With Game of Thrones nearing the end of its penultimate season - the actor behind one main character is happy that the show is coming towards its end. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has starred in the fantasy series from day one. He's taken Jaime Lannister from bad guy to likeable rogue across the course of seven seasons, numerous battles, one amputated hand and a number of uncomfortable sex scenes.

Jaime has also become the heart of the popular theory about the Valonqar, which states that Cersei (Lena Headey) will be killed by her younger brother. Even though for a moment it looked like Jaime died at the end of 'The Spoils of War', the series isn't quite done with him just yet. But the writers will have to give audiences answers soon since there's little over a season left before the series concludes with a bittersweet ending.

In an interview with Collider, Coster-Waldau said that he's happy Game of Thrones is ending sooner rather than later. He also makes a point about respecting the showrunners' choices to stick to a certain series length, without stretching it out. He also calls approaching the end of the series satisfying. Since the cast and crew have been working towards it since 2010, that's understandable.

"Of course, the people I work with. When you’ve spent so many years working together, you make friends. I’m going to miss that. We’ve been going to Belfast every year, and there are great people there. At the same time, I think it’s a good thing we’re ending. The story is coming to an end, which is very satisfying. I’m sure HBO would have loved to have done another few seasons, but I really respect Dan [Weiss] and David [Benioff], the writers, for saying, “No, this is it. This is how long it’s going to be.” I’m going to miss the people and I’m going to miss that annual journey to Belfast, but at the same time, it’s going to be nice to go on and do something else."

Cersei and Jaime Lannister at the Throne room in Game of Thrones.

And while the board is being set for the final season, some fans have criticised the pacing of the last few episodes. Each character's arc is being rushed, including Jaime. After all, they had him kill Olenna Tyrell, then find out Cersei was pregnant and nearly die over the course of two episodes. Had this been earlier on in the series, these events would've been spread over the course of several seasons. Perhaps an extra season or two may have been beneficial to allow the characters to explore their arcs fully.

But Coster-Waldau also confirmed in his answer that Jaime will survive till season 8 since he mentions returning to filming in October. And although we don't know what state he'll be in when the final season airs (or how long he lasts for that matter), Jaime Lannister will return.

Next: Game of Thrones ‘Beyond the Wall’ Images

Game of Thrones returns Sunday @9PM on HBO

Source: Collider