The Controversial Ed Sheeran Game of Thrones Cameo

The Unexpected Cameo

The final seasons of the HBO series Game of Thrones were marked by controversial moments, but perhaps one of the most surprising was the cameo of Ed Sheeran. As an award-winning and hugely popular singer/songwriter, Sheeran's appearance in season 7's 'Dragonstone' of the HBO fantasy series was met with a rather negative response and a lot of questions about why the famous singer was brought onto the show in the first place.

Ed Sheeran and Maisie Williams laugh while sitting on the ground in Game of Thrones

Aside from veteran actors like Sean Bean and Charles Dance, the Game of Thrones cast was mostly made up of lesser-known actors who shot to fame thanks to the popularity of the series. This fresh-faced ensemble worked well, but it was all the more noticeable on the rare occasions when a more familiar face would pop up on the show. This was certainly the case with the Ed Sheeran Game of Thrones cameo, which sparked a wave of curiosity and raised eyebrows among fans.

Ed Sheeran offering a roasted animal to Maise Williams in Game of Thrones season 7 episode 1

The Story Behind the Cameo

The story behind the Ed Sheeran Game of Thrones cameo sheds light on the random appearance and the surprising choice to include the singer in the series. It was revealed that Sheeran's cameo was a surprise for Maisie Williams, who played Arya Stark. Sheeran's immense popularity at the time played a significant role in his appearance, but it was also done as a treat for Williams, who was a major fan of the singer. Game of Thrones creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff confirmed that they had attempted to score the cameo for years, and it finally came to fruition for season 7.

Hodor holding the door in Game of Thrones

Rather than a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance, Sheeran was given a speaking part and even had the opportunity to sing a song in the episode. The involvement of Maisie Williams in the sequence highlighted the special nature of the cameo, as it was a thoughtful gesture towards a cast member who admired Sheeran's music.

Ed Sheeran looking over his shoulder in Game of Thrones

Reactions and Fallout

Despite the unexpected nature of the cameo, Sheeran's character in Game of Thrones suffered a brutal fate, which was revealed in the final season of the series. Eddie, the character portrayed by Sheeran, was present for the Battle of Goldroad and reportedly survived but suffered serious burns, including the loss of his eyelids. The fate of Sheeran's character added an interesting layer to the special appearance, but it also raised questions about the impact of celebrity cameos in the series.

Hizdahr Zo Loraq looking worried in Game of Thrones

The negative reception of Ed Sheeran's Game of Thrones cameo prompted discussions about the inclusion of celebrities in the show. While several cast members on the show have musical careers, the high-profile nature of Sheeran's appearance brought attention to the challenges of integrating celebrity cameos into a series known for its immersive world-building. The cameo momentarily shattered the delicate reality of Westeros, and despite the well-intentioned nature of the appearance, it was not well-suited for Game of Thrones.

Ilyn Payne giving an intimidating stare in Game of Thrones