Buzz
In a sprawling series like Game of Thrones, plans often shift—and sometimes for the better. A prime example is Bella Ramsey, who debuted in season 6 as Lyanna Mormont. Despite her brief screen time in that initial episode, the fierce leader of Bear Island quickly became a fan favorite. Ramsey, originally hired for just one scene, impressed the showrunners with her portrayal of the bold young leader amidst older male counterparts, earning her a recurring role.
In a conversation with , co-showrunner David Benioff reflected on the remarkable growth of the show's actors, singling out Ramsey for praise:
"What excites me most is seeing these actors evolve. Many have been with us from the start, growing both physically and as characters. They’ve surpassed expectations in countless ways. Take Lyanna Mormont, for instance—she was meant for just one scene. But Bella’s extraordinary talent made us bring her back repeatedly. We simply couldn’t get enough of her."
Lyanna will make her return when Game of Thrones premieres its final season on April 14.
