Cool Death

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Despite numerous criticisms leveled at “Game of Thrones” as the series drew to a close, there were several aspects that hit the mark, one being the outcome of a beloved character. It’s uncommon for actors to request their characters’ deaths on screen, but it does occur. This can stem from various reasons such as wanting to depart from the show, anticipating this eventuality and seeking control over it, or genuinely believing that such an ending would serve the character best. Actors may occasionally propose ideas about their character’s demise to the creative team.

Of course, when an actor expresses a desire for their character to perish, they’re likely hoping for a death scene that will leave a lasting impact. For a show like Game of Thrones, such a death would have to be particularly striking to outshine the series’ infamous and brutal executions. Moments like the shocking finale of season 1, the gruesome Red Wedding, and the gratifying Purple Wedding are examples where major characters, either loved or loathed, met their demise. One actor sought to be added to the roster of deceased Game of Thrones characters. Fortunately, that request was rejected.

Sophie Turner Wanted Sansa Stark To Have A “Cool Death Scene” In Game Of Thrones

Turner’s Character Could Have Died At The Start Of Season 6

Sophie Turner expressed a desire for her character Sansa Stark to have a significant death scene in “Game of Thrones,” as reported to The Wall Street Journal in March 2016 before season 6 aired. Turner reasoned, “If you’re on Game of Thrones and you don’t have a cool death scene, then what’s the point?” Given the dramatic demises experienced by other Stark family members throughout the series, her wish to leave an impactful mark was understandable.

Towards the close of Game of Thrones season 5, Sansa Stark and Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) choose to take a risky move by escaping from Winterfell and Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon). As they stand atop the castle’s lofty battlements, they exchange glances that hint at their awareness of the potential lethal consequences of their jump. The scene concludes abruptly as they plunge off, leaving the outcome uncertain for season 6. Some viewers speculated that the opening of season 6 could reveal them as deceased, victims of their leap. This would have made for a fittingly startling twist in Game of Thrones.

Turner’s remarks about wanting to die might have been a playful wink towards the season 5 cliffhanger. By that time, it was apparent that Sansa and Theon would endure at least one more episode since their actors were confirmed to return. However, her statements in the WSJ could have been an attempt to create a smokescreen about her character’s ultimate destiny.

Sophie Turner’s Performance Would Have Been The Only Highlight Of Her Character Dying

Turner Had Improved More Than Any Other Actor In Game Of Thrones

If David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had chosen to write Turner’s character off the show as she suggested, one silver lining would be witnessing the talented actress deliver a moving death scene. Over eight seasons of Game of Thrones, it’s clear that Turner made significant progress among all actors. Initially appearing as a young 16-year-old, she displayed undeniable talent and presence. However, playing such a major role in such an extensive production was still new to her at the start of the series.

Year after year, Turner’s confidence in her role grew significantly, making her one of the most reliable actors within the series. With some of the most challenging storylines, Turner proved adaptable, handling her character gracefully through every situation. If her character were to meet a tragic end on Game of Thrones, it would undeniably be one of the most shocking moments of the season, requiring a skilled actor for execution. Turner has the ability to pull off such a scene convincingly, and it would serve as a remarkable culmination of her contributions to the show.

After Everything Sansa Endured, I’m Glad She Survived HBO’s Fantasy Series

Sansa Dying Would Have Ruined Her Character Arc

Watching Sophie Turner portray Sansa Stark’s death would almost be the sole positive outcome of it, as there is hardly any character in “Game of Thrones” more deserving of life than Sansa Stark. Sansa endures what might be the hardest journey of any character, rivaled only by characters like Jon Snow (Kit Harington), who actually dies and is brought back to life. Sansa is made to marry a cruel king, she finds herself as a prisoner within her own home, she witnesses her father’s execution, and she is married to Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) in a bid to humiliate her.

Before she ever departs from King’s Landing, a series of harrowing events unfold for her in “Game of Thrones.” She encounters numerous threats to her life from her aunt, gets remarried against her will to a ruthless lord who seized her family’s ancestral estate and murdered her relatives, endures repeated violent rapes at his hands, and is compelled to confront the prospect of her own death on multiple occasions.

If Sansa had endured that arduous journey, spanning from season 1 to season 6, only to meet her demise, it would have been a squandered character development. To drag her character down so low and then take her life without allowing her storyline to recover would be poor narrative strategy. Instead, we should acknowledge that Sansa has fought for and gained power and resilience, traits vividly displayed in the final three seasons of the series. It would be unkind to grant Sansa death after subjecting her to such a somber narrative arc.

Killing Sansa Would Have Ruined One Of The Best Parts Of Game Of Thrones’ Ending

Sansa Becoming Queen In The North Is Critical For The Stark Storyline

Eliminating Sansa from the story would have further tarnished an already questionable ending of Game of Thrones. It’s no secret that many fans felt dissatisfied with the final episode, but there were some positive aspects, one of which was granting control over the North to Sansa. As the only surviving Stark, she has the strongest claim to it, and having a Stark at Winterfell keeps a promise made in the very first season of the series.

The independence of the North significantly elevates the royal ambitions of Robb (Richard Madden) and Jon, making their quests for kingship more significant. Although they never reigned as king for long periods, the Stark family now governs the North, largely due to the tireless work of its members. This conclusion is gratifying for Sansa, who has demonstrated her shrewdness and justice in ruling, and she bears the most similarity to their father among all her siblings. It’s an appropriate and satisfying ending amidst many disappointing ones in this episode.

Initially, Sansa yearned for power, albeit briefly, but she eventually chose to let go of her ambition but always prioritized the safety of those allied with her. Given the treacherous and power-hungry society she’s lived in all her life, this demonstrates remarkable maturity. Had she followed the manipulative paths of Cersei (Lena Headey) or Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen), her fate might have been a grim one.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Sophie Turner’s character, Sansa, persevered, learned valuable lessons, resisted anger, and ultimately had a satisfying conclusion. It’s fortunate that the actor didn’t get her wish in Game of Thrones. Had it been up to Turner, Sansa would have met her end much earlier than when she sought independence for the North from Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright).

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2025-05-10 08:27