Gwendoline Christie, an actress renowned for her towering presence and commanding performances, has long since retired from fight-heavy roles after Game of Thrones. But in Severance's Season 2 finale, she shattered that self-imposed rule with a fight scene so gripping, so visceral, that it left fans stunned. What changed her mind? And what does this mean for her enigmatic character, Lorne, moving forward? Let's dive into this unexpected moment that stole the spotlight.
A Role Unlike Any Other
When Christie was cast in Severance, viewers were intrigued. Lorne, a seemingly inconspicuous caretaker of Lumon's mysterious goat farm, was an odd addition to the series. Fan theories swirled around her true purpose, but few could have predicted her transformation into a pivotal character in the finale.
Her defining moment comes when she faces off against Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), one of the show's most menacing figures. Armed with a gun, Lorne initially gains the upper hand, only to be disarmed—leading to a no-holds-barred brawl that is as unflinching as it is unexpected.
Why Christie Avoided Fight Scenes—Until Now
For nearly a decade, Christie steered clear of physically demanding combat roles. Her tenure as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones saw her endure grueling training regimens, particularly for the iconic duel against The Hound. After that, she deliberately chose roles that focused on her presence and acting prowess rather than physicality.
“I hadn't done any combat since Game of Thrones,” Christie admitted in a recent TV Insider interview. “That had been a conscious decision. It wasn't something I wanted to do anymore.”
So why break that rule now? Two words: Ben Stiller.
“When Ben Stiller says there's a fight scene in Severance, and it is as outlandish, bizarre, and a strange psychic explosion as this one was, I found it irresistible,” she said. The opportunity to revisit combat—but in a completely different context—was too enticing to pass up.
Parallels to Brienne of Tarth
The Severance fight bears striking similarities to Brienne's legendary duel with The Hound. In both battles, Christie's character loses her weapon and must rely on brute strength and sheer will to survive. The physicality is raw, unpolished—real, in a way that most choreographed fight scenes are not. But while Brienne's fight was about proving herself, Lorne's is about something else entirely: defiance.
“This is an ultimate emotional explosion and a transformation of self,” Christie explained. “A change from a company player under duress to becoming a primitive, angry, and violent force.”
And this transformation is what makes the scene so compelling. Lorne's rage isn't just about survival; it's about years of quiet resentment erupting in one defining moment.
What This Means for Severance Season 3
Lorne isn't just a quirky side character anymore—she's a player in the Severance endgame. With Mark S. (Adam Scott) and his allies in turmoil, her role in the rebellion against Lumon seems inevitable. But where does she go from here?
One thing's certain: we haven't seen the last of Gwendoline Christie's Lorne.
Gwendoline Christie's return to action-oriented roles in Severance was unexpected, but in retrospect, it feels like a stroke of genius. She brings a raw, unfiltered intensity to the fight scene that not only cements her character's importance but also reinforces her range as an actress.
The parallels to her Game of Thrones days are undeniable, but Lorne is no Brienne. This isn't a noble warrior fighting for honor—this is a woman pushed to the brink, fighting for something primal. The result? One of the most unforgettable moments in Severance to date.
Do you think Gwendoline Christie's return to fight scenes was worth breaking her rule? How do you see Lorne evolving in Severance Season 3?
