The controversial finale of HBO's epic fantasy series Game of Thrones continues to spark debate, not just among its global fanbase but also within its own cast. While many viewers and several actors expressed profound disappointment with the show's conclusion in 2019, one star has now publicly broken ranks.
A Stark Contrast in Satisfaction
In a recent interview, Sophie Turner, who portrayed the resilient Sansa Stark, made a surprising admission. She stated she was 'very happy' with how her character's arc concluded, a sentiment she believes was unique among the principal cast. 'I feel like I got a good one,' Turner told The Direct, 'and so I don't know if I could revisit it.'
This stands in stark contrast to the widespread fan backlash that followed the final season's airing. Discontent was so severe that a petition demanding HBO 'remake Game of Thrones season 8 with competent writers' garnered a staggering 1.8 million signatures. Many criticised other character conclusions, like Daenerys Targaryen's (Emilia Clarke), as feeling rushed and unearned.
Queen in the North: A Fitting End?
Turner's satisfaction likely stems from Sansa's ultimate destiny. By the end of season eight, Sansa Stark was crowned as the first Queen in the North, having successfully negotiated the re-establishment of the North as an independent kingdom. This culmination of her journey from a naive noble girl to a shrewd political leader provided a clear and triumphant ending for the character.
The actor's comments came while discussing potential sequels. According to a report from Collider, the series' creator George R.R. Martin has indicated he is working on follow-up projects. When asked if she would return as Sansa, Turner joked, 'Show me the money,' before adding, 'I don't know, I think it would be hard but also amazing to come back to it.'
The Legacy and Future of Westeros
The shadow of the Game of Thrones finale has been long, with recent comparisons drawn to the anticipation and reaction surrounding other major series conclusions, like Netflix's Stranger Things. Despite the divisive ending, the world of Westeros continues to expand.
While details on Martin's hinted 'sequels' remain scarce, the prequel universe is thriving. House of the Dragon premiered in 2022 and has been confirmed to run for four seasons. Furthermore, a new spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, based on Martin's 'Dunk and Egg' novellas, is set to premiere later this month.
For those wishing to revisit the original series, Game of Thrones remains available to stream on platforms including NOW, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. The debate over its ending, as Turner's revelation proves, is far from over.
