Read what Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has to say about last week’s shocking episode and Jaime Lannister’s fate.

Sunday’s episode offered Game of Thrones book fans a big payoff when Jaime Lannister lost his hand. Show fans may not have seen it coming, but whether or not you knew, it was a harrowing moment to watch.

Now, the big question is: where will the story take Jaime next? Can he still be the big-mouthed Lannister, fearsome warrior, when his sword hand is gone? And if not, what will become of him?

Access Hollywood has spoken to Coster-Waldau about the twist, and the actor shares his immediate reactions to finding out about it.

“I thought that was like – just amazing,” he says. “It’s such a horrible thing to happen… If he had to pick a limb to lose, this would be the last one, I’m sure. This is his sword hand, this is what defines him, this is the one thing that he is incredible at.”

Coster-Waldau predicts that this will change the character a lot going forward. “I know this is huge because, before this, he has this wonderful, annoying arrogance and wit and fearlessness with people and it’s just interesting what will happen next,” he says. “To have a guy who starts in this one extreme and you go to the other, you couldn’t ask for more as an actor, really.”

He also offers some insight into Jaime’s character, specifically his reasons for pushing Bran Stark out the window (which is still a sore point with fans, despite the fact that he tried to save Brienne this week), saying, “He did it because he wants to save not only the woman he loves, but all her children. I think we should have that in capital letters.”

Going on to explain Jaime’s reasons for helping Brienne, Coster-Waldau furthers the point that the character isn’t all bad. And, “when she fights back [against her would-be rapers], it’s almost heartbreaking and then to hear screams — she’s still a woman, although she’s hiding behind the armor and she is this fierce warrior. So, I’m just so happy that he does what he does.”

Finally, he offers some hints about what’s to come – and yes, there’s more Jaime/Brienne coming! “Now he has to deal with [losing his hand]. And I love the fact that… I mean, their relationship continues — him and Brienne — but the dynamics change quite a lot. And who knows? Maybe she can help him too.”

Game of Thrones returns Sunday night with 3×04 “And Now His Watch is Ended,” which airs at 9/8c on HBO.