With the success of House of the Dragon, HBO has begun looking into other spin-offs set in the Game of Thrones world. One of these spin-offs is actually a sequel to Game of Thrones itself. The series does not yet have an official title, nor does it have an official greenlight, but fans and media have been referring to the series simply as Snow because it will reportedly center around Kit Harington’s Jon Snow.
In fact, it was reportedly Harington who came up with the idea, though he remains coy on the details. Little is known about what Snow will be about, with what is known being provided through rumors, updates by HBO executives, and small teases from Harington’s former Game of Thrones castmates, which has prompted furious speculation about their roles in the sequel.
Despite Game of Thrones‘ rather bloody reputation, several characters still live — and are even thriving — by the end of the first series, which means they can still appear in the sequel. The series also serves as a possible way to rectify fan complaints about season eight, which was not well-received.
While the plot of Snow is impossible to predict, there are a few educated guesses fans can make about the characters post-finale, and there are several indications that at least a few actors are eager to come back for another go-around.
1. Queen Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner)
Sansa Stark went through a lot throughout Game of Thrones‘ eight seasons. By the end of the series, the once-idealistic, naive girl had grown into a political force all in her own right — becoming Queen in the North, the first female ruler for House Stark. Her future is vital to the continuation of the House; with Bran now king of a different kingdom, and Arya unlikely to want to have children, Sansa might just be the last remaining branch on the Stark family tree.
An appearance in Snow would be incredibly fitting. Not only is there potentially unresolved tension between Jon and Sansa (it was her who spread the secret of his parentage), Sansa is one of the characters that’s closest in proximity to Jon. Whatever goes down in Snow, it would only make sense that the Queen in the North would want to know what’s going on in a neighboring land.
It’s likely Snow is intended to be set years after the finale, so fans would be seeing an even more politically experienced Queen. How has she transformed the court of Winterfell? Perhaps the Queen has brought back some of that southern intrigue with her.
2. Princess Arya Stark (Maisie Williams)
Arya Stark grew into a powerful character in her own right. Always one to take initiative, she ended the series by embarking on a dangerous mission: She decided to find “what’s west of Westeros” — something no one in Westeros has ever managed to figure out, much like in real-life European history. Arya’s journey may or may not have worked out, but her mysterious whereabouts makes it difficult to determine where, when, or if she’ll appear in Snow.
Williams has alluded to being disappointed with the finale, and has expressed the difficulties of being a child actress, but has also stated that she’s open to the possibility of coming back to the franchise. Of course, if she did make it to a hypothetical “Americos,” the series can introduce new elements — like new allies, new enemies, and new societies full of intrigue — to keep things fresh.
3. King Brandon ‘the Broken’ Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright)
“Bran the Broken” was one of the less-liked aspects of the finale (Bran had been excluded from one season and was never really central to the TV show), but that’s no fault of Isaac Hempstead Wright, who reportedly thought Bran’s ending was a prank. Still, it did happen, and if Snow spreads beyond the far North, then the series has to address that Bran is now the King of the Six Kingdoms.
Bran’s reappearance could offer a chance to add some depth to the character. By the end of the series, Bran had become cold, callous, and unlikable. The explanation given was that the sheer volume of information in his head made him no longer “Bran,” but something more. Well, that turned out to not work out so well onscreen, so maybe Bran’s learned some meditation, has gotten used to the information he carries, and regained some sense of his old self by now.
4. Ser Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie)
Wednesday star Gwendoline Christie has already hinted that she might be back for Snow. Brienne is a classic George R. R. Martin character: an outcast, Brienne doesn’t fit the mold of the “classic” Westerosi woman. By the end of the series, others learn to appreciate this, and Brienne is knighted by Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster Waldau).
Unfortunately, Jaime dies with his sister/lover Cersei (Lena Headey), breaking Brienne’s heart. In her last appearance, she seems to have forgiven him, though: As Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, she writes his legacy into the White Book. Since she’s a close guard for Bran, her appearance would be logical in King’s Landing.
5. Lord Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage)
Tyrion wasn’t the greatest Hand of the King to Daenerys Targaryen, but Brandon Stark ultimately made him his new Hand so that Tyrion could atone for the messes he’s made. Tyrion’s appearance in Snow would be an amazing get for the series. Not only does the character have plenty more story to tell thanks to his inner turmoil, but he’s also one of the most recognizable and celebrated characters from Game of Thrones. Additionally, he’s one of Jon Snow’s closest friends and advisors, meaning that he has direct relevance to Jon.
Maybe he can finally finish his joke about the honeycomb, the jackass, and the brothel.
6. Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju)
Barring some form of unavailability on Hivju’s part, Tormund is probably the most likely character to reappear. Tormund became one of Jon Snow‘s greatest supporters, though he never did kneel before him. The two are actually last seen heading North together, meaning that Tormund is likely not far from wherever Jon is at the beginning of Snow.
The possibility always exists that Tormund might have died off-screen or would otherwise be indisposed during Snow, but he’s a fan-favorite comedic relief character — not utilizing Hivju’s talents would be a misstep for the show.
7. Lord Gendry Baratheon (Joe Dempsie)
Going from a Waters to a Baratheon is a huge move for Gendry, who began the series as a smith’s apprentice and ended it as a high Lord. In the sequel, Gendry’s reappearance could provide for some friction. Who’s to say he’s over Arya after her rejection in the final season? And his lordship was provided by Daenerys Targaryen — does he feel odd that Jon Snow ended up killing his Queen?
Gendry’s reappearance could be a great parallel to Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), Gendry’s biological father. Not only is Gendry mentioned to be very similar to Robert in his youth, but his relationship with Arya Stark also mirrors that of Robert’s with Arya’s aunt Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi). Who’s to say Gendry hasn’t become increasingly Robert-like as the years have gone on? Or perhaps he’s avoided his father’s pratfalls.
8. Lady Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan)
Of all the characters, Yara has the most reason to rebel against the Iron Throne. The Great Council in the final episode is known as a wild moment for a reason: It makes little sense. Bran granting independence to the North should prompt declarations of independence from at least the Iron Islands and Dorne. In fact, Yara even expresses anger towards the Starks earlier in the season, as one of their own had killed the Queen she was pledged to (and possibly attracted to).
Snow might see Yara rise up in rebellion once more. Though she did not have the biggest presence in the original series, Yara can play a bigger role in Snow. It’s also worth noting that the Iron Islands are on the western end of Westeros, which could tie them into Arya’s plotline.
9. The Night King (Vladimir Furdik)
The Night King’s death is one of the most controversial aspects of the final season. Though Arya was the one to kill him, many expected Jon Snow to land the killing blow (including Harington himself). Arya’s moment was an interesting one for her, but it arguably went against some of the foreshadowing and prophecies in the series.
Jon Snow had long been set up as a savior figure — someone who would save the world from the darkness. As it turns out, the only time Jon would fight a White Walker (the last time anyone would onscreen, in fact) was back in season five. House of the Dragon brings up an interesting possibility: The Night King might just be alive after all.
In House of the Dragon, viewers are introduced to the prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised. The Targaryens have apparently carried this prophecy down throughout the generations, from king to heir, and their actions — especially early on in their dynasty — were secretly influenced by the knowledge that it would be a Targaryen that ends the Long Night. Since that part of the prophecy was fulfilled, and since it was brought up after the fact, it’s possible that HBO is sowing the seeds now. And who’s to say the Night King was the true ruler of the White Walkers? The mythological character he’s based on in the books, the Night’s King, is married to the Night’s Queen, after all.
And the return of the White Walkers could serve as an inciting incident for Snow to happen. The plot of the show could actually be the Long Night, which only had one episode of focus.
10. Queen Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke)
Okay, this one’s a long shot. While Clarke had previously said she had no interest in returning to the role, more recently, she’s said “never say never” to the possibility. Fans have actually been speculating about Daenerys’ return since the finale aired. Though she was fatally stabbed by Jon Snow, her body was carried off by Drogon to parts unknown. Later on, it’s reported that Drogon was spotted heading East, though Samwell (John Bradley West) is cut off before revealing the exact location.
This could actually work as a setup for the spin-off. Many locales lie in the East, including Valyria, which may have some dangerous magic still lurking about, and Volantis, home to the Red Temple, where the Red Priests of R’hllor worship. Kinvara (Ania Bukstein), a High Priestess, was given a scene of importance in which she promises Daenerys Targaryen that the priests will be extolling her virtues. She never appears again, however.
The Red Priests have a special ability. No one knows why or how it works, but if the rites are completed correctly, it’s possible for Daenerys Targaryen to come back, just as Jon Snow did. And, if she does, there’s no telling what she might do: Would she still be gunning for conquest? Would the situation cause her to turn her back on everyone, sans Drogon? The possible storylines are endless.
Snow is a long way away from entering production. A recent update from HBO executive Francesca Orsi acknowledged that the series was still not yet ready to “go all the way,” prompting some to wonder if the spin-off might not happen after all. Everything’s up in the air right now, but all indications are that the cast is excited for the future.