Sophie Turner, well known for her iconic role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, makes a striking return to the screen in the new series Joan, airing on ITV. In this crime drama based on real events, Turner portrays Joan Hannington, a notorious jewel thief nicknamed the “godmother” of diamond heists. This six-episode series immerses the viewer in the 1980s, exploring the complex and fascinating story of this woman who was both a devoted mother and a daring criminal. This role marks a turning point for Turner, who enthusiastically discusses the challenges and inspirations behind this performance.
Joan’s Ambition and the Reality of the 1980s
Joan opens with a striking scene: Turner, in her underwear, finishes her makeup before putting on a brown wig and a satin jacket, preparing her character for another day of theft. Joan Hannington, a talented thief, was known for her clever disguises and her ability to deceive her victims. One famous anecdote is the one where, working in a jewelry store, she stole rough diamonds that she swallowed to hide them. This trick, among others, contributed to her reputation as an elusive criminal.
The series also explores the difficult context of her personal life. Abused by her father, then by her violent husband, Joan ends up fleeing with her daughter. However, to protect her, she is forced to place her in foster care, hoping to regain custody after accumulating enough money. This mix of ambition, desperation, and maternal love is at the heart of the narrative, offering Turner the opportunity to embody a nuanced character, both ruthless and deeply human.
An Irresistible Role for Sophie Turner
Turner was immediately captivated by the script, which she read shortly after the birth of her second child, Delphine, whom she shares with singer Joe Jonas. “I was incredibly hormonal at that time, and I felt that fierce protectiveness of a new mother,” she explains. This deep emotional bond between Joan and her daughter resonated with Turner, who found in this character an echo of her own maternal experience.
This role is far from the more vulnerable characters Turner has played in the past, notably Sansa Stark, often perceived as a victim before asserting herself as a queen. Joan, on the contrary, refuses to be a victim, despite the traumas she has endured. She takes control of her life, which sets her apart from other roles Turner has played. “She had terrible circumstances in her life, but she is not a victim. She owned her life,” the actress states with conviction.
An Inspiring Cast and Team
The series, directed by Richard Laxton, benefits from a strong creative team, and Joan Hannington herself was consulted for the creation of the script. When Hannington came to the set, Turner and her fellow actors were nervous, but the reformed criminal immediately reassured the team by praising Turner: “You are perfect, perfect,” she is said to have declared upon seeing her. Turner described Hannington as a woman with incredible energy, capable of captivating anyone in a room, which strengthened her commitment to the role.
Hannington, now retired in a small town, expressed her satisfaction with the portrayal of her life on screen, and she even makes a brief appearance in the series, as does her son Benny. This direct interaction with Hannington helped Turner connect even more deeply to the character, incorporating not only her mannerisms but also her complex personality.
A Nuanced Portrait of the 1980s
Beyond its captivating plot, Joan offers a rich tableau of the 1980s, an era marked by a striking contrast between urban hardship and the exuberance of fashion and music. Turner fondly recalls her conversations with her mother to learn the typical dance moves of the nightclubs of the time. “Everyone put their handbags in the middle and danced around them,” she remembers, mimicking the moves with bursts of laughter.
The series uses this vibrant aesthetic to balance sometimes dark and tragic moments. The vintage costumes, particularly those from the famous brand Mugler, play a central role in Joan’s transformation into a charismatic burglar, always ready to slip into a new identity to deceive her targets.
A New Chapter for Sophie Turner
With Joan, Sophie Turner once again demonstrates her ability to reinvent herself and surprise her audience. Her performance, combining strength and vulnerability, shows a new facet of her talent, far from the victim roles she has been associated with. Turner hopes that this role will mark a new chapter in her career: “I want to show that I can do much more than what has been seen of me so far.”
While the series has already received glowing reviews for its authentic portrayal and its ability to captivate audiences, it is clear that Sophie Turner is ready to make her mark on the small screen once again, this time as Joan Hannington, the most famous jewel thief in the United Kingdom.
