House of the Dragonseason 2 included a tease of the Prince That Was Promised, and in doing so made the cancelation ofGame of Thrones' Jon Snow spinoff seem better.House of the Dragonseason 2’s endinghad its biggest connection yet toGame of Thrones, with the appearance of Daenerys Targaryen, a White Walker, and the Three-Eyed Raven as part of a weirwood tree-influenced sequence.
Daemon Targaryen’s vision of Daeneryset al was important for the prequel’s own story, but also for the wider franchise. With her appearance in the sequence preceded by a red comet, as well as being linked to the battle against the White Walkers, then it suggestedDaenerys was the Prince That Was Promisedall along inGame of Thrones(if not theA Song of Ice and Firebooks, which is TBC). Of course,Thronesitself didn’t do a huge amount with that in the end, but it does at least make me happier that the Jon Snow sequel won’t happen.
Jon Snow Seemingly Not Being The Prince That Was Promised Is Better After His Sequel Cancelation
Initially,I’d thoughtHouse of the Dragonhad been set to add more to Jon Snow’s storyand the idea he was the Prince That Was Promised. Certainly, the reveal ofAegon the Conqueror’s song of ice and fire dream, which itself was connected to the Prince That Was Promised, could have been taken as being about Jon, since he was the one to unite the realm against the White Walkers.
That, in turn, would have made Jon’s Targaryen parentage more important, sinceGame of Thronesseason 8didn’t dive too deeply into what it really meant for him (and was more about what it meant to Daenerys). Reckoning with all of this in some way - Jon dealing more with actually being half-Targaryen, and more openly talking about how he feels regarding it - could have been one of the bigger advantages of Jon Snow’s spinoff.
However, by suggesting that Jon isn’t the Prince That Was Promised, House of the Dragon doubles-down on the idea that him being a Targaryen ultimately didn’t matter.
However, by suggesting that Jon isn’t the Prince That Was Promised,House of the Dragondoubles-down on the idea that him being a Targaryen ultimately didn’t matter. And if that’s not something that’s going to be on the table for his spinoff show, or at least an idea that we’re being told isn’t as important elsewhere in canon - then I’m happier it won’t happen, given the lack of obvious story options for the show afterGame of Thrones' ending.
Game Of Thrones: Everyone Who Knew Jon Snow Was A Targaryen Before Him
Jon Snow learning he was a Targaryen became a key point in his character arc, but he was one of the last to learn who his real parents were.
Jon not beingthe Prince That Was Promisedalso makes hisGame of Thronesfate better. I thinkthere’s something a little more powerful in him not being the prophesied savior but just a decent person who always tried to do the right thing, and an added tragedy in him having to kill Daenerys if she truly was said hero.
Jon Snow’s spinoff was first reported as being indevelopment in June 2022, and it was revealed two years later it was no longer moving forward.
I wish the show had done a lot more with the prophecy, but I like the idea of the bittersweetness in the prophecy and how chasing destiny led to Dany’s downfall. WithHouse of the Dragonadding to that, then I prefer Jon’s ending left as-is, not meddled with in a spinoff.
It’s For The Best Game Of Thrones' Jon Snow Spinoff Isn’t Happening
Harington Himself Revealed They Couldn’t Find The Right Story
Ever since it was first announced, I’d been caught in two minds about Jon Snow’s spinoff. On the one hand, the idea of continuingGame of Thronesso directly, with Kit Harington returning, is a tantalizing prospect, bringing back something millions of people had loved and obsessed over (myself very much included). And in terms of character, there could be some potential in exploring his trauma and the weight of having to kill Daenerys.
Status
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
An adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s The Tales of Dunk & Egg novellas
Season 1 releasing in 2025 on HBO and Max
House of the Dragon
Ongoing Game of Thrones prequel, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons
Season 3 expected in 2026; season 4 will be the last
Aegon’s Conquest
The story of King Aegon I Targaryen and the conquest of Westeros with his sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya
In-development
10,000 Ships
A spinoff about Princess Nymeria, who led her people the Rhoynar to Dorne after a war with the Valyrian Freehold
Nine Voyages
An animated show about Corlys Velaryon’s Great Voyages, where he sailed around the Known World
The Golden Empire (unofficial)
An animated show set in empire of Yi Ti, which is in the far East of Essos
Another live-action Game of Thrones spinoff
Another animated Game of Thrones spinoff
On the flip side, I think Jon Snow’sGame of Thronesending was close to perfect, bringing his story full circle and further adding to the bittersweet feeling, giving him a relatively happy and peaceful ending that he deserved, but colored by tragedy. SinceJon’sGame of Thronesspinoff isn’t happeningbecause Harington and the writers couldn’t find a story worth telling, then I think it’s for the best things aren’t going ahead, andHouse of the Dragonseason 2 just adds to that belief.
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.
