Sophie Turner, the talented British actress, has captivated audiences with her versatile performances, from the poised Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones to the high-stakes corporate heist drama Steal. In a candid interview, the 29-year-old opens up about her journey, navigating the challenges of fame, and her unwavering determination to explore new creative horizons.
Thrown into the deep end at the age of 14 when she landed the role of Sansa Stark in the HBO juggernaut Game of Thrones, Turner reflects on the steep learning curve she faced, learning to act with the world watching. “I learned how to act on that set, and now I’m thinking: that’s not how to do it. That’s not what I do these days. It’s very embarrassing,” she admits, acknowledging the imposter syndrome that still lingers.
However, the experience of being part of a cultural phenomenon like Game of Thrones has only fueled Turner’s passion for her craft. “The fans have a contagious energy,” she says. “Once you feel their enthusiasm, it makes you work 10 times harder than you would have done. You just don’t want to let them down.”
After the conclusion of Game of Thrones, Turner found herself typecast in period dramas, playing princesses who evolve from weak to strong. Determined to break free from that mould, she took on the role of Jean Grey in the X-Men franchise, a decision that once again came with its own set of challenges and fan expectations.
Now, Turner is stepping into the shoes of another iconic character, Lara Croft, in the upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series. The physical training has been intense, a far cry from her earlier roles, where “the most physical thing she had to do was get beaten up.”
In her latest project, Steal, Turner showcases her versatility as Zara, a corporate drone turned action hero navigating a high-stakes heist. “There’s so much betrayal, the stakes are so high, you can’t prep the feeling,” she explains, describing the constant state of uncertainty that her character experiences.
The film’s exploration of wealth as the enemy resonates with Turner, who believes the portrayal of villains has evolved beyond the stereotypical Russian or Arab accents. “It’s much better, much less racist,” she observes.
As she looks to the future, Turner is eager to explore the realm of comedy, a genre she believes is “a lot harder than drama.” With her talent, resilience, and a desire to continuously challenge herself, it’s clear that Sophie Turner is poised to continue captivating audiences with her multifaceted performances.
