The infamous Starbucks cup made its unexpected cameo in Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks,” of Game of Thrones. This unintentional prop placement quickly became a viral sensation, sparking memes, jokes, and intense scrutiny of the show’s production quality.
The Royal Gaffe: How the Coffee Cup Appeared
The appearance of the modern coffee cup, widely believed to be from Starbucks (though HBO later clarified it was from a local coffee shop), was a clear and egregious oversight during the post-production process. The cup sat prominently on a table in front of Daenerys Targaryen during a celebratory feast at Winterfell. It was visible for approximately two seconds before viewers noticed it, triggering a global online frenzy.
Why Did It Happen?
The most likely explanation for the cup’s presence is a simple human error. Production sets are busy places with numerous individuals involved, making it easy for everyday items to be inadvertently left in frame. Oversight during editing also contributed to the gaffe. Despite multiple reviews, the cup slipped through the cracks, highlighting the pressure and scale involved in producing a show of Game of Thrones’ magnitude.
The Aftermath: Reactions and Repercussions
The internet, naturally, erupted. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos highlighting the cup, leading to widespread amusement and criticism. HBO responded with humor, acknowledging the mistake and even releasing a statement implying that Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea.
HBO’s Response and Subsequent Actions
HBO initially embraced the humor surrounding the incident, using it as an opportunity for free publicity. However, the company also digitally removed the cup from the episode’s streaming versions, demonstrating a recognition of the need to maintain the show’s visual integrity. The event also led to increased scrutiny of subsequent episodes for potential errors. The incident, while embarrassing, ultimately didn’t significantly harm the show’s overall popularity, but it became a lasting reminder of a rare and easily avoidable blunder.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Starbucks Cup Scandal
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing various aspects of the Game of Thrones coffee cup controversy:
FAQ 1: Which specific scene did the coffee cup appear in?
The cup was visible during the feast scene at Winterfell, shortly after the Battle of Winterfell in Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks.” Specifically, it was placed on the table in front of Daenerys Targaryen.
FAQ 2: Was it really a Starbucks cup?
While initially assumed to be a Starbucks cup, HBO clarified that it was actually a cup from a local coffee shop near the set in Northern Ireland. However, the design closely resembled Starbucks’ cups, leading to the initial confusion.
FAQ 3: How long was the cup visible in the episode?
The cup was visible for approximately two seconds before viewers noticed it. While brief, its placement in such a prominent location made it impossible to miss.
FAQ 4: How did HBO react to the cup’s appearance?
HBO initially responded with humor, acknowledging the mistake and playfully suggesting Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea. They later digitally removed the cup from the episode in its streaming versions.
FAQ 5: Did Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) comment on the incident?
Yes, Emilia Clarke commented on the incident, feigning ignorance about who left the cup there and joking about it on social media. Other cast members also offered their humorous perspectives.
FAQ 6: What were some of the immediate reactions from viewers?
The reactions were overwhelmingly humorous. Memes and jokes flooded social media, with viewers creating parodies and speculating about Daenerys’s coffee order. The incident became a major internet sensation.
FAQ 7: Did the coffee cup incident affect the show’s ratings?
No, the coffee cup incident did not appear to significantly affect the show’s ratings. While it generated significant discussion, it was largely viewed as a humorous mistake and didn’t deter viewers from watching subsequent episodes.
FAQ 8: Did the cup appear in all versions of the episode?
The cup appeared in the initial broadcast and streaming versions of the episode. However, HBO quickly removed it from subsequent streaming versions. Therefore, it’s only visible on older versions of the episode.
FAQ 9: How did the cast and crew react to finding out about the mistake?
The cast and crew generally reacted with amusement and good humor. Many acknowledged the mistake and used it as an opportunity for lighthearted jokes and social media engagement.
FAQ 10: Was there any impact on the prop or continuity departments after this incident?
While there’s no official record of specific changes, the incident likely led to a heightened awareness and increased scrutiny within the prop and continuity departments to prevent similar errors in future productions.
FAQ 11: Could this have been a planned marketing stunt?
While some speculated that it could have been a planned marketing stunt, this is highly unlikely. The risk of damaging the show’s reputation for quality far outweighed any potential benefits of a staged error. HBO has consistently maintained it was an honest mistake.
FAQ 12: Has this type of prop error occurred in other major film or television productions?
Yes, prop errors are not uncommon in film and television production. However, the Game of Thrones incident gained particular notoriety due to the show’s popularity and the prominence of the cup in the scene. Many other examples exist, showcasing the fallibility of even the most meticulous productions.