Sophie Turner (Sansa from Game of Thrones) is back on the series, and she’s not here for jokes

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In Joanne, Sophie Turner plays Joanne Hannington, a woman willing to do anything to ensure a better life for her daughter Kelly. In 1980s London, she runs away from her abusive husband and turns to crime to survive. Thanks to his intelligence and courage, he transforms into a fearsome jewel thief, donning different identities and costumes to pull off daring heists. Inspired by the memoirs of Joan Hanington, I am what I amThis series follows a perilous journey where ’80s glamor meets heist tension.

Joan, a series created by Anna Simon with Sophie Turner, Frank Dylan, Kirsty J. With Curtis… Thursdays at 9.50pm on OCS, two episodes an evening and available on demand.

what is joan

“This is the story of an adventurous woman. I was drawn to how he divided his life between his daughter and his crimes. Then, I also liked her personality: Her sense of humor, the way she talked to people, the way she defied social norms and never let a man do the talking.”, says Sophie Turner about this character, who is light years away from Sansa Stark.

Created by Anna Simon and directed by Richard Laxton, this six-part series explores the many facets of Joan Hanington: devoted mother, wounded wife and brilliant criminal. Along with Sophie Turner, the cast includes Frank Dillane as Boyce, his accomplice and mentor, and Kirsty J. Curtis and Gershwin Eustace Jr.

After the worldwide success of Game of Thrones, Sophie Turner plays a radically different role here. Step out of the medieval intrigue of Westeros, into an urban thriller where ’80s fashion, social tension, and constant danger combine in a biopic that’s admittedly conventional, but compelling. Sophie Turner plays Joan, who is by turns vulnerable and determined, juggling her crimes and her role as a mother.

A bold change of direction for Sophie Turner

With Joan, Sophie Turner proves that she is much more than Sansa Stark. Far from political intrigues and epic battles, she takes on the role of an everyday woman who turns to lawlessness. Joan Hanington is a nuanced character, both heroic and flawed.

The actor fully invested himself in this role, immersing himself in the music, fashion and codes of the 80s: “I listened to a lot of 80s music, my favorite song was Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat. We listened repeatedly. When I listen to it, it always takes me back to Joanne.“

This shift in register is also characterized by emotional intensity and the burden of interpreting a real person. “I was afraid. I hoped I would like it“, confides the actor. But everything went well: “But the moment Joan walked in, she burst into tears. We didn’t say a word. He just said, “That’s great.” She loved the series and I loved hearing the emotion in her voice…“

Why are you watching Joan?

With a mix of action, drama and glamour, Joan is a series that shows a new side of Sophie Turner while maintaining some continuity with Sansa Stark. As if the latter was the ancestor of the hero. We discover a strong but imperfect hero who thrives in a world where every choice has consequences.

We also appreciate the careful reconstruction of the 80s, between the costumes, the sets and the musical atmosphere. This journey through time, supported by solid performances from the cast and careful writing, presents a portrait of an extraordinary woman, in the literal sense of the term.