‘Game of Thrones’ Director Teases Tyrion’s Trial: ‘Peter Dinklage is Phenomenal’

Update: read the full interview here.

Game of Thrones is preparing for it’s version of the trial of the century.

Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) stands accused of murdering King Joffrey at his wedding feast, and things look grim for the fan-favorite character.

The buildup to the trial has been intense, and director Alik Sakharov promises it will not disappoint.

“Peter Dinklage is phenomenal during the trial. He is just an incredible star and shines through,” Sakharov tells The Hollywood Reporter. 

PHOTOS: ‘Game of Thrones’: 20 Best Quotes

Sakharov cannot reveal more ahead of the episode, but the fact that he praises Dinklage so highly is significant. The actor routinely steals scenes or entire episodes as Tyrion. The character has largely been sidelined while he sits in a dungeon, so his return should be particularly impactful.

Sakharov says the other players in the trial are also exceptional.

“The scenes associated with a trial are magnificent. We were able to get some phenomenal performances,” Sakharov says.

Though he doesn’t specify who gives the performances he is so pleased with, we assume these three key characters will play heavily in the trial: Tywin (Charles Dance) and Oberyn (Pedro Pascal), who make up 2/3 of the judging panel, and Cersei (Lena Headey), Tyrion’s chief accuser.

PHOTOS: Joffrey’s 10 Most Evil Moments

Check back to THR.com/GoT Sunday night for a spoiler-filled Q&A with   Sakharov. On Monday afternoon, we’ll have an interview with the episode’s writer, Bryan Cogman. 

In the meantime, check out our best guesses on what’s to come, and see the rankings of where the characters stand going into episode 6, “The Laws of Gods and Men.”

Game of Thrones airs at 9 p.m. on Sunday on HBO.