Following its conclusion over two years ago, Game of Thrones has continued to be a highly discussed television series. Its final season became the subject of mass criticism from its fans, who expressed how unsatisfied they felt toward the developments of some characters, and the end result of others. In a recent interview, Maisie Williams discussed what surprised her most about Arya Stark's development in the final season.
Despite airing its final episode back in 2019, Game of Thrones has several projects in the works. The Targaryen-centered series, House of the Dragon, is set to premiere in late August, set roughly 300 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones. A Game of Thrones spin-off is also being reported, with Kit Harington set to reprise his role as fan-favorite as Jon Snow. The fate Game of Thrones' final season dished out to Jon Snow was massively criticized, as was a development in Arya Stark, another Game of Thrones fan favorite.
Williams sat down with Teen Vogue to discuss some of her firsts. In the interview, Williams was asked about the first time she was surprised by her Game of Thrones character. "The first time I was surprised by Arya I guess was probably in the final series where she whips off her clothes and sleeps with Gendry," Williams said. "I thought Arya was queer, you know? So...yeah. That was a surprise." The scene Williams refers to is in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" (season 8, episode 2), where those in Winterfell are preparing for the White Walkers. Arya makes the decision to sleep with Gendry prior to "The Long Night," partly in fear that she may die without having had the experience of physical love.
From Arya's introduction in Game of Thrones' first season, it was clear that she was unlike everyone else. She was outspoken when others fell in line and did not desire to partake in the more feminine duties. Instead, Arya expressed great interest in being a warrior, and her character arc supported it. Arya's tomboy persona led many, including Williams, to believe that Arya was a queer or gender-fluid character. In fact, when Arya first meets Gendry, she is disguised as a young boy under the name of Arry. The friendship they formed was a highlight in the grim world of Westeros, and their romantic relationship caught viewers and Williams off guard.
Had Game of Thrones made it clear that Arya was an LGBT character, she certainly wouldn't have been the first. Renly Baratheon may have been married to Margaery Tyrell, but had a long-term lover in her brother Loras. Throughout Loras' time on Game of Thrones, he was seen with many male lovers and was ultimately put to trial for it. Game of Thrones could have made Arya an openly queer or gender-fluid character rather than making her a younger Brienne of Tarth. Perhaps in the future, Game of Thrones will explore Arya's identity and sexuality a bit more following the conclusion of its final season.
With recent reports of Harington reprising his role as Jon Snow in an HBO spin-off, it's possible that those who have survived the end of Game of Thrones will be seen once again. The Starks were always heavy favorites in the series, and with Sansa leading Winterfell, Bran the Broken as the King of the Six Kingdoms, and Arya exploring the sea, there is a chance for fans to gain more insight into these characters, including Arya's identity and sexuality. Perhaps this time, disgruntled Game of Thrones fans will find peace with the new chapter of these characters' stories.
Game of Thrones is available on HBO Max.
Source: Teen Vogue