It’s almost “Game” over for everyone’s favorite show, but HBO may have one “last” trick up its sleeve.
A quick recap: Sadly, “Game of Thrones” is now entering its final two seasons. (Boo!) And we’ve already heard the homestretch will have fewer than the usual 10 episodes each. (Double boo!)
But what is dead may never die. Even though the dedicated fans at “Game of Thrones” news site Watchers on the Wall are about to have a lot less to write about, they’re still plugging away and may have delivered a major piece of casting news.
With the plot of the show moving past the books now, it’s a lot harder to guess which characters the casting calls are describing. Watchers has listed descriptions for a warrior, a gate guard, a city guard, a merchant, a “lovely lady” and a lieutenant, but one specific description ― a “young lord” in his late 20s ― has fans speculating.
That’s because the lord might be none other than the “Last Dragon” himself, Rhaegar Targaryen.
If you need a refresher, Rhaegar is Dany’s older brother, the son of the Mad King Aerys and, oh yeah, Jon Snow’s daddy.
Years before the show takes place, Rhaegar supposedly kidnaps Ned Stark’s sister, Lyanna. This leads to a war, and, about one year later, young Ned Stark finally finds Lyanna at the Tower of Joy ― a scene we saw in Season 6. There she gives birth to Jon and likely dies soon after.
It’s rumored that Lyanna actually ran off willingly with Rhaegar and wasn’t kidnapped, but no one knows for sure. Robert Baratheon killed Rhaegar during the war, so we can’t really ask his opinion.
Robert wanted to kill all the Targaryens so they, as Westeros’ longtime ruling family, wouldn’t ever be able to challenge his claim to the Iron Throne. Because of that, Ned Stark made a promise to Lyanna to keep Jon Snow’s true parentage a secret, claiming the kid as his own bastard. And everyone lived happily ever after.
(That last part might be an exaggeration.)
The casting call specifically says:
Young Lord in his late 20’s. He’s a tall, handsome young lord, and the show is looking for a white actor who uses the RP accent. He’s scheduled to shoot in the week commencing September 20th.
The age, body type and handsomeness seem to fit Rhaegar’s description. (He’s also described in the book as “beautiful,” so that probably means the audience is in for some serious eye candy.) Watchers on the Wall reports the RP accent, or “Received Pronunciation” ― also referred to as “The Queen’s English” ― is the English accent often used around King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones.” That fits Rhaegar, too.
The Targaryen’s appearance on the show, especially if he reveals his true motivations, could be a huge revelation for fans.
“Game of Thrones” will be premiering much later next year because the Old Gods and the New hate us (also, winter), but at least that gives us plenty of time to speculate ― and imagine how pretty Rhaegar might be.
I’m thinking he’s a mix of Destiny’s Child, just a little touch of Madonna’s wild style, and a Janet Jackson smile.
What you think, O-Town?
