Warning: This post contains spoilers regarding the Season 7 premiere of Game Of Thrones. Read at your own risk.
In about one of the biggest TV controversies in 2017, people are still upset about Ed Sheeran's brief appearance in the Season 7 premiere of Game Of Thrones. The backlash from fans briefly pushed the pop/folk singer off Twitter, and has caused a fervent debate amongst fans whether his presence in the episode was justified or not. Now, director of the Season 7 premiere Jeremy Podeswa is offering his thoughts regarding the backlash:
He was appropriate for the part because he needed to sing. If people didn't know who Ed was, they wouldn't have thought about it twice. The hoo-ha seems to be from things that are outside of the world of the show. In the world of the show he did a lovely job, and he looks like he belongs in that world.
While defensive about the casting, Jeremy Podeswa tells Newsweek he understands the shock of fans given that Game Of Thrones has strayed away from "stunt casting," throughout the bulk of its run. While the show has given small roles to many singers prior to Ed Sheeran, it's safe to say the singer was the biggest real world non-acting star they've given a role to date. To that point, Podeswa doesn't understand the argument against realism as he mentions a bulk of the actors and actresses are now well known outside of the series, yet the realism is not diminished for fans in that regard.
Jeremy Podeswa continues to say that if Ed Sheeran was hurt from the fan response, he's very upset by that as he was a pleasure to have on set. Podeswa continued on to say that, in addition to being a massive fan of Game Of Thrones, Sheeran was a really grounded and down to Earth guy who just wanted to do a good job on the show. If it's any consolation for Ed Sheeran, most of the haters so far only seem to be angry with the fact he was on the show and haven't really slammed his performance or his singing. While the insults were likely hurtful, they can't be nearly as bad as some of the comments Iwan Rheon got for Ramsay Bolton or Jack Gleeson got for Joffrey!
Game Of Thrones is all new this Sunday, July 23rd at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. Those hungry for more word on the world of Westeros should read up on John Bradley's thoughts on Samwell Tarly potentially dying, or that pesky detail regarding Sansa's hair that has us really worried about Jon Snow and his future as King In The North. We also have this really fun little quiz that will put your brain to the test regarding characters from the past and the way they died. For more information regarding the shows of the summer new and returning, visit our summer premiere guide.
