Nikolaj Coster Waldau Movies and TV Shows Life Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is a Danish actor and producer, best known for his role as Jaime Lannister on the iconic television series Game of Thrones. Over the years, he has showcased his remarkable talent in a wide range of films and television projects, earning international acclaim for his performances. This article delves into his career, highlighting his notable movies and TV shows, his rise to fame, and his versatility as an actor.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on July 27, 1970, in Rudkøbing, Denmark, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau began his acting career in Denmark in the 1990s. He initially trained at the National Theatre School in Denmark before landing his first film role. His early work was primarily in Danish-language films, where he honed his skills and built his reputation as a talented actor.
Movies
| Movie Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Game of Thrones | 2011-2019 |
| Headhunters | 2011 |
| The Other Woman | 2014 |
| Gods of Egypt | 2016 |
| Shot Caller | 2017 |
| The Silencing | 2020 |
| A Thousand Times Good Night | 2013 |
| The Last Witch Hunter | 2015 |
| Black Hawk Down | 2001 |
| The Baker | 2023 |
TV Shows
| TV Show Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Game of Thrones | 2011-2019 |
| The Things We Do for Love | 2022 |
| Evil | 2019-2023 |
| The Unlikely Murderer | 2021 |
| Banshee | 2013-2016 |
| Dr. Death | 2021 |
| The Seven Deadly Sins | 2018 |
Breakthrough Role Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
The role that catapulted Nikolaj Coster-Waldau to global fame was that of Jaime Lannister in the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire, Coster-Waldau’s portrayal of the complex and morally ambiguous character made him a household name.
Jaime Lannister, a knight of the Kingsguard and the twin brother of Cersei Lannister, was initially portrayed as a villain but underwent significant character development throughout the show. Coster-Waldau’s ability to bring depth and humanity to Jaime earned him praise from critics and fans alike, and he was nominated for several awards for his performance.
Game of Thrones ran for eight seasons, from 2011 to 2019, and Coster-Waldau’s portrayal of Jaime was integral to the series’ success. His work on the show is often considered one of his career-defining roles.
Notable Movies Featuring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
- The Pusher Trilogy (1996–2005)
- Pusher (1996), Pusher II (2004), and Pusher III (2005) are a series of Danish crime films directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Coster-Waldau appeared in the second film of the trilogy, Pusher II, where he played a supporting role. These films are known for their gritty portrayal of Copenhagen’s criminal underworld and were pivotal in launching the careers of both Coster-Waldau and Refn.
- Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
- Directed by Ridley Scott, Kingdom of Heaven is a historical epic set during the Crusades. Coster-Waldau played a supporting role as the character of Knight Hospitaller, one of the many warriors involved in the conflict. While the film was met with mixed reviews, it featured impressive performances from a star-studded cast, including Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson.
- The Other Woman (2014)
- This romantic comedy features Coster-Waldau in a more lighthearted role, playing the cheating husband of Cameron Diaz’s character. Alongside Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton, Coster-Waldau showed his comedic side in this popular ensemble film.
- Oblivion (2013)
- In this science fiction film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, Coster-Waldau starred opposite Tom Cruise. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film follows a technician who uncovers startling truths about his mission. Coster-Waldau’s role is pivotal to the plot’s development, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the narrative.
- Gods of Egypt (2016)
- Coster-Waldau starred as Horus, the Egyptian god of the sky, in this fantasy adventure film. Despite its underwhelming critical reception, the film’s star-studded cast (including Gerard Butler and Brenton Thwaites) and its over-the-top action sequences made it a spectacle for audiences. Coster-Waldau’s performance brought gravitas to his mythological character.
- A Thousand Times Good Night (2013)
- This drama, directed by Erik Poppe, features Coster-Waldau in a role where he plays the supportive but concerned husband of a photojournalist, played by Juliette Binoche. The film deals with the emotional toll of war journalism, and Coster-Waldau’s performance was lauded for its depth and sensitivity.
- Shot Caller (2017)
- In Shot Caller, Coster-Waldau portrays a businessman who ends up in prison and is forced to join a gang to survive. The film explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the harsh realities of the prison system. Coster-Waldau’s transformation for this role showcased his versatility as an actor, moving away from his usual charming characters to something far darker.
- Flood (2007)
- This British disaster film featured Coster-Waldau in a supporting role, as part of an ensemble cast dealing with the catastrophic effects of an unprecedented flood in London. Though the film didn’t make a major impact, it showed Coster-Waldau’s range in the disaster genre.
Television Appearances Beyond Game of Thrones
While Game of Thrones is undoubtedly Coster-Waldau’s most famous television role, he has also appeared in various other projects.
- New Amsterdam (2018–2020)
- In this American medical drama, Coster-Waldau starred as Dr. Max Goodwin, the medical director of one of the oldest public hospitals in the United States. The show focuses on his efforts to modernize the hospital while dealing with his own personal issues. Although the show was well-received for its emotional storytelling, it was ultimately canceled after two seasons.
- Second Chance (2016)
- Coster-Waldau starred in this science fiction series as Jimmy Pritchard, a former corrupt sheriff who is brought back to life in the body of a younger man. The show mixed elements of crime procedural and science fiction, with Coster-Waldau delivering a nuanced performance in a complex role. Unfortunately, the series was short-lived.
- Evil (2020–present)
- In Evil, Coster-Waldau played a recurring role as an enigmatic figure named “The Devil.” The show is a supernatural thriller that blends elements of horror, drama, and mystery. Coster-Waldau’s role is mysterious and unsettling, showcasing his range in playing darker, more sinister characters.
Upcoming Projects
As of 2025, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau continues to be involved in various projects. He remains a sought-after actor due to his immense talent and versatility, with several films and television series in development or post-production. Coster-Waldau’s next major roles will likely continue to showcase his broad range as an actor, whether in dramatic, action-packed, or suspenseful roles.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond his acting career, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is known for his commitment to various charitable causes. He is an advocate for environmental sustainability and has been involved with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), promoting global goals for sustainability. He has also been vocal about the importance of mental health awareness and has supported various organizations focused on mental health.
Coster-Waldau is married to his wife, Swedish actress and model Nukâka Coster-Waldau, with whom he has two daughters. He maintains a relatively low-key personal life, focusing on his family and his philanthropic endeavors.
Conclusion
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s career has been marked by impressive versatility, with standout roles in both television and film. From his career-defining portrayal of Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones to his more recent work in films like Shot Caller and the TV series New Amsterdam, Coster-Waldau has proven time and again that he is a talented and adaptable actor. His work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and his future in the industry looks bright as he continues to take on diverse roles.