Despite spending nearly a decade bringing Sansa Stark to life on one of television’s most iconic shows, Sophie Turner recently revealed that she’s never actually watched Game of Thrones. The actress opened up during a podcast appearance, offering a candid explanation that surprised fans and shed light on her relationship with the show that launched her career.
She Lived It—But Never Watched It
Turner, now 28, explained that she hasn’t seen Game of Thrones all the way through—not even the later seasons where her character played a major role. Appearing on the podcast Who’s Your Daddy?, hosted by her friend and fellow actor Taylor Lautner, Turner admitted she’s only ever seen clips or specific scenes, usually during press tours.
“I’ve seen a few episodes,” she said. “But not the full thing.” The reason? Watching herself on screen makes her deeply uncomfortable.
Anxiety Behind the Scenes
Turner said she struggles with watching her own performances, describing it as anxiety-inducing. “It’s like hearing your voice on a recording—times a thousand,” she explained. Rather than enjoy the show like millions of fans around the world, she preferred to focus on the work in front of the camera and leave it at that.
Her decision not to watch also stemmed from her desire to separate her personal identity from her role as Sansa Stark, which she portrayed from age 13 to 23.
A Career That Grew Beyond Westeros
Although Game of Thrones was a defining chapter in Turner’s life, she’s continued to take on roles that challenge her in new ways. From her performance in the X-Men franchise to her recent appearance in the ITV series Joan, Turner has carved out a post-Westeros path that feels distinctly her own.
Still, fans continue to associate her with the North’s quiet powerhouse—Sansa—especially after her character’s dramatic rise in the final seasons.
Final Thoughts
Turner’s honesty about never watching the show highlights the complex relationship many actors have with their own work. For some, stepping back and allowing others to experience the finished product is part of the process. For Turner, it’s also a boundary—a way to protect her mental health and separate the character from the person.
Source:
Information based on her appearance on Who’s Your Daddy? podcast hosted by Taylor Lautner and shared in People.