If Game of Thrones season 9 happens, HBO could end up using one of the biggest theories about King Bran Stark. Bran becoming king in Game of Thrones‘ ending was a big reason as to why the finale faced a huge backlash. After almost a decade of speculating as to who would be the king or queen in the end, that it was Bran was not only a major shocker, but a letdown to many viewers.
The problem with King Bran is not so much the choice, but the execution – which is true of Game of Thrones season 8 entirely. There wasn’t enough setup, nor explanation of his Three-Eyed Raven identity. However, the idea of Bran as king does have some merit. He brings things full circle (he’s the first major character we meet in both books and show), and, ostensibly, he’s someone who doesn’t want power, while also being able to learn from past mistakes. That raises an intriguing possibility, and could play into a theory if HBO ever makes Game of Thrones season 9.
Game Of Thrones Season 9 Wouldn’t Have An Obvious Villain
The Biggest Threats Were All Defeated
Game of Thrones‘ series finale wrapped things up pretty definitively. While plenty of characters were still alive, it didn’t invite more, especially when it comes to villains. The White Walkers, Daenerys Targaryen, and Cersei Lannister had all been defeated; the disgruntled Unsullied, who might’ve been a problem, sailed for Naath. With that, there’s no clear threat, at least not from the known characters who remain on the board.
Another Game Of Thrones Story Would Need To Challenge King Bran’s Reign
King’s Landing Must Play A Key Role In Game Of Thrones
King Bran Stark looks set for a peaceful reign, with the various wars ended, threats defeated, and Westeros in a transition period where much of it needs rebuilding. But that’s not how it’s typically worked, certainly not during Game of Thrones. Even with the Iron Throne destroyed, there would need to be some political story that revolved around the machinations of King’s Landing and the rule of Bran, whether that’s a major villain or some other turmoil for him to deal with.
After all, a king simply living in peaceful, prosperous times wouldn’t offer a great deal of narrative tension or conflict, and a good King’s Landing story is the key to a good Game of Thrones story.
After all, a king simply living in peaceful, prosperous times wouldn’t offer a great deal of narrative tension or conflict, and a good King’s Landing story is the key to a good Game of Thrones story. That, again, could lead us back to a rebellion against the crown, or an uprising or conflict elsewhere in Westeros that requires his attention. But perhaps the best solution is not to have a villain against the king, but instead make the king into the villain.
Bran Stark Being A Villain Could Be Good For Game Of Thrones Season 9
The Three-Eyed Raven Could Be The Best Villain Option Left
Game of Thrones has almost always had a ruler whose morals and purpose were at least questionable. Cersei Lannister and Joffrey Baratheon are two of the show’s greatest villains; King Tommen wasn’t a bad person, but was influenced and commanded by them (Tywin Lannister and the High Sparrow, as notable examples). Robert Baratheon also wasn’t a truly terrible person, but was a terrible king, and that allowed the conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters – and thus the War of the Five Kings – to ignite.
So, if Game of Thrones season 9 were to happen, could the same be true of Bran? One of the biggest theories from the end of season 8 is that Bran had long been plotting to become king, because he knew it would happen (evidenced by his “why do you think I came all this way?” line). The implication is he allowed many terrible things to happen, clearing his path to the throne and putting a dark twist on the final moments.
That’s just about plausible, because the Three-Eyed Raven’s motivations have always been questionable and murky at best…
That’s just about plausible, because the Three-Eyed Raven’s motivations have always been questionable and murky at best, although I don’t entirely love how it re-frames some events to have Bran be an instigator or key player. But even without a retcon, having the Three-Eyed Raven side of Bran increasingly corrupt him, to a point where he is using his power for ill and needs to be stopped, might now be the best story at HBO’s disposal if it wanted to continue the main series.
This would be a narrative that demands the involvement of major characters, from Sansa Stark to Jon Snow, and putting the likes of Tyrion Lannister into a key position in a King’s Landing-centric story too (where he’s at his best). It would be consistent with Game of Thrones history, and add to the bittersweet feel of the ending: that even the king who was supposed to be different, to change Westeros entirely, is corrupted by power; that the wheel wasn’t truly broken.
King Bran would be a different sort of villain, while still very much being a complicated one. It could be interesting to watch how he exerts his influence, who fights against him and who is swayed by him, and where things end up for the realm. Even though I still think HBO is best off leaving it be, the fact is that’s a rarity in the modern franchise landscape, and Bran the villain might offer the most radical solution to a radical choice of bringing Game of Thrones back.