He was the Knight of Flowers. The golden boy of Highgarden.
When Finn Jones first stepped onto the set of Game of Thrones, he wasn't just another face in a massive ensemble. He was portraying Ser Loras Tyrell, a character who, in the books by George R.R. Martin, was a legendary warrior—a man who once fought off three knights at once during the Siege of Dragonstone. But for many fans who only watched the HBO show, that's not exactly the Loras they got.
The story of the Loras Tyrell Game of Thrones actor is a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. It’s a tale of massive potential, some pretty divisive writing choices, and a career that took a sharp turn into the Marvel Cinematic Universe before hitting a few bumps in the road.
The Casting of the Knight of Flowers
Back in 2010, the news broke that Finn Jones had landed the role. He wasn't exactly a household name yet. He’d done some work on Hollyoaks and The Sarah Jane Adventures, but this was the big leagues. Jones was actually a massive fan of the A Song of Ice and Fire novels before he even got the job. He knew the lore. He knew that Loras was supposed to be a cocksure, deadly, and deeply mourning lover after the death of Renly Baratheon.
Funny thing about his name, though—his birth name is actually Terence Jones. He changed it to Finn to avoid being confused with Terry Jones from Monty Python. Smart move, probably.
Why the Show Version Frustrated Fans (and Maybe the Actor)
If you talk to "book purists," they’ll tell you the show did Loras dirty. In the books, his sexuality is a part of him, but his identity is defined by being a peerless warrior and a grieving shadow of his former self.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
The TV show? It kinda leaned into the "gay character" trope a little too hard.
Instead of seeing the martial prowess that made him a kingsguard legend, we mostly saw him in bed or being arrested by the High Sparrow. Finn Jones himself has been pretty open about this over the years. During various Q&As and conventions, he’s acknowledged that the show’s version of Loras became a bit one-dimensional.
"Loras isn't stupid," Jones once remarked at a fan event, "he really knows better than to sleep around openly with a squire the way he does."
He basically admitted that the writing simplified a complex character into a plot device for Cersei’s rise to power. It’s a common gripe. When you have a cast that big, some characters get the short end of the stick. Loras ended up being the catalyst for the Tyrell family’s downfall rather than the hero of the Reach.
The Iron Fist Pivot
When Loras Tyrell met his explosive end in the Great Sept of Baelor, Finn Jones didn't stay unemployed for long. In fact, his casting as Danny Rand in Marvel’s Iron Fist was announced right around the time his Game of Thrones tenure was wrapping up.
💡 You might also like: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
This should have been his "big break."
Instead, it became a lightning rod for controversy. People were upset about the "white savior" tropes of the original comics, and the first season of the show was panned for its sluggish pace and—awkwardly for a martial arts show—the fight choreography.
It was a tough spot for him. He went from being a beloved (if underutilized) knight in Westeros to being the face of what many considered the weakest link in the Netflix Defenders lineup. But here's the thing: Jones worked his tail off. By the time season two of Iron Fist and his guest appearance in Luke Cage rolled around, people actually started to like his portrayal. He brought a "surfer-dude-monk" energy that actually felt unique.
Where is Finn Jones in 2026?
So, what has the Loras Tyrell Game of Thrones actor been up to lately?
After the Netflix Marvel shows were canceled, Jones didn't just vanish. He took a recurring role in the Apple TV+ series Dickinson as Samuel Bowles, which was a huge shift from capes and swords. He also starred in the drama series Swimming with Sharks alongside Diane Kruger.
📖 Related: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
In the last year or so, the rumors have been flying. With the MCU officially bringing back Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Jon Bernthal as the Punisher, fans are constantly asking: "Is Danny Rand next?"
Jones has been vocal about wanting another shot. He’s been posting training videos and reunion photos with his Iron Fist co-star Jessica Henwick. Even if a solo show doesn't happen, there’s a lot of chatter about him popping up in upcoming Avengers projects or even Daredevil: Born Again Season 2.
The Reality of Post-Thrones Life
Life after a show as big as Game of Thrones is weird. For some, like Emilia Clarke or Kit Harington, it’s a constant spotlight. For others, it’s about finding the work that actually matters.
Finn Jones seems to have found a balance. He DJs, he’s involved in environmental activism, and he still shows up at conventions to talk to the fans who remember him for the Knight of Flowers. He’s even been spotted at theater productions in London, keeping his acting muscles sharp in a more intimate setting.
Key Lessons from the Finn Jones Journey:
- The Script Matters: You can be a great actor (and a fan of the source material), but you're ultimately at the mercy of the showrunners.
- Resilience is Essential: Moving from a "hated" superhero role to a respected character actor takes thick skin.
- Fan Support Stays: Even a decade after his first appearance, "Ser Loras" remains a staple of the GoT fandom.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into his filmography, don’t just stick to the HBO stuff. Check out his work in Life in Squares where he plays Julian Bell—it shows a range that the Game of Thrones writers never quite let him explore. You might also want to track down his earlier work in The Sarah Jane Adventures if you're a Doctor Who nerd. It's a trip seeing a young Finn Jones interacting with a Sarah Jane Smith.
The best way to support the actor today is to keep an eye on his independent film projects. He’s often drawn to smaller, more character-driven stories these days. Whether or not he ever picks up the "Iron Fist" again or dons a suit of armor, Finn Jones has carved out a space in pop culture that most actors would kill for.
Keep an eye on the 2026 casting announcements for the new Marvel phases. If the rumors are true, the Knight of Flowers might just be getting his second wind in the multiverse. Be sure to check his official social media channels for updates on his upcoming theater residency in London, which is rumored to begin late this year.