Sophie Turner Ditches Long Red Hair for Blonde Bob in Retro New Television Role

Sophie Turner is changing up her hair for her new show, Joan

By
Zizi Strater
Zizi Strater
Zizi Strater is a former editorial intern focusing on style and beauty at PEOPLE. They left PEOPLE in 2023.
People Editorial Guidelines
Published on May 22, 2023 03:57PM EDT
Sophie Turner transforms into notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington in first look image as filming begins for ITVX drama Joan In the first-look image, Sophie Turner embodies the bold and captivating persona of Joan Hannington, dressed in 80s women's wear with bleached blond hair, capturing the essence of the era. Alongside Sophie is actor Frank Dillane, who plays Boisie, a London antique dealer. The backdrop is a well-known American-inspired motorway service diner, with the two actors perched against a Ford Capri, adding a sense of nostalgia to the scene. Photo credit: Susie Allnutt
Sophie Turner as Joan Harrington. Photo: Susie Allnutt

Sophie Turner is changing up her look.

The Game of Thrones alumna unveiled a brand new hairstyle via Instagram on Friday that she will rock in her upcoming return to the small screen on the ITV show Joan.

In the post, Turner, 27, who has also starred in the X-Men franchise and HBO Max's limited series The Staircase, posed next to her costar Frank Dillane as she sported a navy blue bomber jacket, rich red lipstick, dark eyeshadow, gold dangle earrings and the change that made us do a double take: a side-swooped bleached blonde bob with exposed brown roots.

Pregnant Sophie Turner Wore High-Fashion Slides to the Met Gala: 'She's Wearing Flats!'

She captioned the photo, "Meet Boisie and Joan 💎" hinting at the character she'll bring to life, a real-life 1980s jewel thief from London, Joan Hannington, from whom the show takes its name.

Immediately, fans flooded the comment section to voice their surprise and love for the new look; Chelsea Handler left a note, "I like where this lewk is going" while one fan said she was giving "Cate Blanchett vibes" and another simply said, "Mother is MOTHERING."

The new short blonde locks are a stark contrast to her signature, long red inches, which were what she became known for in her GoT role as Sansa Stark and in her countless red carpet and media appearances since the show has ended.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Sophie Turner attends 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar After Party
Getty
Sophie Turner Is Radiant in Fiery Red Look as She Fangirls at Joe Jonas' Walk of Fame Ceremony

However, her new hairstyle isn't the first time she has gone blonde. In fact, Turner actually tied the knot to Joe Jonas with long blonde hair at her intimate French wedding.

To go with Turner's Louis Vuitton all-white bridal gown with a deep-V neckline and long lace sleeves, the actress wore her blonde hair in a middle part.

During their wedding weekend, which was actually the second celebration for the couple after their Las Vegas wedding, the duo wore matching red looks for their rehearsal dinner that popped even more against the actress's blond tresses.

Turner wore a simple long red gown with her hair down, completing her look with silver high-heeled sandals and dark eyeshadow, while her husband wore a dashing all-red suit in the same shade as his bride-to-be's dress. Jonas kept his pant legs cuffed above the ankles and completed the look with dark red dress shoes.