Finn Bennett Was Sure He Flubbed His Audition for ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel Series

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The day following Chopard’s lavish gala dinner at Carlton Beach during the Cannes Film Festival has arrived, and Finn Bennett finds himself comfortably seated on a couch elevated above the Croisette inside Chopard’s opulent penthouse suite at Hôtel Martinez.

26-year-old actor Bennett was honored with a Chopard Trophy, sharing the spotlight with other recipients, at a glamorous event attended by Hollywood heavyweights like Quentin Tarantino, as well as jury members such as Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, and Juliette Binoche. Angelina Jolie, who is the face of Chopard, presented the trophies. After such an enchanting evening, following standout performances in films like Alex Garland’s “Warfare,” Issa Lopez’s “True Detective” with Jodie Foster, Joe Barton’s “Black Doves” alongside Keira Knightley and Ben Wishaw, Bennett required some time to fully appreciate the magical experience.

In 2026, it’s expected that his career will significantly expand when HBO Max launches a fresh chapter in their “Game of Thrones” universe titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”. During an interview on a couch boasting a stunning backdrop of the French Riviera, Bennett discusses the surreal experience of receiving the Chopard award, his most cherished aspect of exploring Westeros (a horse named Xandor), and his upcoming theatrical ambition (performing on stage).

How are you feeling after last night’s ceremony?

I must admit, I’m feeling a touch drowsy… (Laughs heartily.) But don’t let that fool you! I’m genuinely feeling fantastic. It takes a moment for the beauty to fully sink in, but here we are, with the stunning view of the beach before us. The atmosphere is simply enchanting. I was fortunate enough to sit next to some truly remarkable individuals whom I admire deeply, and that was the absolute highlight for me. All in all, I’m feeling fantastic!

From where I was seated, I had a clear view of your table which was occupied by some well-known figures such as Angelina Jolie, Quentin Tarantino, and others including Jeremy Strong, Halle Berry, and Juliette Binoche. Did you get a chance to engage in any dialogue with any of them?

I’m not very comfortable approaching strangers, but I challenged myself to talk to at least five people tonight. I believe I managed four encounters. As soon as I walked in, I spotted British musician and author Akala, so I shook his hand. Next, I met Molly Manning Walker, a fantastic British writer-director whom I admire greatly. Upon delivering my speech, Jeremy Strong offered his congratulations. I praised him for his outstanding work and confessed my fandom. Lastly, I had the pleasure of bidding farewell to Angelina Jolie, making that my fifth encounter. What a fantastic night! I had some truly engaging conversations. After the speech concluded, it was refreshing to unwind. It’s rewarding when dedication is recognized.

In the video montage, your work was showcased. Was there a specific moment or project highlighted that you felt particularly proud of?

Watching myself on camera is always an odd experience, and I make every effort to avoid it as much as possible. However, one of the initial projects I undertook was a series titled Kiri, and there were some snippets from that shown. Now, I don’t intend to boast or anything, but that moment was a source of immense pride for me. It set everything in motion. I had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptionally gifted director, Euros Lyn, along with talented actors such as Sarah Lancashire and Lia Williams, who has since become a cherished friend. And I’m still actively working. Everything has been nothing short of marvelous with regards to the quality of work we’re producing, but that experience remains one of my proudest moments because Kiri was an exceptional series.

I believe it’s been equally wonderful for you to move on from Warfare, as it has given you a fresh fraternity of acting colleagues.

I still speak to those guys every day.

The text chain is still going?

The conversation thread continues. A couple of my colleagues recently congratulated me [on winning this award], which made me feel absolutely fantastic. Currently, I’m working on a project and once it’s done, I believe it’s time for a dinner or perhaps an outing to socialize with some of my colleagues.

What are you filming?

I’m currently working on a fantastic, high-quality thriller series for Sky TV titled “Prisoner“. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this production so far. We’re nearing the end of filming now. The cast is incredibly talented, with our showrunner and directors adding exceptional quality to the project. I’m a supporting actor, and it has been a privilege to observe our two leading actors, Tahar Rahim and Izuka Hoyle, consistently delivering their best performance every day. Even after doing one day of work, I feel tired, but they do it day in and day out, which is truly inspiring.

“I just learned that the Game of Thrones spin-off, titled ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ is expected to premiere in 2026. With all the buzz surrounding the show in the near future, I can’t help but wonder if you’re a fan of the original series. If so, I have a few questions for you about it.”

Yes, but I was quite late to the party. I watched all of Game of Thrones during lockdown.

Wow, nice. That’s a great lockdown binge.

Despite the lockdown being quite grim, at least I had “Game of Thrones” to keep me company. One aspect that sets this show apart from many others in the fantasy genre is its political exploration of a conflict reminiscent of the “War of the Roses,” featuring an exceptional cast primarily from Europe. Although some Americans were part of it too, most of the actors were European, and the series was filmed in Belfast or nearby locations. It’s simply fantastic! I was an avid fan. I also believe that “House of the Dragon” is one of the top shows currently airing. I’m thrilled for the younger actors who are carrying on the legacy and delivering strong performances alongside seasoned actors, who are truly the crème de la crème in European acting. It’s just amazing, amazing talent.

When your agent, Bella Wingfield, called about the audition, what went through your mind?

Initially, I assumed I had messed up during the audition. I thought my performance was dismal, so I immediately called Bella and said, “It didn’t go well. It wasn’t in my favor.” She contacted Lucy Bevan’s office, the charming casting director, who reassured us, “No, it went exceptionally well. It went exceptionally well.” At that moment, I thought, naturally they would say that. I had almost accepted that I hadn’t been chosen. When I received the call, I was taken aback. I couldn’t believe it. Warfare was already scheduled, so I proceeded to film that and then delved into Westeros immediately after.

What was the venture like into Westeros?

Training with swords was a blast! The aspect that might surprise you, but I found incredibly enjoyable, was horseback riding. I genuinely adored every moment of it.

Had you ridden before?

While I’m nowhere near as skilled as professional stunt performers, you can still become fairly adept given time. They might suggest that I dismount the horse and rest in the vegetation, but instead, I’d guide him around. Not at a gallop, but at a slow pace, just walking him in circles and speaking to him. It was quite an enjoyable experience for me.

What was his name?

Xandor, he was a massive, imposing black steed, with a rather intimidating appearance. However, beneath his fearsome facade, he was remarkably tender-hearted. These horses are meticulously trained to such an extent that they become incredibly gentle and caring. They take exceptional care of you when you’re riding them.

What else stands out to you about the experience of filming the series?

As a proud native of Belfast, filming there allowed me to reconnect with relatives I hadn’t seen in years, many hailing from Newtonabbey and the city itself. It was an incredible experience to meet old friends of my father who fondly recalled knowing me as a boy, making the trip all the more special. The camaraderie and professionalism of our crew made being in Belfast even more enjoyable.

Has anyone given you any advice to prepare you for what’s to come when the show comes out?

Not extensively, no. I’ve been preparing myself gradually, yet not anticipating much. If it doesn’t materialize, that’s fine. I can only hope that people appreciate it. Fingers crossed, it might generate the kind of response we’re aiming for. Ultimately, I can merely wish for their approval. We’ve poured a tremendous amount of effort into it. The actors are exceptional, and Ira Parker is an excellent leader, guiding us skillfully through this production.

Did you watch any dailies as you were filming?

As a devoted admirer, let me share an enjoyable experience from working on “True Detective”. Our extraordinary writer, director, and showrunner, Issa Lopez, had a unique habit. She’d often invite me to the monitor and say, “Hey kid, when you do this, it gets a bit grating. Try not to do that.” It was a minor technical tweak, but I found it delightful. Overanalyzing can be overwhelming, and you might find yourself questioning, “What am I doing here?” or “Why is this looking odd?” I prefer focusing on the end result, where everything is seamlessly connected. Of course, there are ADR sessions and other adjustments, but I’ve already witnessed some thrilling stunts, which were simply a blast! I was fortunate to have an excellent stunt double who gets all the accolades. Occasionally, I might hint to a few folks that it was me under the mask. (Laughs heartily.)

What did you learn from working with Jodie Foster on True Detective?

During our three-week rehearsal phase, I inquired about how I could best prepare myself. This is a common practice when collaborating with an exceptional performer. She replied, “What do you mean? Go dancing?” In essence, she was suggesting that I should attend the rehearsals, give my best to the work, memorize my lines, follow directions accurately, and be open to feedback. At the same time, she advised me not to overthink or become too attached to the character I had created in my mind. While some artists find great performances through this method, I’m not sure if it applies to me. However, for this project, I had seven months to immerse myself in the work, but not let it consume me completely. Instead, I aimed to treat it with gravity without taking myself too seriously.

After spending the previous night here on the stunning French Riviera and reflecting upon the accomplishments you’ve made so far, have you contemplated what direction you’d like to take your career in next?

I’m eager to continue my work journey, as I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with outstanding individuals in the industry. Whether it’s filmmaking, television production, or even some theater, I look forward to carrying on this adventure. I strive to attend a theater performance each week, as it serves as a challenging opportunity for me as an actor.

Have you seen anything recently that blew you away?

I recently watched Jonathan Bailey in the play Richard II, and it was fantastic! He truly embodied Richard II, capturing every subtlety, and it’s incredible to witness someone bring humor from centuries past to life. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed Retrograde at the Apollo Theatre, a production centered around Sidney Poitier. The entire performance takes place within a single room over an extended scene. It’s a superb three-actor play that you absolutely shouldn’t miss!

Final query: Could you please share some details about the Chopard watch you’re sporting today? I’m quite curious.

This watch is incredibly stylish, hailing from their timeless collection. I’m particularly drawn to its genuine leather band and the subtle rose gold hue. It’s got a classic yet understated elegance about it.

Were you a jewelry guy before this?

As a devoted admirer, let me express my fondness for my jewelry collection. Tucked away here is an Irish ring and a stunning necklace that graces my presence, though it’s resting today. Chopard has shown unparalleled generosity, and the event they orchestrated last night, brimming with such remarkable talent, speaks volumes of their benevolence towards the arts and cinema. It’s not just about jewelry; it’s about their dedication to the world of film. Perhaps in a few years, if that watch I wore last night is still available, I may consider adding it to my collection.

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2025-05-31 02:55