Game of Thrones‘ Queen in the North, Sophie Turner, has finally addressed fans’ criticism of season eight, admitting that she feels “defensive” of the series.
Turner – who played Sansa Stark – spoke to TheWrap about the divided response to Game of Thrones‘ final season, telling them that although she “cannot fault” fans’ loyalty to the show, she doesn’t feel the backlash season eight attracted was deserved.
“The fans are incredible and so loyal, and we love them because of the fact that they’re so, so passionate. I cannot fault them there,” she said.
“But when people were saying that there was no effort, that the writers were terrible… The most effort was put into this final season.”
HBO
Related: Game of Thrones fan petition asking for HBO to remake season 8 hits 1 million signatures
Reflecting on the gruelling schedule of the six-episode season, Sophie added: “We were shooting for an incredibly long time, nearly 11 months. We did the most night shoots anyone has done ever, I think.
“I felt a little defensive, and I think I’m entitled to feel like that.”
Sophie’s comments come a few weeks after HBO president Casey Bloys admitted that calls for a re-do of season eight were never “seriously considered”.
Although acknowledging fans’ “big opinions” on how Thrones should have ended, Bloys suggested that the series’ impressive Emmy nominations haul was a vindication of-sorts.
“32 Emmy nominations is certainly nice validation,” he added.
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Game of Thrones aired on HBO in the US, and you can also catch up on the show via Hulu. Pre-order seasons 1-8 on DVD and Blu-ray now.
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