Sophie Turner Says She Went Through a ‘Hard Time’ When “Game of Thrones” Ended: ‘I Had a Big Identity Crisis’

Sophie Turner, the actress best known for her portrayal of Sansa Stark on the hit HBO series *Game of Thrones*, has recently opened up about the identity struggles she faced following the show’s conclusion in 2019. The now 30-year-old actress began her journey as Sansa during her early teenage years and has candidly shared the challenges of separating her own identity from that of her beloved character.

In a revealing interview with *The Sydney Morning Herald*, Turner recalled her departure from Sansa Stark, explaining that she experienced a significant identity crisis. “I didn’t know who was Sansa and who was Sophie,” she admitted. Having started her role at just 13 years old, the actress expressed that being too young to read the *Game of Thrones* books meant she effectively developed Sansa over time. “It was a strange, hard time,” she reflected, indicating that the transition was not just about leaving a role, but also about rediscovering herself as an individual.

Having spent nearly a decade embodying Sansa, Turner acknowledged that other roles have provided her with opportunities to process her personal experiences. In her 2025 film *Trust*, where she portrays a mother protecting her child from a manipulative partner, she recognised parallels between her character’s journey and her own life. “It felt like an opportunity for me to do that,” Turner remarked, indicating the therapeutic nature of acting for her.

Even with the challenges presented, Turner emphasised the invaluable lessons she gained from her years on *Game of Thrones*. She referred to the experience as “the best acting class,” remarking on how it shaped her understanding of set etiquette and professional conduct. “Everything I learned from *Game of Thrones* — and a bit from my parents — made a profound impact on me,” she explained.

Despite her extensive involvement in the critically acclaimed television series, Turner confessed that she has not watched it in its entirety. “I don’t enjoy seeing myself on-screen,” she stated, although she did describe the camaraderie and family atmosphere among the cast, which included notable actors such as Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington.

As for the future of Sansa Stark, Turner has not completely closed the door on reprising the role. When asked if she would consider returning to the character, she hinted at the possibility, stating, “Maybe. It would have to be the exact same cast and crew, otherwise, I wouldn’t go back.” However, she acknowledged that a continuation of the series seems unlikely.

Now, Turner is shifting her focus to a new horizon, as she prepares to take on the iconic role of Lara Croft in an upcoming *Tomb Raider* adaptation helmed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. “Right now, my focus is *Tomb Raider*,” she said with enthusiasm. Reflecting on her extensive experience in the industry, Turner expressed gratitude for her time on *Game of Thrones*, noting that it has equipped her with the skills required for another lengthy television project.

Unlike her deep connection to Sansa, Turner finds Lara Croft to be quite different from herself. “Lara is so different from me and my personality,” she remarked, further explaining how she navigates the challenges of method acting while balancing her responsibilities as a mother to two young daughters, Willa and Delphine. With a touch of humour, she shared, “I can’t be a murdering psychopath while I’m making spaghetti, can I?”

As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Turner is also celebrating a personal renewal as she turns 30. Reflecting on the struggles of her twenties, she expressed excitement about leaving that decade behind. “We’re just so happy to be out of the mess of our 20s,” she said, noting how her close friends share similar sentiments as they also welcome their thirtieth birthdays.

Turning to a more health-focused lifestyle, Turner has been prioritising her mental and physical wellbeing, regularly attending therapy and hitting the gym. “I’m addicted to the gym,” she joked, revealing that much of her summer has been spent with her children in sunny England after returning to London in 2023.

With all eight seasons of *Game of Thrones* now available for streaming on HBO Max, Turner’s career trajectory and personal growth serve as a testament to her resilience and adaptability as both a performer and a mother. As she navigates this new chapter as Lara Croft, fans will surely be keeping a watchful eye on her evolution in the entertainment industry.