everyone else, he holds his own, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh. Each of them delivers exceptional performances that make the film a joy to watch. It’s no wonder then that “Wicked” has raked in an impressive $700 million at the box office. And here’s some exciting news for fellow fans – Peter will be back as the beloved character in “Wicked: For Good,” slated for release in November 2025. Can’t wait!

4
Reginald Jones

‘The Thicket’ (2024)

It’s exciting to imagine Peter Dinklage in a Western! The story unfolds in early 20th-century West Texas with the title, “The Thicket“. In this tale, we meet Reginald Jones, played by Dinklage, who is a bounty hunter. He’s recruited by young Jack Parker, portrayed by Levon Hawke, to rescue Jack’s sister from the notorious outlaw, Cut Throat Bill. Their journey leads them through a treacherous region called “The Thicket”, testing their courage and determination to the limit.

An Underrated Performance

Peter Dinklage skillfully excels in his role due to robust source material. The portrayal of Reginald Jones, as found in the 2013 Joe R. Lansdale novel that serves as the film’s basis, is already exceptional; thus, Dinklage merely needs to infuse it with a few personal touches. This project has been close to Dinklage’s heart since his involvement began back in 2014. Despite receiving limited attention, it stands undeniably among the finest westerns produced during the 21st century.

3
Steven Lauddem

‘She Came to Me’ (2023)

The film centers around Steven Lauddem (Peter Dinklage), a once successful opera composer now struggling to regain his former glory. His wife urges him to venture beyond his familiar surroundings to find inspiration, but this advice backfires as he instead encounters a bohemian tugboat captain and develops feelings for her.

Pairing Music with Love

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how certain characters seem to bring out the finest performances from actors, and artists are among those roles. They emit a myriad of emotions as they grapple with their creative struggles, providing the actor with an opportunity to truly shine. Indeed, Dinklage is no exception; his nuanced portrayals, whether thoughtful or artistic, are nothing short of remarkable. The movie itself boasts an impressive soundtrack, and one standout track, “Addicted to Romance,” penned by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, even earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards.

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Roman Lunyov

‘I Care a Lot’ (2021)

In “I Care a Lot,” the cunning Marla Grayson, portrayed by Rosamund Pike, excels in swindling money from wealthy seniors. By deceiving judges into believing they can’t manage their own lives, she gains guardianship over them. She then places them in assisted living facilities, where she drugs them and isolates them from the outside world. However, her scheme takes a turn when she selects a woman who unknowingly is the mother of Roman Lunyov, a powerful Russian mob boss played by Peter Dinklage, as her latest target.

A Crime Boss You’ll Remember

I severed all her fingers using a bread knife. She’s currently resting beneath a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop.”

As for the second part, you might rephrase it like this: “In ‘I Care a Lot’, Dinklage’s character makes his menacing words feel genuine, even though carrying them out is challenging due to Marla’s intelligence. Dinklage doesn’t merely portray a tough guy; he also convincingly shows vulnerability when Pike’s character gains the upper hand, forcing him to negotiate. Pay close attention to how Dinklage alters his expressions during this scene.”

In both cases, I tried to maintain the original meaning while making the sentences more natural and easier to read.

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Cyrano de Bergerac

‘Cyrano’ (2021)

In the 1987 play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, the movie “Cyrano” showcases Peter Dinklage as the lead character, a playwright, poet, and a member of the French royal court. However, unlike in the original story where his large nose was his insecurity, this adaptation centers around his height instead. The plot unfolds with him writing love letters for a dashing new recruit who finds it hard to articulate his feelings. Unbeknownst to him, he eventually develops feelings for the same woman he is pursuing.

Child’s Play for Dinklage

Given its historical context, Cyrano is on par with the world of Game of Thrones, making Peter Dinklage feel right at home. His extensive experience with plotlines involving court intrigue certainly comes in handy here, enabling him to seamlessly switch between good and evil characters. Thanks to his exceptional performance, Dinklage was recognized with a Best Actor nomination at the Critics’ Choice Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Satellite Awards, and the Hollywood Critics Association. He even took home the same award from the Detroit Film Critics Society ceremony.

2025-01-19 04:02

10 Chans