When Game of Thrones first premiered in 2011, no one could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. The show’s complex characters, intricate political plots, and stunning visuals captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide.
Kit Harington’s portrayal of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones was one of the most popular and critically acclaimed performances on the show. Harington brought depth and complexity to the character. However, Harington was also one of the actors who struggled the most with the ending of Game of Thrones Season 8.
Also Read: “I felt very vulnerable”: One Game of Thrones Scene Forced Kit Harington to Go to Therapy
What did Kit Harington Say about Season 8?
Game of Thrones was a significant part of Kit Harington‘s life, and it catapulted him to international fame. Saying goodbye to Jon Snow and the show that had defined his career was undoubtedly an emotional experience.
From his humble beginnings as the “bastard” of Winterfell to his ultimate destiny beyond the Wall, fans saw his journey. The concluding season broke the fans, including Harington. In an interview with GQ Australia, the actor said: “The last season of Thrones seemed to be designed to break us.”
“Everyone was broken at the end. I don’t know if we were crying because we were sad it was ending or if we were crying because it was so f**king tiring. We were sleep deprived. It was like it was designed to make you think, Right, I’m f**king sick of this.”
Harington may have simply been emotionally exhausted from playing Jon Snow for eight seasons. Jon is a complex and demanding character and Harington put his heart and soul into the role. It is understandable that he would have found it difficult to say goodbye to the character, especially when the ending felt so rushed and unsatisfying.
Despite his struggles with the ending, Harington has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play Jon Snow. He has also said that he is open to returning to the role in the future, especially if the ending is ever revisited.
Kit Harington Claimed Game of Thrones Destroyed His Mental Health
Kit Harington was another celebrity from the entertainment industry to open up and talk about mental health issues.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show, Harington said the HBO show’s dark and violent themes directly affected his well-being.
“I went through some mental health difficulties after ‘Thrones,’ and during the end of ‘Thrones,’ to be honest,” the actor said. “I think it was directly due to the nature of the show and what I had been doing for years.”
Harington said,
“I think I took a sort of break after ‘Thrones’ where I said, ‘I don’t want to work for a year. I want to really kind of concentrate on myself,’” he said, adding, “I’m really happy I did that.”
He went on,
“My darkest period was when the show seemed to become so much about Jon [Snow, his character] when he died and came back. I really didn’t like the focus of the whole show coming onto Jon. When you become the cliffhanger of a TV show and a TV show probably at the height of its power, the focus on you is f—ing terrifying.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, it was widely reported that in May 2019- the same month Game of Thrones ended- Harington checked into a mental health and wellness facility to seek help for “some personal issues“.
Harington was nominated twice for Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the character.
Game of Thrones is available to stream on HBO Max.
