Game of Thrones Fans Hated This Character, but Now the Actor Is Being Celebrated in One of Netflix’s Biggest Shows

by

Over eight thrilling seasons, viewers of Game of Thrones encountered an array of intricate and high-stakes characters. Some were driven by loyalty and the will to live, while others were ruled by avarice and brutality, frequently leading to disastrous outcomes. Yet, one enigmatic character from this show who garnered both love and loathing from fans is stepping into a fresh, radiant role in one of Netflix’s most popular fantasy series of 2025 thus far.

Drawing inspiration from Martin’s novels in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones garnered widespread acclaim, fostering a devoted and passionate fanbase that continued to expand with each episode. Although it’s challenging to isolate what set the show apart, among its admirers, one common sentiment is the complexity of its characters, who mirrored the messiness of real life. The popular series presented viewers with an array of characters to cater to every taste. Characters such as the villainous Joffrey Baratheon, Walder Frey, and Ramsay Bolton contrasted with kinder characters like Podrick Payne, Hodor, and Davos Seaworth, along with a few underappreciated characters added to the mix. The series skillfully crafted a captivating narrative that remains exceptional, particularly for small-screen productions. Although several characters from the show have transitioned into new roles beyond Westeros, one intensely disliked character has managed to win over fans by assuming the role of a mischievous fairy.

Jack Gleeson Wins Fans’ Hearts in The Sandman Season 2

Individuals who have witnessed “Game of Thrones” are well-acquainted with Joffrey Baratheon, the eighteenth monarch to rule from the Iron Throne, known for his despicable and cruel actions. His mistreatment of Sansa, oppression of King’s Landing citizens, ordering the execution of Ned Stark for treason, and forcing her to watch, painted Joffrey as a truly wicked character that viewers could not abide by. However, following his poisoning by Lady Olenna Tyrell at his wedding with Sansa, which led to a gruesome but fitting demise, Joffrey’s reign came to an end. Now, eleven years later, the actor who portrayed Joffrey, Jack Gleeson, is finally receiving appreciation from fans for his work in Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” season 2.

As a devoted cinephile, I recently stumbled upon an engaging discussion on the Game of Thrones subreddit about Michael Gleeson’s outstanding portrayal as Puck in The Sandman’s season 2. Many comments expressed their admiration for his performance, with one fan exclaiming, “He was exceptional in this role, a truly solid performance.” Another enthusiast echoed the same sentiment, saying, “I’m thrilled to see him back on screen. It felt like such a waste of his immense talent during and after the first three seasons of Game of Thrones.” Some fans found it challenging to distinguish the actor from the character he played in GoT, despite widespread acclaim for his performance. Regrettably, this led some viewers to direct their criticism towards Gleeson personally, resulting in unwarranted backlash.

Back in July of last year, Netflix unveiled that Jack Gleeson would be part of the cast for season 2 of The Sandman, taking on the role of Puck. For those who haven’t watched season 2 yet, let me explain that Puck is a tricky and potentially dangerous character from Celtic folklore with shapeshifting abilities. Although he may have a mischievous streak, it’s good to know that he’s not as malicious as his role as Joffrey suggests – though a hint of devilment remains ever present by his side.

On July 3, 2025, the first volume of The Sandman Season 2 became available for streaming on Netflix. The second volume followed on July 24, 2025.

Read More

2025-07-30 17:38