Gwendoline Christie’s Shocking Truths: 7 Ways Brienne Of Tarth’s Ending Was Better Than You Think (And Her 2025 Projects)

Five years after the final season of *Game of Thrones* aired, Brienne of Tarth remains one of the most beloved and complex characters in modern television history. As of December 2025, the conversation around her controversial ending and her relationship with Jaime Lannister is still a hot topic among fans and critics alike, but the actress who brought the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to life, Gwendoline Christie, has offered fresh, insightful reflections that reframe the entire arc.

The latest updates from Gwendoline Christie focus not only on Brienne’s legacy—her journey from the ridiculed "Brienne the Beauty" to a celebrated Ser—but also on the actress's own skyrocketing career, which includes major roles in streaming hits and a highly anticipated 2025 sci-fi series. Her recent comments reveal why she was actually satisfied with Brienne's final moments, ensuring the character's personal journey of self-acceptance was the true victory.

Gwendoline Christie: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Gwendoline Christie, the towering and intensely dedicated English actress, has carved out a niche for herself playing powerful, unconventional female roles. Her commitment to her craft is legendary, particularly her transformation into Brienne of Tarth, which required months of intense physical training.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Gwendoline Manuela Mariett Christie
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1978
• Place of Birth: Worthing, West Sussex, England
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
• Early Life: Grew up near the South Downs. She initially trained to be a gymnast but suffered a spinal injury, leading her to pursue acting.
• Major Roles (Pre-GoT): Theater work and minor film roles.
• Breakthrough Role: Brienne of Tarth in *Game of Thrones* (2012–2019).
• Key Roles (Post-GoT): Captain Phasma in the *Star Wars* sequel trilogy, Lucifer in *The Sandman* (2022), Principal Larissa Weems in *Wednesday* (2022).
• Awards & Nominations: Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for *Game of Thrones*.
• Recent Projects (2025/2026): Confirmed role in the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller series *Severance* (Season 2, expected 2025) and a star in the Pirelli Calendar 2026.

7 Ways Brienne of Tarth's Ending Achieved Perfect Character Closure

While many fans were left heartbroken by the final season's narrative choices, particularly the abrupt end to the romantic tension with Jaime Lannister, Gwendoline Christie has consistently defended the character's conclusion. Her perspective, shared in recent interviews, shifts the focus away from romance and onto the character's internal, lifelong quest for validation and honor.

1. The Knighthood Was the True Climax, Not the Romance

For Brienne, the moment Ser Jaime Lannister knighted her before the Battle of Winterfell was the emotional peak of her entire life. Christie recently clarified that the subtle smile Brienne gave in that moment was authentic, a pure expression of a dream fulfilled, years after being ridiculed by men like Lord Selwyn and even her own father for her aspirations. The title, "Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," was the ultimate validation of her skill, virtue, and chivalry, a status she earned through sheer merit, not birthright. This single scene cemented her legacy as the only female knight in the show’s history.

2. The Jaime Breakup Ensured Brienne's Independence

One of the most controversial moments was Jaime leaving Brienne to return to Cersei Lannister. Christie, however, expressed happiness that the two did not end up together. Her reasoning is that if Brienne and Jaime had settled down, the narrative would have shifted the focus back to a romantic coupling, potentially overshadowing Brienne’s individual success. The breakup, though painful, ensured that Brienne's final achievement—becoming the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard—was a purely personal triumph, free from the shadow of the man she loved.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

3. Her Final Act Was an Ultimate Testament to Loyalty

Brienne’s final scene involved completing Ser Jaime Lannister’s entry in the White Book of the Kingsguard, detailing his heroic deeds, including his death protecting Cersei. This act, done in the Red Keep, was Brienne’s final, profound expression of love and loyalty. It was a choice to honor the man, warts and all, and ensure his complex legacy was preserved, demonstrating her noble character even in the face of deep personal hurt.

4. Brienne’s Final Line Was a Metaphor for Self-Acceptance

Christie adored Brienne's final line in the series, which was a simple, "I am Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." This line, delivered to the new King Bran the Broken, was not just a job title; it was the culmination of her arc. It signified that the girl who was once mocked for her size and ambition had achieved the highest honor in Westeros. Her journey was about finding her place, and she found it in the most honorable position available, fulfilling the vows she learned from Lady Catelyn Stark and Renly Baratheon.

5. The Character Arc Mirrored Gwendoline Christie's Own Struggles

The depth of Brienne’s struggle with identity and acceptance resonated deeply with Christie. The actress, who stands at 6'3", has spoken about "really struggling" before being cast, feeling that her height made her an outsider. Her dedication to the role—gaining 14lbs of muscle, months of rigorous training in sword fighting, kickboxing, and horse riding—was a personal commitment to embodying the warrior's spirit. This personal investment made Brienne's eventual success a potent symbol of overcoming societal expectations.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

6. She Secured the Future of the Realm

In the final council, Brienne is seen standing beside King Bran and the other high lords. Her presence as Lord Commander, the head of the Kingsguard, provides a moral compass for the new, fractured kingdom. Her unwavering moral code and adherence to chivalry—the very qualities she was initially ridiculed for—are what ultimately made her the most qualified person to protect the King and the future of Westeros, alongside her loyal squire, Podrick Payne.

7. The Door is Open for a Return to Tarth

While the main series has ended, Christie has expressed interest in returning to the role of Brienne of Tarth if the opportunity arose, perhaps in a spin-off or a future project set in the world of *A Song of Ice and Fire*. This possibility keeps the character's story alive, allowing fans to imagine her continued service, or perhaps a journey back to her ancestral home in the Riverlands or the Isle of Tarth, the "Sapphire Isle," as the celebrated hero she became.

Gwendoline Christie’s Domination of the Modern TV Landscape (2025 Outlook)

The success of *Game of Thrones* was merely a launching pad for Gwendoline Christie, who has quickly become one of the most in-demand actresses in the industry. Her post-Brienne career demonstrates a keen ability to choose diverse, high-profile projects, cementing her topical authority in the world of prestige television and film.

The Success of Wednesday and The Sandman

Christie's roles in Netflix’s fantasy hits, *The Sandman* and *Wednesday* (2022), showcased her versatility. As Lucifer Morningstar in *The Sandman*, she brought a majestic, terrifying presence to the ruler of Hell. In *Wednesday*, her portrayal of Principal Larissa Weems, the head of Nevermore Academy, was a masterclass in subtle, gothic elegance, earning her critical acclaim and a massive new fanbase among younger viewers. These roles prove she can carry high-budget productions outside of the Westeros universe.

Anticipation for Severance Season 2 (2025)

Looking ahead to 2025, one of Christie's most significant upcoming projects is the highly anticipated second season of the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller, *Severance*. Her casting in this critically acclaimed series, known for its complex narrative and sharp commentary on corporate life, signals her continued move into challenging, genre-bending roles. Fans are eagerly awaiting details on her character and how she will fit into the dystopian world of Lumon Industries. She has also starred in a recent spot for the *Civilization VII* video game, further diversifying her portfolio.

Fashion and Cultural Influence: Pirelli Calendar 2026

Beyond acting, Christie has become a major cultural figure, celebrated for her unique style and powerful image. Her involvement as a star in the Pirelli Calendar 2026, photographed by Sølve Sundsbø, highlights her status as a muse and a fashion icon. This high-profile artistic project confirms that Gwendoline Christie is not just a former *Game of Thrones* star, but a global entity shaping the conversation around beauty, strength, and female representation.