Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau met with Kazakhstani and international media on the first day of Comic Con Astana 2026. It was the actor’s first visit to Kazakhstan, and the press conference took place in a relaxed atmosphere, with questions ranging from his most memorable roles and future projects to horses, kumis, and Mangystau.
Coster-Waldau admitted that he knew almost nothing about Kazakhstan before the trip. The first thing that came to mind after he mentioned the country was horses. However, after the first day in Astana, his view of the country had significantly expanded.
“Kazakhstan is a very big country. Wonderful food, especially meat. In all three years, I probably haven’t eaten as much as I have this day,” the actor said.
In a short time in the capital, he managed to visit a sauna, taste mare’s milk, and visit Baiterek. Coster-Waldau said that he made a wish there, but did not disclose it to journalists. The only thing he shared was that he wished to return to Kazakhstan.
The actor also said that he had already seen photographs from trips around the country and was particularly interested in Mangystau.
“I’ve only been here for 24 hours, so I’m no expert at all. But the people hosting me are wonderful, and I’ve already realized that I have to come back here, especially to Mangystau,” he said.
Kazakhstan Between Lannisters and the Dothraki
The journalists asked Coster-Waldau which place Kazakhstan would be on the map of Westeros — Winterfell, King’s Landing, Dorne or the Dothraki Sea.
“Kazakhstan is located between two big and powerful countries, so I think it would be between the Lannisters and the Dothraki and would represent diplomacy,” the actor replied.
According to him, Kazakhstan would try to convince both sides that each of them is its best friend.
Coster-Waldau on the Idea of Reaching a Career Peak
Asked whether he believed he had reached the peak of his career, Coster-Waldau said he did not really view his career as a journey toward a particular peak. One of the most interesting parts of acting for him is the opportunity to keep changing alongside his characters. He recalled the first time he was offered the role of a father, joking that the next logical step would probably be playing a grandfather.
“With every role, I learn more about my craft and collect more knowledge,” he said.
Reflecting on the idea of reaching a career “peak,” Coster-Waldau referred to Mike Leigh’s film Naked. He explained that the idea of reaching a peak can be unsettling because, once you believe you have reached the top, the only direction left is down.
“I don’t really think of my life as a question of peaking,” the actor said. “Hopefully, every day there’s always something new to experience, and career-wise, who knows?”
Jaime Lannister, Shrek and the Moral Boundaries of Acting
No conversation with Coster-Waldau would be complete without Game of Thrones. Jaime Lannister remains one of the actor’s most recognizable roles. When asked which character he enjoyed playing more — Jaime Lannister or Prince Charming — he gave an unexpected answer:
“I’d like to play Shrek.”
Coster-Waldau was also asked about the moral side of acting and whether performers should feel responsible when portraying morally complex characters for an international audience. He responded that morality is subjective, while an actor’s task is primarily to understand their character.
“If you try to identify yourself with the moral aspects of every character, you won’t be able to play the person you’re supposed to play,” he explained.
According to Coster-Waldau, an actor has to try to believe that they are the character, even when the character’s actions contradict their own beliefs. At the same time, he said there are boundaries he would not cross. He recalled turning down roles that involved cruelty toward children. As for Jaime Lannister, he said he did not have any problems with the character.
Behind Jaime Lannister — an Ordinary Person
Despite his worldwide fame, Coster-Waldau does not seem particularly interested in being known simply as a celebrity. In his view, audiences can sometimes benefit from knowing less about an actor so they can fully immerse themselves in the character.
Speaking about his own fame, he said that away from the set, he remains an ordinary person with ordinary hopes and desires.
“I want to take care of my family. I want to be loved. I want to love. I want, hopefully, peace and quiet. I wish my kids to have a good future,” Coster-Waldau said.
The actor added that while in Kazakhstan, he sees people who share many of the same wishes and dreams.
New Films — and a Move Behind the Camera
Speaking about his upcoming projects, he confirmed that he will appear in a new film by Robert Zemeckis alongside Jennifer Lopez, who had also recently visited Kazakhstan. At the same time, the actor is developing several of his own projects and increasingly working behind the camera.
“I’m developing quite a few movies. I’m jumping behind the camera myself,” he said.
One of his upcoming projects is a black comedy in the United States, though Coster-Waldau has not revealed many details. He also said that he is working on a new film with Rick Roman Waugh, the director of Shot Caller.
Coster-Waldau is Ready to Appear in Kazakh Cinema
Coster-Waldau admitted that he is still largely unfamiliar with Kazakh cinema. When journalists asked whether he would be open to appearing in a Kazakh film, his answer was:
“I know very little about the cinematography of Kazakhstan, but I’m ready. If they invite me, I’m ready,”.
“I’ve Already Met So Many Comic Con Fans.”
The press conference concluded with Coster-Waldau addressing the visitors of Comic Con Astana. He thanked the organizers for inviting him and said he was impressed by the scale of the event, particularly the cosplay competition.
“I’ve already met a lot of Comic Con fans. I saw a little bit of the cosplay competition, which was absolutely incredible. You can feel the real passion behind the scenes to make this a great event,” he said.
At the end of the press conference, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau took a group selfie with the journalists and media representatives who attended the meeting.
