Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner says storyline reflects #MeToo

Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark on 'Game of Thrones', has opened up about her character’s development across the series and hinted what’s to come in the final season of the show.

The actress spoke to Screen International about how she sees Sansa as a figurehead for the #MeToo movement.

Reflecting on the fact that her character has been through so much trauma, included being separated from her family after her father was beheaded, being engaged and psychologically tormented by King Joffrey before being abused and raped by Ramsay Bolton, Turner considered how Sansa had finally come into her own and gained a sense of power as Lady of Winterfell in season seven.

“She isn’t under anyone’s command anymore and that really allowed her to take on a leadership role,” she said. “This is the first season where she felt like she had total ownership over what she stood for, and ownership somewhat over the North.

“It was really exciting to see her step into that role and own it, and I think she did a bloody brilliant job.”

She continued: “It’s a really powerful message, the fact that she went through all of those things and she’s come out the other side.

“She’s used everything she’s learnt up until now to her benefit. She endured so much horror and really was a prisoner season-by-season. She took all of that, and now she has become stronger for it.”

Turner also reflected on how her storyline “is kind of mirroring what’s happening in real life, in every industry right now”, saying: “It’s really interesting how all of these women who were subjected to a lot of horror and oppression are taking a stand against the people who have done this to them. I think that’s why I connected with the #MeToo movement so much. Not just because of being a woman and obviously being a feminist, but also that character.”

Last week, it was revealed that Sophie Turner got a new tattoo which would seem to imply that the remaining members of the Stark family, including Sansa, Arya, Bran and Jon Snow, survive the final season. Then again, it’s totally up for interpretation.