Fans of the epic series Game of Thrones might be surprised to learn that one of its most iconic stars didn’t keep up with the show. Sean Bean, whose character Ned Stark was killed off in the first season, has admitted he only watched the show occasionally after his exit. The actor recently learned how the series ended years after the finale aired and shared his simple, positive reaction to the fate of the Stark family.
Sean Bean’s Limited Viewing Habits
Sean Bean openly discussed his viewing habits for Game of Thrones on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. He revealed that after his character’s death in the first season, he did not watch the series consistently. He described his approach as casual, saying he “kind of dipped in and out” of watching the show.
A key reason for his limited viewing was that he was often out of the country during the years the show was on the air. When the host jokingly offered him a DVD box set so he could watch it all, Bean laughed off the suggestion. His admission shows that actors sometimes disconnect from their own major projects, especially after their character’s story has concluded.
Learning the Ending Years Later
In a 2021 interview with The Times of London, it became clear that Bean had never seen the final episode of the series. When the interviewer brought up the show’s ending, the actor had to ask, “No, what happened?” He was not concerned about spoilers, telling the interviewer, “I’ll have forgotten by then, go on.”
The interviewer explained that the series concluded with Bran Stark becoming the King of Westeros and his daughter, Sansa Stark, becoming the Queen in the North, leading to Winterfell becoming a separate kingdom. Bean’s reaction to this news was supportive but understated. He asked, “So did Winterfell stay separate? Oh, good for them.” The conversation was sparked by a question comparing the North’s secession in the show to Brexit, a topic Bean did not comment on.
The Lasting Impact of Ned Stark
Although Sean Bean was only in the first season, his character’s presence was felt throughout the entire series. Ned Stark’s death in the penultimate episode of the first season was a defining moment for Game of Thrones, shocking audiences and setting a precedent that no main character was safe. The event proved the show was willing to take major risks with its storytelling.
Bean himself has reflected on filming that famous death scene. He shared that he focused on conveying a mix of “horror and disbelief” that King Joffrey had changed his mind, followed by “resignation” as he realized he was seeing his daughter Arya for the last time. The scene took a full day to film, and Bean noted that the reactions from the other actors playing Cersei and the children helped create a very moving moment.
Beyond the plot, Bean also had a lasting impact on the show’s sound. During the pilot’s read-through, the producers heard his natural accent and liked it so much that they decided all the Stark family members should speak with a similar accent. This decision helped establish the vocal identity of the North in the series.
Also Read: Two Thrones in One Year: How 2026 Will Change Game of Thrones Forever
