Following its conclusion over two years ago,Game of Throneshas 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 Throneshas 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 ofGame of Thrones. AGame of Thronesspin-off is also being reported, with Kit Harington set to reprise his role as fan-favorite as Jon Snow. The fateGame of Thrones' final season dished out to Jon Snow was massively criticized, as was a development in Arya Stark, anotherGame of Thronesfan favorite.
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Williams sat down with Teen Vogue to discuss some of her firsts. In the interview, Williams was asked about the first time she wassurprised by herGame of Thronescharacter. “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 inGame 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.
HadGame of Thronesmade 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 onGame of Thrones, he was seen with many male lovers and was ultimately put to trial for it.Game of Thronescould 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 Throneswill 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 survivedthe end ofGame of Throneswill 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, disgruntledGame of Thronesfans will find peace with the new chapter of these characters' stories.
Game of Thronesis available on HBO Max.
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