As the final season of Game of Thrones aired back in 2019, a wave of discontent swept through the fanbase. Some stalwart viewers were so disappointed with the plot that they resorted to signing a petition to have the entire season redone. The controversy surrounding the show’s ending reached its peak when Kit Harington, who portrayed Jon Snow throughout the series, recently spoke out about the petition and its impact on him.
In a candid interview with The New York Times, Harington expressed his genuine anger at the petition, particularly during a vulnerable time when he was in rehab while the final season was airing. He condemned the petition as a result of “idiocy” fueled by social media. The Change.org petition, which originally surfaced in 2019, has garnered nearly two million signatures to date, taking aim at the series’ showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, for what signees deem as incompetent writing. Despite the passage of time, the petition continues to attract support, persisting nearly seven years after the finale aired.
Harington’s sentiments are shared by other cast members, including Sophie Turner, who portrayed Sansa Stark. Turner voiced her disapproval of the petition in an interview with The New York Times, deeming it as disrespectful to the dedicated crew and filmmakers who poured their hearts into creating the show’s final season. The tireless efforts of those behind the scenes, including grueling night shoots and months of filming, were dismissed by those who undermined the season’s conclusion based on personal preferences.
The controversy surrounding the Game of Thrones finale not only sparked debates among fans but also highlighted the complex relationship between creators, audiences, and the power of social media influence. As the series’ legacy continues to evolve, the aftermath of the petition serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by high-profile entertainment projects and the diverse reactions they elicit from viewers.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.