Sophie Turner talks the end of Game of Thrones, learning to smile on camera

In a wide ranging interview with Marie Claire, Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner reflected on all things Sansa Stark, new fiance and singer Joe Jonas, and the new challenge of learning to smile on camera. Sansa Stark hasn’t had much to smile about over the first seven seasons of Game of Thrones, and yet it was exactly the sort of role the then 13-year old Turner was looking for, “that’s what I craved. I didn’t want some happy-go-lucky, bubblegum thing. I wanted real acting.”

Turner might have gotten more than she hoped for, as Sansa spent one season after another abused in a successively more brutal string of relationships. Those relationships culminated in her marriage to Ramsay Bolton, and her off screen sexual assault in season five. Turner viewed the surrounding controversy in a different light.

"I was happy people were talking about it. But I was angry they put all their effort into [debating] a television sexual assault when it happens around the world every day, and you barely hear of it."

As Thrones builds towards its climax, Turner’s feelings are similar to those of co-star Kit Harington, “It’s like the carpet is being taken away underneath you. It’s also exciting because there’s such freedom.” Turner revealed that her on screen Thrones family won’t be too far however.

Game of Thrones (Season 7)

L-R: Sophie Turner, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Kit Harrington, and Maisie Williams

Photograph by Marc Hom on November 22, 2016 in Belfast.

"It’s still Game of Thrones town in London. We meet up whenever we can. We all party together. We go to festivals together. We’ll probably all be 80 and still going to Glastonbury."

Aside from Thrones, Turner’s career is on an upward trend, with roles as Jean Grey in the X-Men franchise, and a romantic comedy co-starring Asa Butterfield titled Time Freak among other projects. It was the later that provided a unique challenge for Turner, “I was like, Oh, God, I’ve never smiled or laughed on camera before.” Sansa has indeed had very little to smile about on Thrones (although dispatching Ramsay was a bright moment).

Off screen, Turner’s life is on the up as well, as she became engaged to singer Joe Jonas. Turner also recently took up the guitar, but has yet to reach the same talent level as her future husband, “I’m terrible. I really want to learn to play properly.” Perhaps Jonas has a few pointers?

Either way, hopefully season 8 continues Sansa and Turner’s, upward trend.

Next: New photo of Winterfell emerges, hints at season 8 events

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