Hello, it's Sean Bean. A legend on LEGENDS. AMA!

Are you going to die at the end of this AMA?

No.

Why did you not teach Jon Snow anything?

HAHAHAHAH!

Because he's not mine!

Little bastard!

1. Would you rather apologize to Frodo or actually have that conversation with Jon Snow?
2. Do you plan to work your way into the new Star Wars trilogy so that you can die in the first installment?

Somebody spared no expense and found the leprechaun in the tree, so thank you. Also, let the record show that Mr. Bean is the first member of the Fellowship to respond to my humble inquiries. I hope Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan feel bad now. One down, eight to go.

1) I did apologize to Frodo, didn't I? Or I told somebody to tell him I was sorry. And fuck Jon Snow.

2) That's a terrible question! I want to stay alive, and thrive!

Is the Danny who owns Broomhill friery in Sheffield really your nephew?

Yes.

And he sells very good fish & chips.

How many times has a random stranger asked you to say "One does not simply ... (insert line here)"?

Hahaha!

They've not, I've seen people with t-shirts on, and I've said it myself. Wait, I guess they have. A few too many drinks, and one says "one does not simply this" or "one does not simply that." It's a line I say in Lord of the Rings, innit? One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's a great line because you can apply anything to it. It's immortalized.

Do you mind having fans approach you in public?

On their knees!!!!!

Thanks for doing this AMA. Do you ever get mixed up with the other Mr. Bean?

I used to get his fan mail, actually! I think they had the wrong address. I have gotten a couple of letters meant for Mr. Bean aka Rowan Atkinson. These letters would say things like "You're so funny, you make me laugh, with your big rubbery face" and I would say "you can't mean me!" Whenever I call people up and they say "who's calling" and I say "Mr. Bean" and you can hear people giggling on the other end of the phone... he's got a lot to answer for, that Rowan Atkinson.

What's a role that you wished you had for longer?

I guess Ned Stark!

Hey Sean, massive fan. A few questions (you don't have to answer all):

• Is the story about you finishing your pint after a bar fight true?
• Who would win in a fight - Boromir or Ned Stark?
• Does Izabella Scorupco really taste like strawberries?
• Which footy team do you support?

Yes.

Boromir.

I kissed her, but I think I was her enemy?

Sheffield United F.C.!

Do you have anecdotes about your time filming National Treasure?

There was one where I went back to Nic Cage's house, and we'd had a few drinks, we were playing pool and he accidentally knocked over his prehistoric cave bear skull and smashed it. And he was really upset about it, and the next day went and buried it in a field.

Have you ever played Goldeneye for Nintendo 64? How does it feel being a character in not only a movie, but a video game that has become a cult classic?

Oh, it's good, it's great! Especially because it's so popular, it's like, quite unique really. It was such a big hit. But I think I've seen him. I think my head looks a bit square innit.

It has been well noted that the characters you play have a tendency to die on-screen. Out of curiosity, have you ever had any near-death experiences in real life? If so, how did it happen?

I suppose the closest I came is a horses' hoof landed on my head. And it did actually! When I was filming SHARPE. And I injured my neck, and I was pretty close, yeah. You can see it on film, yeah. It was a series called SHARPE, yeah. SHARPE'S JUSTICE, I think.

The irony that Sharpe was just about the only thing in which you didn't die

Not quite. He has 100 movie credits on IMDB, and he only died in around 20 of them.

Edit: 25.

That's only a 25% deathrate then, innit? That's alright!

Were you shocked when you were beheaded?

Yes.

Yeah.

I mean, I knew it was coming, you know?

But when I read it, you know, it just comes out of the blue and was a nasty shock. Especially after Ned Stark thought he'd got some agreement between Joffrey and the various factions, and for them to renege on that deal was pretty shocking.

The scene was shot in Malta, in this big square in Malta, I think they built it, like a big public square, and it was good, it was weird, you know? Because they made a cast of my head with hair on it, I've got some pictures of me holding my head. And it was fun. I don't know, you kind of just have to imagine what it's like to have your head chopped off, Ann Boleyn and how she must have felt. But it was the manner in which it was done, it was all the more tragic for that.

Hello! Big fan of your portrayal of Boromir and Ned Stark. I wish I could have seen more of you on GoT! You make your characters someone that people can relate to and feel sympathy for. Thank you for your work and for doing this AMA!

Ok, question time. What was your favorite Boromir scene to film? Either that you had fun with or that you think helped with Boromir's characterization.

We did a good scene with me and Viggo, where we just sat together chatting about our past and where we grew up and where we came from, you know, discussing how much was at stake at that particular point in the film. I always remember that. I enjoyed working with Viggo very much, I enjoyed working with everyone, but Viggo and I got on very well together.

If you were going to war, would you rather take Robert Baratheon or Aragorn with you into battle?

Robert Baratheon. He's from Yorkshire. That's why. Why not Aragorn? If Robert got ahold of you, he'd crush you. You'd be careful not to get caught.

Not fat Robert though right? I mean he probably has a pretty good body slam but that's about it

HAHAHAHA!

exactly.

Unless you're a boar.

Oh yeah, he did, didn't he?

Hello Sean Bean, I was wondering what your favorite comfort food is?

I've got quite a few, actually.

I like chocolate. Yeah. I do like chocolate.

And I guess it's that and tomato soup.

And tinned custard. With bananas.

And I guess that's it really!

I love milk, as well.

And milkshakes. Mmm.

Mashed potatoes. Yeah. Meat & potato pie with gravy. Like a Cornish pasty. With Henderson's relish, yes. That's very important to me. It IS!

Hi! I'm a huge fan of your work, and I can't wait to watch your new series! My question is: if I ever met you in a bar, what drink should I get you?

Edit: hahaha today I got to talk to Sean Bean AND get gold! Thanks kind stranger!

Probably a Guinness.

Would you rather fight 100 Tyrion-sized Mountains or 1 Mountain-sized Tyrion?

The big one. The mountain-sized Tyrion.

Mr. Bean, can you describe the level of choreography that goes into fight scenes like you've been a part of in Lord of the Rings and as a followup, has anyone ever fucked up and actually injured a fellow actor in any fight scenes?

Yeah, that happens on occasions, you know? But fortunately there's been nothing too drastic, but they're usually very well-choreographed, very well-thought out. And there are stunt guys, a great bunch of people, very talented bunch, and they know exactly what they're doing. And I feel very safe with them in their company. But yeah, it's good fun, that. Someone stabbed someone in SHARPE, and it went through his body. That was on film as well! It was one of the early SHARPES, eagle or rifle, maybe, in Russia in the Crimea, and the sword actually went like that

gestures to midsection

He was alright but it was a pretty shocking moment, because there were no hospitals around there, no ambulances, so if you got injured, it was pretty bad. But I've cut my hand open, you just kind of get on with the job, I split my knuckles open and got 5-6 stitches in them, on a set, and I went back and got back into the scene. I mean, that's not a big deal.

What is the strangest/funniest thing to happen to you while on set?

I once walked onto the wrong set. I was doing Lady Chatterley's Lover, this was in the 90's, and it was like a studio, I had just had my lunch break and I walked back on set into the Enchanted Garden Set, everybody was dressed in the same clothes, I sort of realized I was on the wrong set and wandered off. I was a little bit tired. I just saw all these actors that I didn't know, and I was like "wait a minute" - because it all looked the same, except it wasn't my film.

At least it didn't happen when you were about to shoot a nude scene, right?

Hahaha! Yes.

Sean, serious question here - how often do you trim your beard? We both have similar beards and I've always been a fan of yours.

Probably - you just reminded me actually, I need to trim it tonight.

Well I do!

Probably every 4-5 days.

Favorite moment while filming Game of Thrones?

There was a scene with Bran near the tree - that legendary kind of family tree of the Starks, near the pool of water, and I enjoyed that scene. I enjoyed the scenes with Lena as well. She's great fun.

[deleted]

That would be nice. Yeah. But I'm not sure. I guess that will be the main role, wouldn't it? So I don't know. Good idea though.

YES, many, many fond memories. And just fascinating, watching such an artist at work. He's a great man.

Hey Sean, if you were not an actor, where would you be right now?

Probably in the Woodlands, in a wood. I kind of like gardening, I like being outdoors in the garden and nature around me, wildlife.

Mr Bean, how much did you know about Game of Thrones before signing on? Did you know much about Ned's character?

I wasn't familiar with it really, I'd heard of the writer and his books, but it was kind of a new experience for me. And I read the books, and I guess that was it, really.

How did Harrison Ford manage to hit you with that boat hook?

It was an accident! And we were just slipping around on this boat, it was in Los Angeles in a studio on a boat on rockers, hydraulics, there were wind and rain machines, it was very slippery and chaotic conditions, and it was just an accident, he just slipped and whacked me in the eye and I had about 35 stitches inside and out. Just out here, and in here. So the next day we carried on filming and they shot me from the other side in profile to finish the scene. They gave me a suit at the end. I suppose that's compensation.

Will Legends be a mini series or will it be ongoing?

I don't know, ongoing hopefully! You should tune, all of you!

So, here's one to baffle the Americans. How many bottles of Henderson's Relish are currently in your kitchen?

Edit: Cheers Sean.

For those of you who've never lived in Sheffield, this is Hendos. And it's awesome. I moved back to Manchester after university, and it's the main thing I miss about Sheffield.

About 4.

(It's this brilliant kind of condiment, relish. You sprinkle it on your chips or your meat pie.)

If you, the actor Sean Bean, had to go deep undercover in ANY organization, which one would it be?

I'll tell you what I would infiltrate: Camden Council in London. To find out their plans...

Muwahahaha.

Hey Sean! What can you tell us about Legends? The commercials look cool but confusing at the same time. How pissed will you be if they kill you off of your own show?

Well, it's a complex story, of a man trying to discover who he is, where he's from, what his previous life was. He gets flashbacks and he's trying to put the pieces together. And I guess that's why you see him in various different roles, various times of his life, and he's been told that he's not who he thinks he is. It's a psychological thriller with action. It comes from the characters, it's not action for the sake of action, people find themselves in very desperate situations. It's a very fast moving thriller.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Strawberry.

Or Raspberry Ripple. Yeah. I'll go with that one.

Would you take a role in Expendables 4? There needs to be a a bigger British contingent in that film!

Could be fun!

Who do you want to see sit the Iron Throne?

You mean anybody?

I'd say Nigel Clough.

Did you keep/steal/buy any props from Goldeneye? Do you wish you had?

I got a watch, they gave me a watch at the end, an Omega watch, which needs repairing in case anybody out there... and it's inscribed on the back "Issued to Sean Bean, 006" and I think it's 1995. Yeah! And that's right on the back.

Hi Sean! I came by to say that I'm a huge fan of your work, and have been ever since I first watched GoldenEye (one of the greatest Bond films, IMO) as an impressionable young girl. I've seen nearly all of your films! Very excited that you're here on Reddit right now.

On to my questions:

• What's the weirdest encounter you've ever had with a fan?

• What is in your pockets right now? I just found a nickel in mine.

• Are there any books that you are currently reading, and what is your favourite book of all time?

Thanks again for doing this AMA, Sean! :)

I suppose as Victoria said, someone's approached me in a pub and asked me if I'd come and live in their house.

I said "When?"

Glasses, wallet, chapstick, moneyclip.

I'm not reading any books at the moment, which I don't know why, because I like reading books, but I'm probably going to go and buy one now. And me favourite book, it's an old book, called The World of Little Foxy, by Norman Smithson, and it's about this young lad, you know, young kid growing up in Yorkshire, all the fun and frolics he gets up to. Just a really nice, cheerful book.

I love your work man, got really into Sharpe's Rifles when I was a kid. My question: Would you consider acting in the Dragonriders of Pern movies, should they come to fruition? I know you've done so much fantasy, but growing up I always read one of the characters in your voice, and just had to ask. Super excited for LEGENDS. Thanks for being awesome.

Yeah, that'd be good. That's be good fun. I've never ridden a dragon before!

Hello Sean, thanks for doing this AMA! Seeing as you were cast in the Silent Hill movies, did you ever know about or play any of the games beforehand?

I don't think I did. But I knew of it.

Do you enjoy being famous? Is it even a nuisance?

No, it's not something I'd winge about, I'm not complaining. I'm very fortunate in my career. The people that like my work and enjoy my work are the people who make me what I am, I suppose!

Hey Sean, what is your favourite city ?

Sheffield, I suppose.

I understand you live in London. As a Yorkshire lass myself I'm interested to know what, if anything, you miss the most of our home land?

I guess the humor, the people, and the particular blend of humor more than anything.

Hi Sean.

Don't usually comment on these but you're part of my very small claim to fame - I was in the crowd at Bramall Lane when they filmed you taking the penalty for When Saturday Comes! I remember you missing a couple and the crowd getting involved with chants of 'Beano! Beano!'

I know you're a big Sheffield United fan so how did it feel to film there? And to make that film in general?

Oh that was one of the most exciting experiences of my life! It was a real, just, it was unbelievable. It was an incredibly fantastic just to be on the pitch wearing a Sheffield United kit, trying to score penalties! My grandad and my father were there, in the crowd, so I was kind of waving at them. Sheffield was playing Manchester United in the FA Cup, and we all went onto the pitch at halftime to kind of play a bit of foot and take some penalties, it was full of 45,000 people, and I think the teams were waiting to come on after the sendoff, and they couldn't get me off the pitch. I was so exhilarated. So we were holding back Sheffield United and Manchester United. The referee was getting a bit pissed off. I just didn't want to leave the pitch. The crowd was good, yeah! Especially from the Sheffield United Fans, and I am eternally grateful for that. And the Manchester United fans were a good lot, a good bunch.

Thanks for doing this AMA!

Do you still play piano? Any favorites?

I still play the piano a little bit, not very much, I wish I had kept it going you know? But it's just time I suppose. But perhaps I'll get some piano lessons when I get back to London and see if I can resurrect the little I did know, I'm not very good, but I do try. And I guess Chopin is my favourite, Chopin and J.S. Bach.

What was your favorite movie/show in which your character DIDN'T die?

P.S. My friends and I agree that the fact your character lived by the end of the Silent Hill movie was the biggest twist. Hope you have many more wonderful and inventive demises.

I guess that would be SHARPE, you know? The Napoleonic soldier.

And thank you very much!

• How do you feel about not having a part in Game of Thrones for a little longer?
• Do you ever visit the filming crew and hang around?
• Who are you friends with the most from the GoT cast?

I guess Mark Addy, I see him on occasions. It's a funny job actually, because you're all thrown together for an intense period of time, and then everybody goes home, it's a strange business in that way. But we always bump into each other from various productions, on the same kind of circuit.

You started in Ronin, which is still the best car chase movie ever, any memorable crashes or moments from filming that epic movie?

I can't remember any crashes, because we had ex-Grand Prix racers driving the cars and they were brilliant, some pretty hairy moments going down sidestreets with just an inch next to each side of the car, fast... Thrilling.

Do you ever keep props from your shoots (television or movies)? If so, what's your favorite?

I've got a couple of swords, quite a few swords actually. One of my favorite ones is my SHARPE sword, which is an original cavalry sword from the late 19th century.

Can you tell us a little bit about Jupiter Ascending? Did you enjoy making that movie?

Yes, that was great, a great experience working with the Wachowksis. Because they both direct together, you know? It's fascinating to see them work. It's just a wonderful world they've created, very surreal, magical sometimes, corrupt universe. It's very detailed. It's difficult as I've not seen the finished product yet, but it was a wonderful experience to work on! It comes out in February, I think.

Hi, Mr. Bean, great to have you here on Reddit! Two questions.

1. What's your favorite dish?

2. If you were to play a superhero, which one would you like to play the most?

Thanks!

1) Neck of lamb, which has been kind of stewed for a few hours. That's what me mum used to make. It's gorgeous, very kind of tender and just melts in your mouth.

2) Superhero, oh god... I was thinking Thor.

What was your first acting gig, and how old were you when you got it?

It was a BBC drama called Joey and Spansky. I was about 23. Yeah.

A. have you seen this death compilation of yourself?

B. Which was your favorite and least favorite death?

thanks!

Yes, I saw it a few months ago. I guess Boromir kind of, was one of my favourites. And the least favourite? Any that were too quick!

What can you tell us about the show Legends?

It's a fun show that will get you through the rest of the summer until Game of Thrones comes back. Also I don't die.

What do you feel the real ending of Silent Hill was?

I think it was all a dream. I didn't die? That's probably why I don't remember.

Will you ever go back to wearing your hair the way you did before "Legends" ? I just can't get accustomed to the slicked-back look.

Probably, yeah! Why not?

Which role do you like the most to portray, a good guy or a villian? :)

I think villains are kind of the more juicy parts, you can kind of get way with murder (literally) but it's been fun playing Martin in LEGENDS because he's a bit of both really. He uses quite brutal methods to achieve his aims, but he's a good guy.

You seem to love hinting about Jon Snow's parentage. What is the most cryptic hint you can give us right now about his parents?

I don't know?!

I mean, how am I supposed to know? Does anybody know? I don't think he's mine.

How did you become involved with Legends?

I talked to Howard, Howard Gordon, I guess it was through my agents, and they mentioned that Howard would like to talk to me about this project, and I said of course, knowing Howard and all the great work he's done, I was, you know, delighted to be asked to be part of it, because he explained the premise of it and all these takes on multiple identities and it seemed a very fascinating idea. I was thrilled, you know, to play Martin Odum, and his various creations.

The Fellowship of the Ring is my favorite movie. Thank you for being so awesome as Boromir.

Now my question: Does the Fellowship still keep in touch? Do you all ever get together to recount times from making the LOTR movies?

Occasionally we bump into each other, you know, doing our rounds. Yeah. I bump into Viggo occasionally, or Orlando Bloom.

Hi Sean, What is your favorite breakfast? I would love to know that, mine is two slices of bacon and two eggs sunny-side up.

MMM.

That sounds nice.

Black, lima, or pinto?

Baked beans.

Heinz baked beans.

Cold.

I thought Heinz was an american company?

Is it pronounced "Seen Bean" or "Shaun Baun"?

Neither!

It's pronounced "Shawn Bean."

As in kidney or runner!

I know everyone here is going to want to ask about Game of Thrones, but as a long time fan of you as Richard Sharpe.... Would/did you ever consider bring the role of Sharpe to the big screen?

Also, do you find it as funny as I do that the character you've probably put the most time in front of camera portraying is just damned near impossible to kill?

Yes, I think that was a possibility some years ago, but unfortunately it never came to fruition. But it would have been interesting, and very exciting.

Hello Mr. Bean! Thanks for this AMA!

I recently read somewhere that you once performed as Romeo in a theater production of Romeo & Juliet, decked out in full biker gear. I thought that sounded interesting and fun, could you elaborate on that story please? And which do you generally enjoy doing more, theater or film?

I've always been a big fan of yours, you really are an amazing actor! Looking forward to seeing your work to come. Wish you had lasted longer on Game of Thrones, Ned was the best of them!

I guess they're different mediums, they both have their pros & cons, you know? But I would like to do more theater, it's just that sometimes it takes quite a while and it's very intense, but it's a big thrill, it's exciting doing live drama. And I did perform in Romeo & Juliet, I was Tybalt, but I didn't have any leather on. That was Hugh Quarshie. But it was a modern day production, yeah, and that was at the Royal Shakespeare Company back in 1985, 86, sometime around then.