Ed Sheeran's 'Game of Thrones' Cameo: More Than Just Okay

The Big Picture

Ed Sheeran's appearance in Game of Thrones was widely criticized for ruining the immersion, but it was actually intended as a surprise for Maisie Williams.

Sheeran's cameo in the scene holds significance for Arya's character growth and brings attention to the challenges faced by ordinary soldiers in Westeros. Despite the initial backlash, his presence sheds light on a crucial storyline that may have gone unnoticed.

Although many familiar faces appear in Game of Thrones, most of them are hidden behind costumes and make-up due to the fantasy setting. However, there are some exceptions. One of the most controversial appearances was made by Ed Sheeran in Season 7. By this point in the series, the show had already garnered a large and critical fan base, which made Sheeran's scene a particularly divisive topic. Despite the show featuring several other musician cameos, Sheeran's appearance stood out the most.

Sheeran's unmistakable face is seen in Season 7 as a Lannister soldier named Eddie. Arya encounters the group and hears Eddie singing, prompting her to stop and interact with the soldiers. This interaction gives Sheeran some screen time. While many criticized Sheeran's cameo for breaking the immersed experience, it was actually intended as a surprise for Maisie Williams, who plays Arya. The importance of the scene lies in its impact on Arya, as it highlights the differences between the Lannister family and their army, showcasing the struggles of the common people. Sheeran's appearance brings more attention to this moment than it would have received otherwise. The backlash towards his cameo was undeserved, and now, years after the show's ending, it's time to acknowledge that.

Game Of Thrones

Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for a millennia.

Ed Sheeran Appears Alongside Arya in 'Game of Thrones' Season 7

Cast: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Liam Cunningham, Maisie Williams, Gwendoline Christie, Rory McCann, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Conleth Hill, John Bradley

Main Genre: Adventure

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Seasons: 9

Studio: HBO

Image via HBO

Following her retribution against the Freys, Arya embarks on her journey towards King's Landing. Along the way, she stumbles upon a group of soldiers who are singing a new song. Intrigued, she investigates the source of the sound and discovers a gathering of Lannister men surrounding a blazing fire. Despite her apprehension, Arya decides to accept their invitation and joins them by the fire, partaking in the food they offer. Much of Arya's animosity stems from her deep-seated resentment towards the Lannisters, particularly Cersei (Lena Headey), for the suffering they inflicted upon her family. Yet, as she engages in conversation with these soldiers, she begins to recognize them as individuals rather than simply pawns in a conflict. Unaware of her true identity, they exhibit kindness and share their meager provisions with her. This poignant moment sheds light on the harsh reality faced by the majority of Westerosi citizens. While the show predominantly focuses on the power struggles of noble houses, little attention is given to the ordinary soldiers who bear the brunt of the war's casualties without reaping any rewards. Arya's encounter serves to diminish the extent of her animosity, revealing that not all Lannister soldiers are inherently wicked.

Ed Sheeran’s Scene in ‘Game of Thrones’ Wasn’t Just Fanfare, It Served a Purpose

Many fans expressed their strong dislike for the scene due to Sheeran's role, resulting in a brutal fate for his character. Despite only making one appearance, Sheeran's character is mentioned again in the Season 8 premiere. This time, two women Bronn is involved with discuss the disfigured red-headed Lannister boy named Eddie, who returned with severe facial burns. Although Eddie survives an encounter with dragonfire, he is left without eyelids and likely looks and sounds very different from Ed Sheeran. This revelation adds a deeper layer of sadness to the original scene, as it implies that Eddie's fellow soldiers either perished in battle or suffered terrible injuries. Unfortunately, their acts of kindness were not enough to protect them from the brutality of Westeros.

Image via HBO

Game of Thrones features a number of musicians who have the opportunity to showcase their singing or musical talents, and Ed Sheeran is no exception. When Arya encounters a group of singing soldiers, it makes sense for them to be led by someone who can sing, and Sheeran happens to excel at that. However, the significance of the scene goes beyond his melodic voice. It provides a new perspective to both the audience and Arya, as the show explores a different facet of reality. While Sheeran's presence may not be essential to convey this message, he has only a few lines in the interaction. His small role does not diminish the importance of the scene; instead, it compels viewers to focus on it. Amidst the numerous storylines and battle sequences of the series, this conversation could have easily been overlooked. Yet, Ed Sheeran's cameo attracted considerable attention, predominantly negative, but it did serve as a focal point for discussion.

Although Ed Sheeran's appearance in the episode may be distracting due to his high level of recognizability, it is only for a brief moment. It should be noted that the series also features other well-known actors in significant roles, yet their casting was well-received. Despite being primarily known as a singer rather than an actor, Sheeran's role in the series is not demanding and he manages to maintain the character for his short time on screen. While it may initially be jarring for the audience to see such a recognizable modern musician in Game of Thrones, this moment should not have received the backlash it did. It is worth mentioning that the series can be streamed exclusively on Max in the U.S.

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