Game of Thrones: Kit Harington talks Jon’s reaction to true parentage
Game of Thrones finally revealed to Jon Snow that he’s actually a Targaryen and rightful heir to the throne. Find out why Kit Harington says Jon didn’t take it very well.
Last night’s premiere of Game of Thrones season 8 included plenty of reunions alongside some bombshell reveals. Of course, what happened to Samwell Tarley’s parents and the truth of Jon Snow’s lineage isn’t a surprise to the audience, but those moments certainly through a wrench into Jon’s life.
Entertainment Weekly talked with Jon Snow actor Kit Harington about the revelatory moment in the crypts of Winterfell. Harington called it “the most upsetting thing in the world” for Jon. He also told EW:
"“If Jon could go back in time and say: ‘Whatever you’re about to say, don’t tell me,’ he would.”"
Ignorance is bliss, after all.
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If you were expecting Jon to take the news of his claim to the throne in stride (or even go full Killmonger in Black Panther and demand the throne), you were sorely mistaken. As Harington notes in his EW interview, Jon was furious. Sure, we in the audience knew all this, but Jon’s world was just turned upside down.
Harington continued:
"“With Jon, it’s about what he says, ‘You’re telling me my father lied to me? My father, the most honorable man I’ve known my entire life, you’re saying that?’ For that moment, Samwell is nothing to him. Jon would disown this friend and beat him up if he was trying to lie to him about this.”"
Harington also acknowledged that Jon’s reaction probably wasn’t difficult to anticipate, “he doesn’t do many unexpected things,” Harington told EW.
So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jon has no interest in the throne. “He never wanted that,” Harington said in his interview. Could this mean Jon might willingly decline the opportunity to sit on the throne this season?
"“The end of the world might be coming soon but at least he’s in love with somebody and knows who he is, and then comes this sledgehammer.”"
Included in EW’s interviews was Samwell actor John Bradley. Bradley notes that this reveal made Jon look back on his entire life differently.
"“Jon feels Sam is muddying the name of one of the most noble people he’s ever known and that his entire life is built on a lie.”"
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Still, Bradley added, Jon’s reaction would have been much worse had it come from anyone other than his best friend, Sam.
Do you think Jon will choose the crown? Or will he choose Daenerys, his aunt (yikes)? Let us know your thoughts on the upcoming final five episodes of Game of Thrones in the comments.