Game of Thrones' controversial ending never really stopped being a topic conversation, even three years after it aired. This time around, Maisie Williams, who portrayed Arya Stark, admitted that the show “definitely fell off at the end.”
Game of Thronesis widely considered to have botched its ending. After eight seasons of buildup, the show ended the threat of the White Walkers in just one episode. The White Walkers were intended to mirror challenges that humanity remains blind to (such as climate change) in favor of petty bids for power. The show instead focused on that bid for power and made Lena Headey’s Cersei Lannister, Pilou Asbæk’s Euron Greyjoy, andEmilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryeninto the final villains of the series.
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In an appearance on her brother James Williams’Twitch channel, Maisie Williams revealed she recently rewatched Game of Thrones. She stated that “it started really strong,” but “it definitely fell off at the end.” She also said she was “heartbroken” when her in-series father, Ned Stark (Sean Bean), was killed off, as the rewatch allowed Maisie Williams to feel more connected with the characters and their struggles. Her comments about theGame of Thronesconclusion are notably different from those she previously made onTonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, when she expressed happiness with Arya Stark’s ending and referred to the experience as “a beautiful end to a decade” of her life.
Maisie Williams is not the only production member to comment onGame of Thrones' ending. George R.R, Martin recently revealed that he hadconcerns during theGame of Thronesproduction cycle. He also spoke out about how he feels that the removal of certain characters and plotlines altered the show for the worse. Martin has implied that his ending forA Song of Ice and Firemay not necessarily be the ending that theGame of Throneswriters went with.
It is interesting that Maisie Williams speaks so casually about the ending ofGame of Thrones. In the past, cast members usually have remained mum on the ending, or been cordial about it, if not outright accepting of it. The only member of production who has consistently spoken out against changes to the show is Martin, who was only drawn back toHouse of the Dragonby promises of more creative control. In fact, Martin stated that hedidn’t want to end up like Stan Leewith regard to his fictional universe, referring to a lack of creative control over his own creations.
House of the Dragonseems to have done its jobin winning back the crowd, however. Viewership is up to the same levels as the later seasons ofGame of Thrones,and the effects, acting, and overall production have widely received acclaim.
Game of Thronesis now available on HBO Max.
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