Nathalie Emmanuel Was Stunned By Fans' Reaction To Missandei's death in 'GOT'

The actress stated that she was not expecting such a huge reaction from fans to the death of Missandei. Per Insider, Emmanuel shared that when she learned her character was going to die, she knew people would feel the loss being that she was the only woman of color, but "I was not anticipating, I guess, the size of the reaction that happened." stated Emmanuel, who joined the series in season 3. Missandei's Death was shown in 2019, and many fans criticized her death since she was the only black woman in the series. 

 Game of Thrones was criticized for its lack of diversity in the cast, production team, and the roles played by a few people of color like slaves, tribesmen, or soldiers. George R. R. Martin, the author of the book, responded to the criticism in 2014, stating that Westeros, around 300 AC was not as diverse as 21st century America and more "characters of color" will be seen in the upcoming sequel.

Emmanuel, originally from Britain, also recognized the diversity in Hollywood. She shared that Black and mixed people are open to more opportunities in America than in her home country. The actress was also thankful for her death in the series as it sparked conversations about casting more people of color in the future. 

Missandei was first introduced to fans as a slave to Krazyns mo Nakloz (Dan Hildebrand) in the first episode of season 3. Following the evolution of Missandei, it was learned that she was born on the Island of Naath, taken from her home at a young age, then began her life as a slave. Being fluent in 19 languages made her act as an interpreter between Krazyns and Daenerys, which ended with Missandei leaving with Daenerys.

According to Buzzfeed, the evolution shows Missandei from doing handmaiden-like tasks to earning her place as one of Daenerys's trusted advisers. Emmanuel shared she views Missandei's role as a great shift and major achievement.

Missandei had great relationships with some characters. Missandei and Daenerys's powerful friendship was not only based on politics but was "matters of the heart," as described by Emmanuel. According to Emmanuel, the friendship between the characters was a way of reflecting genuine relationships in real life.

Another relationship to look at is Missandei's intimate relationship with Grey Worm. Grey, like Missandei, is part of Daenerys's council and has been loyal to her. Their relationship was based on an understanding of where they came from and where they had reached.