The Game of Thrones universe is beginning 2026 in the best possible way with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel unlike anything the franchise has seen before. But despite the spinoff's excellent start and exceedingly high ratings, Sansa Stark herself, Sophie Turner, isn't tuning in. But worry not, it's nothing personal, and she's absolutely rooting for the show's success.
After portraying Sansa Stark throughout all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, Turner is one of the most recognizable faces in the franchise. There's even some talk on the grapevine about her potentially returning for a sequel series, but that's speculation for another article. Right now, however, she's satisfied enough with her time in the Game of Thrones universe to move on, wishing it best but not intent on getting involved again, or indeed even watching new content.
"If I'm totally honest, anything Game of Thrones, I don't think I can [watch it]," she admitted in a recent interview while promoting her Prime Video show Steal, shared on Instagram. "I can't even hear the theme tune. It gives me crazy anxiety. I don't know why, I had the best time on that show, but I can't watch anything related to it."
With a personal connection to the franchise, the Game of Thrones universe isn't quite the same to her as it is to us mere viewers. Her take is more than respectable. It's not spiteful in the slightest; she harbors plenty of love for everyone involved. And she wishes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms every success. "I'm really excited for the actors on it, and I think it will probably be incredible because it is that universe. So good luck to everyone involved — I won't be watching it but I will be rooting for you!"
Turner has launched a successful career on the back of Game of Thrones. Of course, she played Jean Grey in the X-Men movies. And up next, she reunites with former Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington in the new historical horror film The Dreadful. But rather than playing half-siblings like they did in Thrones, they play lovers — and yes, it was an awkward experience for the two of them.
The Dreadful opens in theatres and on-demand on February 20, 2026. Meanwhile, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms returns for new episodes every Sunday on HBO. The spinoff content doesn't end there either, with House of the Dragon returning for its third season this summer!