'Game of Thrones' season 8: Sansa's challenge without Littlefinger

Sansa Stark has her work cut out in “Game of Thrones” season 8, cast member Sophie Turner confirmed in a recent interview. The actress spoke about facing new challenges without mentor Littlefinger (Aidan Turner). The following article contains spoilers from episodes that have already aired.

Littlefinger, despite all his shortcomings, loved Sansa and advised her to the best of his ability. Now that he is gone, the Lady of Winterfell will have to face a new threat without her mentor by her side.

In an interview with Variety, Turner admitted that it was going to be “tricky” for her character. By the end of the last season, Sansa seemed in a relatively comfortable position. She was back at Winterfell and was the Lady there with a strong army to command. She was reunited with her family and had vanquished the Boltons. This may have given her the confidence to execute Littlefinger, but she wasn’t expecting another big threat from beyond the Wall.

“This season, there’s a new threat, and all of a sudden she finds herself somewhat back in the deep end,” Turner said. The actress added that it will be a test for her character to deal with the new problem on her own, without the help of Littlefinger. On the question of whether the problem she will face will be the White Walkers or a political problem, the actress asked fans to wait and watch.

Production of the final season started in October. Turner said they have another six to seven months of filming left. The actress described the atmosphere on set as very emotional, with cast members staying in town a bit longer and going out for meals more often together.

Turner also confirmed that “Game of Thrones” season 8 will premiere in 2019. There will be just six episodes in the final instalment of the popular TV series.