Game of Thrones’ Most Hated Villain Unrecognizable in New Fantasy Series Rivaling Squid Game!

Netflix’s “Sandman” series returns for its final season, with Morpheus, also known as Dream (Tom Sturridge), appearing more enigmatic and somber than ever. The early part of the season sees him navigating confrontations with characters from various mythologies and backgrounds across time and space.

Initially, he has some family matters to attend to. His younger sister Delirium (Esme Creed-Miles), from the family of the Endless, forces him to join her in the search for their missing brother, Destruction (Barry Sloane). In doing so, he must revisit the tragic events that led to the downfall of his son Orpheus (Ruairi O’Connor). However, it is not within Morpheus’s own family that a former “Game of Thrones” star appears…

Did You Spot This “Game of Thrones” Villain?

Keen observers might have recognized Jack Gleeson in Episode 3. He gained fame for his portrayal of the sadistic King Joffrey Baratheon in “Game of Thrones,” a character whose death in Season 4 was undoubtedly celebrated by many. Joffrey was a pivotal part of the iconic series adapted from the novels by George R.R. Martin, but his cruelty made many scenes tough to watch.

Regardless of how we feel about the character, there’s no denying that Jack Gleeson delivered a spectacular performance in the role. Since then, however, he has been seen in far less prominent parts.

It’s a thrill to see him again in Season 2 of “Sandman” where he makes a brief appearance as Puck, or Robin Goodfellow, the most well-known mischievous fairy creature in cultural lore, famously depicted in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Shakespeare’s depiction of Puck and other fairies draws from English folklore, a nod somewhat recognized by “Sandman.”

Explaining the Role of Puck

“Sandman” takes us back in time, suggesting that “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is factual, as Morpheus arranged the play’s production to mend a rift between him, Oberon (Royce Pierreson) the fairy king, and Titania (Ruta Gedmintas) his queen. In 16th century England, he tasked William Shakespeare (Luke Allen-Gale) with writing the play, presumably providing him with accurate tales to work from.

Oberon and Titania, along with their court, are invited to watch the performance. The monarchs enjoy the humor and satire directed at their characters but are also prompted to reflect on their own actions. Puck arrives and is told by Oberon to behave himself – but he wanders off, neutralizes the actor playing Puck, then finishes the performance playing himself.

Puck revealing his face at the end of the play is the highlight of this delightful evening, and Jack Gleeson perfectly captures Puck’s knack for causing trouble in a playful yet subtly menacing manner, hinting at the underlying danger reminiscent of “Game of Thrones.” Hopefully, Jack Gleeson will find even more substantial roles following his stint on “Sandman.”