The Untold Secrets of Ed Sheeran's Game of Thrones Cameo

There were numerous shocking moments throughout the HBO series, but the appearance of Ed Sheeran in Game of Thrones truly caught the audience off guard. Sheeran, a highly acclaimed singer/songwriter, made a cameo in season 7, episode 1, titled "Dragonstone," of the HBO fantasy series based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. The story behind Sheeran's unexpected appearance helps shed light on the randomness of the moment, although it doesn't fully explain how the audience reacted to it.

While the Game of Thrones cast primarily consisted of lesser-known actors who gained fame through the series, there were a few notable exceptions such as Sean Bean and Charles Dance. This youthful ensemble of actors was well-received, but whenever a more recognizable face made an appearance, it became particularly noticeable. This was precisely the situation with Ed Sheeran's cameo in Game of Thrones, prompting many fans to question the circumstances that led to it.

Why Ed Sheeran Had A Game Of Thrones Cameo

The singer's immense popularity during that time played a significant role in Ed Sheeran's appearance on Game of Thrones. However, it was also a special surprise for Maisie Williams, who portrayed Arya. During a panel at South by Southwest in 2017, show creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff revealed that they had been trying to secure Sheeran's cameo for years due to Williams' admiration for him. Finally, in season 7, their efforts paid off, and Sheeran was given more than just a fleeting cameo. He had a speaking part and even got the chance to sing a song. Naturally, Williams had to be part of the scene to fulfill the cameo, since she was the driving force behind the decision.

What Happened To Ed Sheeran's Character In Game Of Thrones

Despite only appearing in one episode of Game of Thrones, Sheeran's character's fate was revealed in the poorly received season 8. Sheeran's character, Eddie, and other members of the Lannister army were present for the Battle of Goldroad, where Daenerys emerged victorious with the help of Drogon. According to prostitutes hired by Bronn, Eddie survived the battle but suffered severe burns, including the loss of his eyelids. It's uncertain if the controversy surrounding Sheeran's cameo influenced Eddie's outcome.

With the first season of House of the Dragon underway, the creators of Game of Thrones may be interested in introducing new celebrity cameos. Weiss and Benioff made a wise choice by keeping celebrity appearances brief and mainly focused on musicians, rather than prominent celebrities. However, the creators of the Game of Thrones spinoff series may be cautious after the Sheeran incident. Nevertheless, Game of Thrones added an intriguing twist to Sheeran's cameo by explaining Eddie's unfortunate fate.

Other Musicians Appeared On GoT

The criticism of the Ed Sheeran Game of Thrones cameo is unfair, considering the numerous musicians featured in the series. Game of Thrones has a long history of including musicians in its cast. For example, Kristian Nairn, who portrays Hodor, is an experienced guitarist and DJ. Alfie Allen, who plays Theon Greyjoy, is the brother of popular British pop singer Lily Allen. Additionally, the band Hold Steady's rendition of the Westerosi song "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" appears in season 3, episode 3 of the show, titled "The Walk of Punishment." It is clear that Ed Sheeran is not the only musician to make an appearance in the beloved medieval fantasy series.

Another example of a musician appearing on Game of Thrones is Joel Fry, member of the alt-pop band Animal Circus, who played the recurring character Hizdahr zo Loraq in various episodes of seasons 4 and 5. Hizdahr zo Loraq was a former slaveholder in Meereen and was briefly engaged to Daenerys Targaryen. And who can forget the infamous "Red Wedding" episode, where Coldplay drummer Will Champion assisted in performing the Westerosi song "The Rains of Castamere," signaling the tragic events and the downfall of Robb Stark.

Dr. Feelgood's Wilko Johnson portrays the character Ser Illyn Payne, who executed Ned Stark, in various episodes of seasons 1 and 2. Michiel Huisman, known for being part of the Dutch band Fontane, appears as sellsword Daario Naharis in several episodes during seasons 4-6. Additionally, the entire band Mastodon makes a cameo in season 5's "Hardhome" as wildlings. These appearances in Game of Thrones are just a small portion of the numerous cameos made by musicians, including members from Of Monsters and Men, Raleigh Ritchie, Sigur Rós, and Snow Patrol, among many others.

Why Ed Sheeran's Game Of Thrones Cameo Wasn't Liked

Although it didn't receive as much backlash as the final season, the Game of Thrones cameo featuring Ed Sheeran was not well received by fans. Despite the heartfelt intention behind his appearance, many viewers criticized the moment for being distracting. While it would be unfair to solely blame Sheeran or condemn the showrunners for wanting to include him in a brief role, it is apparent why some of the negative feedback arose.

Game of Thrones did an exceptional job of immersing the audience in its captivating world, thanks to George R.R. Martin's intricate source material. Although the series had its flaws, it successfully built an accessible and engaging universe. However, the delicate reality of Westeros they had created was momentarily shattered by Ed Sheeran's unexpected cameo. While the appearance of renowned actors like Ian McShane or Max von Sydow would have been more fitting, Sheeran's presence as a modern-day pop star dressed as a Lannister soldier disrupted the show's illusion. Additionally, his singing during the cameo only served to remind fans of his real identity and that he didn't truly belong in this fantastical realm. Despite any well-intentioned motives behind the cameo, it ultimately felt like a misguided choice that didn't align well with the essence of Game of Thrones.