Game of Thrones was massive back when it was airing on HBO, and despite how you feel about the final season, it's still one of the most talked-about and influential TV shows of the decade. It propelled relatively unknown actors into stardom, cemented careers, and left a cultural footprint that continues to spark conversations years after the series ended.
One of those actors who saw a major career boost after starring in the hit fantasy series is Alfie Allen. Prior to starring in Game of Thrones, he had taken on smaller film and TV roles, but it was his portrayal of Theon Greyjoy in the fantasy series that truly put him on the map and made him a recognizable face around the world. Now, he's currently starring in the new British action-adventure show Atomic as a drug smuggler named Max.
In a new interview with The Times of India to promote the show, the news outlet asked Allen if it’s been hard for him, both in his career and personally, to stop being seen mainly as his character from Game of Thrones. Allen then responds by saying that he approaches every new role with a fresh mindset. He acknowledges that most people will still associate him with Game of Thrones, but he sees that as a positive rather than a limitation because it was such a beloved show. He shares that he's just happy to be able to continue his career and take on new projects, such as his role in Atomic.
"Do you know what? With every job I take on, I try to approach it with a totally new mindset. With Game of Thrones and the time I spent there, yes, that's what most people will associate me with, but that's essentially a good thing. It was a big show that so many people loves. I am just really grateful and feel blessed to be able to go on this ride with Atomic."
Honestly, that's such a good mindset to have. Some actors struggle with being defined by a single role, but Allen embraces it and sees it as a blessing. I mean, who wouldn't want to be recognized for being on one of the most iconic shows in television history? It sounds like a win to me!
Atomic is based on the Atomic Bazaar book by William Langewiesche. It is currently airing on the British channel, Sky Atlantic. It's a five-part series starring Allen as drug smuggler Max, who unexpectedly teams up with JJ, played by Shazad Latif, as they get caught up in a dangerous mission involving the trafficking of highly enriched uranium across North Africa and the Middle East.
Also in the cast are Samira Wiley, Stuart Martin, Charlie Murphy, Brian Gleeson, Mikhail Safronov, Avital Lvova, Franklin Virgüez, and many others.
If you're in the mood for a rewatch session of Game of Thrones, you can do so on HBO Max. Allen appears as Theon Greyjoy in all eight seasons of the fantasy series.