Isaac Hempstead Wright and Robert Aramayo discuss the Tower of Joy and Game of Thrones’ endgame

Bran

In more new post-finale interviews, Isaac Hempstead Wright talks about Bran’s revelation in episode 10, fan theories and what Bran might be up to next season on Game of Thrones. We also hear from Robert Aramayo about playing young Ned and his part in the Tower of Joy sequences.

In an interview with Access Hollywood, Hempstead Wright discussed the highly-anticipated Tower of Joy scene between Ned and Lyanna which seemingly confirmed the R+L=J theory … though the 17 year-old pointed out that it’s really only an X+L=J reveal, since neither the audience nor Bran heard Lyanna name the father.

“I remember going to my mum, going, ‘Ah, no, no. It’s Rhaegar isn’t it?’ She goes ‘Well, no. Not according to the script. We don’t know yet.’ I’m like, ‘Ahhh’ … [Bran] doesn’t exactly know what’s going on [between Lyanna and Ned]. He doesn’t really know why he’s being shown this anyway … I think it’s quite a key element that Bran sees this and understands its significance, but doesn’t exactly quite have the full picture yet. And I think that’s clearly something that will kind of be explored in scenes to come.”

Still, Hempstead Wright expects Bran’s priority will now be finding Jon and telling him what he’s learned. He imagines the Stark children, once reunited, could make quite the Westerosi “dream team.”

“I think what Bran would see, will be like, ‘Well, we’ve got this fantastic leader and warrior in Jon, we’ve got this superb diplomat in Sansa, and we got my magic thing going on. We can rule the world.’ And of course Arya with her ninja stuff and face-changing kind of assassin stuff, we’re the dream team, like Captain America.”

In an interview with Vulture, Hempstead Wright addressed some of the fan theories that have yet to be confirmed, such as the possibility that the Night King’s touch on Bran has magically bound him to the White Walkers.

“If Bran goes through the Wall, then can the White Walkers come through? That might be a difficult decision to make. That could be the end of Bran. Or maybe it just means that Bran needs to get through the Wall very quickly. Run! It’s going to be tough, whatever happens.”

He agreed with the The Hollywood Reporter that, as of the season 6 finale, we’ve reached the tip of the endgame.

“It’s all coming together, isn’t it?” he said. “It’s all reaching this crescendo of all these different forces coming together to a focal point and getting ready to implode. It feels like we’re getting very close to the final conclusion. God knows how we’re going to make a conclusion out of this massive thriving mess of murders and death and ice zombies and all sorts, but it’s going to be pretty spectacular.”

Robert Aramayo as Young Ned Stark and Aisling Franciosi as Lyanna Stark. Credit: Helen Sloan/ HBO

The Hollywood Reporter speaks with Robert Aramayo this week about the revelations of the Tower of Joy in the season finale, and the filming of his scenes.

“We shot it in December, the later piece,” the actor says. “The other one was much earlier on; a couple of months before.”

Aramayo says Ned didn’t know what he was going to find. “That’s the interesting thing. He thinks perhaps that his sister is being tortured or something, that something very horrible is going on behind the door. And what he actually sees isn’t actually seeing anything different, really. He walks in and sees his sister on the bed with blood everywhere. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he knows that something bad is happening.”

Of the key moment when Lyanna is whispering the secret in Ned’s ear, he explains, “She’s just giving him the information he needs to know before she dies. It’s all kind of a whirlwind for Ned. She pushes his head toward the baby, and that’s when it all clicks together. Certainly before that moment, he’s still in a place of, ‘What is she talking about?’ She’s giving him all of this information, but none of it feels fully connected yet, until the moment he lays eyes on the baby, and everything drops into place.”

Ultimately, he says, “I think that day in his life is all about honor. That’s the operative word of that day. The variations, as you say, in beating someone in battle dishonorably, the death of a warrior he admired so much, the death of his sister who was one of the most loved people in his life, and then the responsibility of taking care of a brand new life that’s absolutely and completely in his hands… sometimes the honorable thing to do is putting yourself on the firing line to protect something greater than yourself. That’s something he learns right now: to be principled and honorable, sometimes you’re the one who has to suffer.”

Aramayo speaks eloquently on a number of other aspects of the scene such as working with the baby Jon and with Aisling Franciosi, so check out the complete interview at The Hollywood Reporter.

123 Comments

  1. I hope Isaac is right and Bran goes to Winterfell and meet his siblings as soon as possible … and Arya too. They are definitely an interesting team. Arya could get rid of Littlefinger easily.

  2. THE KIT IN THE NORTH!

    Yeah I imagine Bran is confused after that vision. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get some more flashbacks with Lyanna and maybe Rhaegar next season. He’ll probably want to dig for more information imo.

  3. After seeing the amount of people who still can’t figure out who Jon’s father is, I assume Isaac is correct in thinking there is still more to be revealed. Which leads me to the two casting notices I will be anticipating this off-season, one for Rhaegar and one for an older Howland Reed.

  4. Interesting that Isaac even says Bran doesn’t have the full ToJ picture yet, and that he also realize who the father is yet.

    I would have assumed since Bran was raised and educated on the way Royalty works in Westeros, he could have put two and two together when he saw the Kingsguard outside the ToJ and he knew that Rheagar had “run off with” Lyanna. Those two facts alone should have him immediately think there’s a 99.9% chance Rheagar is the father.

  5. So we can expect more flashbacks next season to explain the whole Rhaegar and Lyanna thing.
    Damn I really hope we get something

  6. Robert Armayo sounds like quite the fan. Perhaps we can we hope for the possibility of some sort of prequel?

  7. Pigeon,

    Lol I know right? That little Northern tour she went on this season didn’t exactly do her any favors.

  8. Pigeon:
    Superb…..diplomat…..well I suppose there’s hope perhaps in Season 7, then!

    Pigeon:
    Superb…..diplomat…..well I suppose there’s hope perhaps in Season 7, then!

    Fairly sure he meant Davos, he is just a bit confused…

  9. Isaac’s description of the Stark dream team is amazing, he’s so right, they all have their own skills and unique quirks, they’d be a powerhouse team. Here’s hoping!

  10. Anyone agree with Isaac’s mom that it’s an X+L=J scenario, where X is not confirmed to be Rhaegar? I mean, it’s technically not confirmed until we see or hear it, but is there still any reasonable doubt?

    Also, will just point out that the baby isn’t a new born, but that’s likely just due to filming constraints.

  11. Does the fact that the audience can’t make out every word that Lyanna is whispering necessarily imply that Bran is not able to hear it either? Plus, we don’t really know if that’s how Bran’s vision ends, or if those were her last words, since we didn’t see her actual death. And even after she dies, doubtless Ned would have a lot of questions for her handmaiden and the midwife. It’s possible that they shot more of this scene, intending to pick up where they left off, and that the actors have been instructed to say no more.

  12. What Rhaegar flashback could they use to explain the parentage? Tourney of Harrenhal? Or something we don’t know, a scene between R and L in the tower maybe. We have to get the reason why R and L eloped, was it just love or more to do with fulfilling prophecies? A Rhaegar flashback seems almost certain, imo. Can’t wait to see who plays him, if he is cast.

  13. ghost of winterfell,

    I was thinking about this today. Would we be getting the ToH after LF’s and Sansa’s chat in the crypts last season? Sure his version of what happened was a basic rundown of what transpired. I think we’ll get some huge interactions between the two, like you I am very excited about Rhaegar’s casting. He’s probably the most famous dead person on GoT. 6

  14. The most realistic option is Rhaegar given all the hints that Rhaegar and Lyanna eloped or he kidnapped her. Depends on people’s beliefs. In the books Barristan belives that Rhaegar loved his Lady Lyanna and he knew him.

    Other one could be Aerys but really small chance. Arthur Dayne probably not. Even tho Dawn seems to be somehow significant as camera was focused on it. Dawn was forged from a fallen star and Lyanna blood was there too. If you somehow figured out smoke. You can make a case for AAR prophecy or PTWP:

    We got ?+L=J We got confirmed that Jon was born there and Lyanna his mother. Just his father, if they were married and of course how it’s going to be proved. So we got reveal of something but still long way to go.

  15. “sometimes the honorable thing to do is putting yourself on the firing line to protect something greater than yourself. That’s something he learns right now: to be principled and honorable, sometimes you’re the one who has to suffer.”

    I love when actors really understand the core of their characters. His scene with Lyanna-well at first I wondered why he was cast to be young Sean Bean…but his face in that scene made it all click. He was Ned.

    Also REALLY hoping Bran means what I think he means…more L and some R! ToH!! (harps, mystery knights and blue roses)

  16. I really liked how Aramayo handled the ToJ scene. He definitely evoked some of the Bean. When he turns and asks to get Lyanna some water you can really feel the emotions. As far as Bran goes I’m looking forward to seeing more visions and what his actual involvement with the WW battle will be. I really hope he makes it to the end of the series… along with Meera.

  17. Flayed Potatoes,

    Makingofgameofthrones put an infographic out that clearly states that rhaegar is his dad.Those options make no sense Lyanna says Robert would kill him if he finds out so that eliminates him as an option.And tbh they have mentioned Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna so many times and Arthur Dayne said Rhaegar wanted us here.You just need a bit of logic.But obviously they will go into the targ side next season and spell things out for people

  18. This scene is one of my favorites and Robert Aramayo totally sold me. I was initially very skeptical about him, when I saw him in the trailer for Oathbreaker. The Tower of Joy changed my mind and in this scene I liked him even more.

    Side note: I’ve noticed on Youtube that numerous people are complaning about Lyanna not being beautiful enough, even saying the actress was seriously miscast. Well, I definitely don’t agree with them.

  19. “He doesn’t really know why he’s being shown this anyway.”

    Not to overanalyze (but I must), does this mean Bran doesn’t control any of the visions he sees? Or does he mean that he doesn’t know why 3ER showed him the scene to begin with (Ned v Dayne)? Or some other option I am overlooking?

  20. Geralt of Rivia,

    The father being Rhaegar should be obvious to Bran – Arthur Dayne and other Targ/Rhaegar loyalists protecting Lyanna during a war fought because Rhaegar took her – its so blatantly Rhaegar even to Bran. Esp when Lyanna says Robert will kill him…duuuh Bran!!

    I think ToJ may not be over – Bran might see what Ned does now, what he tells H Reed who’s identity 3ER obv pointed out to him for a reason.

    I feel Bran & Meera will head to Howland first to get any more info on who knows re Jon; so as to reveal it to Jon properly.

    Does no one think Rhaegar would have arranged something before going to war & hiding his pregnant wife (?) to ensure knowledge of Jon being his son is not lost – he couldnt have known Ned would get there in time!

    OH THAT’S IT! THE CITADEL!! Maybe Sam’s the one to provide some evidence Rhaegar mightve had hidden safely in the Citadel !!!

  21. Lord Parramandas,

    I mean the girl is on her death bed, looking raggedy, what do they want? Lyanna was never Cersei levels of beautiful anyway. The actress that played her was in line with how I envisioned Lyanna. And she is very pretty.

  22. Jenny,

    Not all viewers check out these things online. Casual fans probably need clarification. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a lot of Rhaegar mentions next season, especially with Dany arriving in Westeros and meeting with Ellaria.

  23. Lord Parramandas,

    Wow, really? She’s stunning and looks so like Ayra and Jon. They couldn’t exactly have her looking her best, she’s just given birth and is dying and haemorrhaging. If she’d looked all glamorous, people would say it was unrealistic.

  24. Pigeon,

    More like a snake in the grass, judging by Sophie Turner’s interpretation of the KitN scene. “She realizes she can trust Littlefinger more than she did” ..”LF would have made Sansa queen”

  25. Lord Parramandas,

    Lyanna was never described as an incredible beauty. Cersei was described as such, Ashara Dayne as well. Lyanna was described as fierce and wild. Sometimes a person grows in beauty as you see their personalities shine, the girl playing Lyanna didn’t have a scene to show us that Lyanna. She was dying and desperate, people can’t expect her to look like a movie star.

  26. Shaz,

    I agree. According to Ned, Lyanna was beautiful but still a typical Northern girl. Yes, I also imagined her like that. In fact, the whole room looked like it came from my head.

  27. Lord Parramandas: Side note: I’ve noticed on Youtube that numerous people are complaning about Lyanna not being beautiful enough, even saying the actress was seriously miscast. Well, I definitely don’t agree with them.

    I’d guess even the most beautiful woman in the world would not look her best right after she’s given birth. Add to that the fact she’s bleeding to death, well, let’s just say I’d guess she’s not overly concerned with whether or not she’s done her hair and oh-so-carefully applied her westerosi maybelline.

    To me, this beautiful woman is almost exactly how I pictured Lyanna:

    http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTg5MDk0MTY0Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjA3MTQzNDE@._V1_UY317_CR9,0,214,317_AL_.jpg

  28. Danny,

    Yes. I don’t know where so many got the idea… Some even said that she was supposed to be prettier than both Sansa and Daenerys. And of course, “beautiful” in medieval times did not necessarily mean looking like a supermodel.

  29. Flayed Potatoes:
    Lisa0527,

    I’ve seen people on the internet who think the father is Robert or The Mad King.

    Why would Robert want to kill the baby out of the woman he only ever loved if it was HIS child? Not Robert, people are just not thinking.

    There IS some way far off chance that it was Aerys. But the odds of it being Rhaegar are stupendous. Those are Rhaegars guards at the base of the Tower. Rhaegar loved Lyanna, Tournament Roses anyone? After Lyanna’s death, Robert wanted to kill any and all Targs left on Planetos. The most likely explanation is that Rhaegar and Lyanna took off together, possibly married in secret…and she was kept in the ToJ to protect her until the baby was born, but Rhaegar was killed first.

    I don’t think that Isaac is trolling, but I do think he is saying exactly what he has been schooled to say about it. And it begins, not even ONE week from the last episode airing. *sigh* It is going to be a long break

  30. ramsayreek:
    Those two facts alone should have him immediately think there’s a 99.9% chance Rheagar is the father.

    99.9% that’s as good as a paternity test. Rhaegar…. you ARE the father!

  31. Diplomat when did that happen..

    I hope this means more TOJ visions and we get to see aftermath of lyanna asking to promise ..

    There is so many rhaegar scenes that can use in a vision..

    Him being alone in summerhall
    Him singing to the people and lyanna watching..
    Him being a bookish and suddenly deciding to be a warrior..

    And i will be bummed if they give dany’s vision of rhaegar to bran

    One serious disappointment in the show was lack of rhaegar references related to dany but at the same time over use of mad king references..

  32. Lord Parramandas:
    Danny,

    Yes. I don’t know where so many got the idea… Some even said that she was supposed to be prettier than both Sansa and Daenerys. And of course, “beautiful” in medieval times did not necessarily mean looking like a supermodel.

    Maybe from the way Robert baratheon was speaking of her?
    Combined with thag she caught the eye of Rhaegr and he was willing to risk a war for her,just based on the way she looked at Harrenhal… people might expect a lot from the way this girl looks

    Though I personally do like the actress yhat was cast!

  33. Flayed Potatoes,

    No I know that what I meant was that they didn’t intend for it to be a big mystery or a cliffhanger.I agree with what you said and obviously they will say it clearly next season.In a flashback or maybe when the news is delivered to Jon

  34. Is everyone here forgetting Howland Reed was at the ToJ and is still alive? I think if anyone tells Jon it’s Howland. What better way to introduce Meera’s father and Ned’s closest ally than to have him join Jon in the fight against the WWs and also reveal to Jon who he is. Howland sent his children to protect Bran on his way north of the wall. You don’t do that unless you know that what is out there is a big enough threat that you have to send them off to what could possibly mean their deaths.

  35. aabe:
    Pigeon,

    More like a snake in the grass, judging by Sophie Turner’s interpretation of the KitN scene. “She realizes she can trust Littlefinger more than she did” ..”LF would have made Sansa queen”

    She’s lost the plot.

  36. Lisa0527:
    Anyone agree with Isaac’s mom that it’s an X+L=J scenario, where X is not confirmed to be Rhaegar? I mean, it’s technically not confirmed until we see or hear it, but is there still any reasonable doubt?

    I’m not a book reader, but have a feeling that perhaps X=R will not finally be 100% confirmed in HBO’s GoT until ‘The Winds of Winter’ is released? I would guess that will include Bran’s visions at the ToJ.

    I presume its pretty much confirmed as one of the questions GRRM asked B&W before giving them the OK to produce the TV show was: ‘Who is Jon Snow’s mother?’ and would guess they answered it correctly – Albeit from hints in the already published novels?

  37. Flayed Potatoes:
    Pigeon,

    Lol I know right? That little Northern tour she went on this season didn’t exactly do her any favors.

    Moondoor:
    Fairly sure he meant Davos, he is just a bit confused…

    aabe:
    Pigeon,

    More like a snake in the grass, judging by Sophie Turner’s interpretation of the KitN scene. “She realizes she can trust Littlefinger more than she did” ..”LF would have made Sansa queen”

    Jack Bauer 24: She’s lost the plot.

    I mean, Isaac is really a sweetheart. I would have maybe stated it differently….’emerging diplomat’, ‘diplomat in training’ perhaps, if they are planning on expanding that further? I don’t see her as good diplomat material, seeing as she doesn’t have the patience to be…not yet. I’d also be terrible at diplomacy under emotional turbulence – I think Davos has always been key here, back to when Stannis and he were negotiating with the iron bank. He has the humility. Maybe we could name Davos an honorary Stark?

  38. Moondoor,

    Robert was in love, in love with an ideal. He never had her so in his mind she grew even more beautiful. The unattainable. Rhaegar didn’t just fall for Lyanna’s looks, there was a lot more behind it. Like her lineage and possibly the Knight of the Laughing Tree not to mention his obsession with a certain prophesy. Besides beauty doesn’t instantly mean attraction. You can find yourself in front of the most beautiful person in the world and still not be attracted to him/her.

  39. Guys, there is absolute confirmation on the official HBO Making Game of Thrones page…Rhaegar’s the pappy!

  40. Moondoor: Maybe from the way Robert baratheon was speaking of her?
    Combined with thag she caught the eye of Rhaegr and he was willing to risk a war for her,just based on the way she looked at Harrenhal… people might expect a lot from the way this girl looks

    Though I personally do like the actress yhat was cast!

    Rhaegar’s falling for Lyanna was not just based on her looks. Have you read the books?

    Hints suggest she was the Laughing Tree Knight at the Tourney.
  41. Robin Moss,

    Yes! Though I think she’s beautiful myself–but her wolf blood and intelligent, defiant spirit definitely had something to do with it.
    People really need to give dying women who’ve just given birth a break. She is perfectly cast to look both a little like Arya and a little like Jon.
    Casting is really good on this show.

  42. Flayed Potatoes:
    Lisa0527,

    I’ve seen people on the internet who think the father is Robert or The Mad King.

    😀 My husband, who was as unspoiled as possible was like: “Wait, Jon Snow is the son of Ned and his sister?! Lannisterlike!?”
    I had to negate this right away, then he was guessing Robert Baratheeon, too… until we watched the Ozzy Man review…

  43. Undead Ice Kraken,

    It’s a fair conclusion for unsullied. Rhaegar has been mentioned very little and I think just twice were those mentions related to Lyanna. And one was in the very first ep. Give the unsullied some time to catch up. The Sansa one was explicit but still, so much gets thrown at you that not everything sticks.

  44. All of the Starks in S7 were pretty shit at their trade. Jon did awful as a commander, Bran fucked everything, Arya doped around Braavos in the open and almost got killed, Sansa hasn’t managed to show off her skills yet either.

    Issac likely means they will all do alot better working as a single unit.

  45. Robin Moss: Rhaegar’s falling for Lyanna was not just based on her looks. Have you read the books?

    Danny:
    Moondoor,

    Robert was in love, in love with an ideal.He never had her so in his mind she grew even more beautiful.The unattainable.Rhaegar didn’t just fall for Lyanna’s looks, there was a lot more behind it.Like her lineage and possibly the Knight of the Laughing Tree not to mention his obsession with a certain prophesy.Besides beauty doesn’t instantly mean attraction.You can find yourself in front of the most beautiful person in the world and still not be attracted to him/her.

    No I haven’t read the books. I know a bit more about the backstory but I was arguing from what the show has so far told us about Lyanna. I assumed the people complaining are not the book readers, should have clarified that.

    Off course Robert his view on Lyanna wasn’t necessarily objective in the same way Bran had heard/thought about Ned beating Arthur Dayne. IT’s not a realistic view but it is based on the information provided to Bran and in this case to us the audience.

  46. Halfman,

    haha then why didn’t they explicitly say it on the show? They weren’t waiting for George or planning the reveal for season 7. They just liked the graph reveal.

    touché

  47. Lord Parramandas:
    This scene is one of my favorites and Robert Aramayo totally sold me. I was initially very skeptical about him, when I saw him in the trailer for Oathbreaker. The Tower of Joy changed my mind and in this scene I liked him even more.

    Side note: I’ve noticed on Youtube that numerous people are complaning about Lyanna not being beautiful enough, even saying the actress was seriously miscast. Well, I definitely don’t agree with them.

    Yeah, because women look so hot when they are exhausted and bleeding to death. Methinks the idiots saying this have never woken up next to a real woman in the morning.

  48. This confuses me.

    From the way Isaac played Bran’s reaction – especially when Lyanna was whispering – I assumed he heard what she was saying.

    Are we supposed to now think he didn’t understand or hear what was happening??

    “[Bran] doesn’t exactly know what’s going on [between Lyanna and Ned]. He doesn’t really know why he’s being shown this anyway”

    Um, WHAT??

    We were all here speculating that Lyanna said something like “his name is…..” And it really looked like Bran heard. And he watched the Kingsguard talk about Rhaegar wanting them at the Tower, Ned being handed a newborn baby – just like the one he came home from the war with – and he doesn’t know what’s going on???

    I think perhaps the only way Bran sees its significance is 2 things –

    1) I posted a few days ago that I don’t actually think Bran will go straight to Winterfell but will instead go to Howland Reed – it’s no coincidence that the 3ER pointed him out AND that Meera’s with him.

    but 2) the significance must be why Rhaegar wanted Lyanna for the song of ice and fire OR/AND that they were married.

    Because if there’s a significance Bran needs to see that he hasn’t already, it must be something more, something deeper, than just Rhaegar and Lyanna were Jon’s parents.

  49. Shaz,

    Right???? Lyanna is dying and they want her to look stunning … the actress is very pretty IMO. And she nailed it … it was a very moving scene.

  50. Tycho Nestoris,

    Sorry, I don’t follow what you’re trying to say. Someone asked if there was any doubt over who Jon’s father is and there isn’t according to that link.

  51. Halfman,

    Sorry. I was just saying that the link explicitly says Rhaegar is Jon’s father whereas the show did not make it as explicit.

  52. Tycho Nestoris,

    Lol, no problem. It’s been a long day.

    From what Isaac said in his interview, it seems Bran hasn’t realised it’s Rhaegar either. I guess like Ned, he will be confused and surprised by the scene inside the TOJ. So I guess there will be more flashbacks to make it clear for the audience (and Bran)

  53. Mr. Robert Aramayo, you rock, ser! Impressed to Seven Hells with your young Ned. Hope to see you play him again. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

  54. Been seeing some theories on the scene with Dany sailing for Westeros saying she was actually in Westeros already since Varys was on the ship.

  55. Halfman,

    Re flashbacks: I hope so, esp tourney at Harrenhal. It’d be nice to see Rhaegar and Lyanna interact and dispel the “abduction” rumor.

    I don’t know if I will ever understand how Lyanna could run off but not tell her fam why. I was never a teenage girl though, so perhaps I’m not supposed to understand.

  56. In an interview with Vulture, Hempstead Wright addressed some of the fan theories that have yet to be confirmed, such as the possibility that the Night King’s touch on Bran has magically bound him to the White Walkers.

    “If Bran goes through the Wall, then can the White Walkers come through? That might be a difficult decision to make. That could be the end of Bran. Or maybe it just means that Bran needs to get through the Wall very quickly. Run! It’s going to be tough, whatever happens.”

    Uncle Benjen’s words in the Winds of Winter, assuming we can trust them, belie the theory that Bran’s mark will undo the magic of the Wall. Benjen drops Bran and Meera off at the heart tree with the Wall in the visible distance as he says his farewell.

    Benjen: This is where I leave you.

    Bran: You’re not coming with us?

    Benjen: The Wall is not just ice and stone. Ancient spells were carved into its foundations. Strong magic to protect men from what lies beyond. And while it stands, the dead cannot pass. I cannot pass.

  57. Lord Parramandas,

    Side note: I’ve noticed on Youtube that numerous people are complaning about Lyanna not being beautiful enough, even saying the actress was seriously miscast. Well, I definitely don’t agree with them.

    Seriously? She just had a baby for god’s sakes, she’s not going to look her best! People are so fricking ridiculous. I was surprised that we didn’t see her earlier, given how important the role was. Hopefully she is back next season, maybe for a vision sequence with Rygear.

  58. I mean, I can’t argue what the script said or what they’re going for here by trying to withhold some reveals. However, I don’t find it believable that Bran wouldn’t put two and two together and at least have a very good idea at who the father of the child is, since what he was always told is that Rhaegar abducted Lyanna and he now sees she had a baby 9-12 months later. Sansa mentioned that she was raped in the scene with Littlefinger in the Crypts of Winterfell, so one would assume all of the children have heard that story. (yes, I know he didn’t really abduct her and rape her)

    But hey, if this means we get a Rhaegar flashback at some point in the future just so that they can officially reveal something we already know, then I’m all for it.

  59. A woman who is bleeding to death doesn’t look pretty enough? Jesus wept.

    I’m also bewildered by people who didn’t realise the baby was Jon. How much more obvious does it need to be? They hit us over the head with it!

  60. Tycho Nestoris,

    I was never a teenage girl though, so perhaps I’m not supposed to understand.

    You have no idea how lucky you were 🙂

    IIRC Isaac has not read the books, correct? That would explain his confusion, esp if he is not reading the whole script. He is unsullied and like many, didn’t pick up on cues. I hink his mom actually knows but can’t tell hm (that must make for some awkward family dinnesrs)

  61. Issac is just playing the “I dont know game” that all the actors play. Its well known that if Lyanna was Jons mom, that Rheygar would 100% be the father. Cant believe anything the actors say, lol. Just like Jon was “definitely dead and not coming back.” Right, how that go again? lol.

  62. Jack Bauer 24,

    I like Sophie Turner. But I agree. I don’t know what the hell she is talking about in any of these interviews she’s been doing. None of what she says matches up with the way the scenes were shot and written. I read she said in one of the interviews Sansa is annoyed because Jon has given her no credit. I mean they literally had an entire scene where Jon tells her to take the Lord’s chamber because without her help they’d all be dead. If that wasn’t credit than what was it?

    So…yeah. I guess it’s best not to take anything she says seriously. The Comic Con appearance will be interesting though. If she sticks to this opinion she’s going to confuse the hell out of the audience.

  63. Lisa0527: Anyone agree with Isaac’s mom that it’s an X+L=J scenario, where X is not confirmed to be Rhaegar? I mean, it’s technically not confirmed until we see or hear it, but is there still any reasonable doubt?

    The official HBO Making of Thrones site has a diagram confirming that it’s Rhaegar.

  64. Jack Bauer 24,

    Uh, no. Varys went back to Mereen with the Martell/Tyrell ships because Dany didn’t have the 1000 ships she needed to move her army. Cogman confirmed this on Twitter.

  65. Ravyn,

    Yeah, you can even see Martel/Tyrell flags on some of the ships. The ships just jet packed over to Mereen along with Varys, like LF does all the time, thats all.

  66. Ravyn: The official HBO Making of Thrones site has a diagram confirming that it’s Rhaegar.

    Yes, but I’m worried about the lack of a marriage line between Lyanna and Rhaegar. Is that confirmation Jon is illegitimate or is it just too soon to know?

  67. RG:
    “sometimes the honorable thing to do is putting yourself on the firing line to protect something greater than yourself. That’s something he learns right now: to be principled and honorable, sometimes you’re the one who has to suffer.”

    I love when actors really understand the core of their characters. His scene with Lyanna-well at first I wondered why he was cast to be young Sean Bean…but his face in that scene made it all click. He was Ned.

    Also REALLY hoping Bran means what I think he means…more L and some R! ToH!! (harps, mystery knights and blue roses)

    I also love how Robert Aramayo explained this. He got Ned well. And his expression while Lyanna was whispering to him (shock, disbelief, confusion) and the baby was handed to him was on point.

  68. In another interview, Isaac called Team Stark the Fantastic Four. I thought that was a more fitting description than “Captain America”. 🙂

    “I think they can make a dream team. Like, we’ve got the amazing leader and warrior in Jon, Sansa’s becoming quite the diplomat, Arya can do the slicey, slicey assassin face-change thing, and Bran can be a tree wizard. We’ll be like the Fantastic Four.”

    http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/27/game-of-thrones-isaac-hempstead-wright-talks-jon-snows-father-and-brans-night-king-connection

  69. Ginevra: Yes, but I’m worried about the lack of a marriage line between Lyanna and Rhaegar.Is that confirmation Jon is illegitimate or is it just too soon to know?

    They will surely keep that information (if ever it’s true) until it’s revealed on the show. There’s no way they’d reveal it on an infographic.

  70. Sam,

    I surely hope so! I was surprised they revealed the R part of R + L = J in an infographic, since it wasn’t absolutely a given from TWoW’s ToJ scene.

  71. Ginevra,

    That is something, if true, that they wouldn’t reveal in such a way. Personally, while I think it’s possible, I don’t think it is something that is important. How the hell would it ever be proven to the point that all of Westeros believes it anyway? I think the combination of Stark and Targ blood is more important than whether or not he is legitimate and the Targaryen heir. And it’s not like a bastard can not rise up to be king. If Dany is barren, and she is somehow convinced that Jon is Rhaegar’s son, she may name him her heir. With the impending white walker threat, I don’t see a fight between Jon and Dany for the throne. It’s just not something Jon would do, IMO.

  72. orange,

    She probably is trying to give vague answers to avoid spoiling anything she might know about what is coming up next season. Sophie probably knows by this point that she’s quite likely to let something slip if she isn’t careful.
    Tbh none of the cast will say anything truthful about next season from now on. Everything they say will be either actual lies or misdirection. The long wait begins…

  73. Ginevra,

    But the infographic clearly states that it reflects what is known “at the moment”. I am mostly for Rhaegar being the dad but would not count out the Mad King just yet. Three dragon heads, three mothers, one father….

  74. Geralt of Rivia,

    I think the theme of blue roses (petals) that appears in Eddard ‘s dreams (or nightmares) is a conclusive indication. Remember that the victorious Rhaegar (at Harrenhal) urged his horse past Elia Martell, laying the blue winter rose laurel of the queen of beauty in Lyanna’s lap. So it is most likely that the correct equation is : R + L = J.

  75. oh well, maybe Lyanna was not the most beautiful woman in the planetos, but she IS beautiful, according to Ned, Robert, Rhaegar, the people in Winterfell, and even Kevan Lannister said that Lyanna has a wild beauty.
    Emma Watson looks closest to my imagination of Lyanna Stark, but i like the actress who plays show!Lyanna too, she looks alot like Maisie.
    Hope that we will see Rhaegar in season 7. And I really really want Michael Fassbender plays Rhaegar T_T i dont care that hes a bit too old for this role, i just want him to play Rhaegar. If not him, then Sam Claffin is my second choice

  76. orange,

    I would assume she meant “public credit” for her participation. There is no question Jon acknowledged her role in the victory when they were together but, during the meeting, not so much.
    The northern lords can lift their swords and shout “king in the north” all they want; they can overcompensate for their lack of participation until they turn blue in face, it will not change a simple fact : the battle was won by the Freefolk (whom Jon convinced to join) and the Vale (whom Sansa brought in).
    I believe I already mentioned it somewhere else (sorry for the repetition) but it gives me a Blackwater-y vibe : both Tyrion and Tywin (here Sansa and Jon) helped win the battle, yet only one gets official credit. A little public shoutout goes a long way…

    Furthermore, there is asymetry in the apologies. Sansa apologised for not having told Jon about the Knights of the Vale while her brother/cousin did not apologise for not having listened to her advice concerning Ramsay. Added to the fact that, in the same episode, we saw what happened to people who do not pay attention to warnings (RIP High Sparrow, he who refused to listen to Margaery)… It may seem like a petty detail but I believe there is a bit of foreshadowing here.
    Now that the North has declared its independence (again), it will not just fight against the White Walkers but also against the Crown (namely Cercei). Jon probably does not even remember Cercei whereas Sansa lived with her (Ramsay redux); she could provide vital information about her mindset and how to deal with her. Will Jon listen to her ? Will she make him listen ? Will she grow frustrated ?

    So while Isaac’s “superb diplomat” may be a bit of an overstatement, he has a point in that Sansa knows more about the North’s political opponents than Jon (or any northern lord) does.

    As for the actress playing Lyanna… FFS ! She is gorgeous and, considering her character had just given birth and was in the middle of bleeding to death, she was the most magnificent woman in Westeros. People are weird !

  77. Sansa, a superb diplomat?? What?? from where? From the scenes with Lady Mormont and Lord Glover? :)). So, considering it’s X+L=J, I guess next season Bran will need to go back even further in time and see the moment of conception… :))). How old is he in the show?

  78. Angie:
    Ginevra,

    But the infographic clearly states that it reflects what is known “at the moment”. I am mostly for Rhaegar being the dad but would not count out the Mad King just yet. Three dragon heads, three mothers, one father….

    I’m not seeing “at the moment” anywhere on this page, Angie. Where are you seeing it?

    http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/got-connections-ned-promise-tower-of-joy-infographic

    What I do see is this:

    To see how they [sic] key players related to each other at that moment in GoT history, check out the infographic below.

    Ignoring the typo, the article is saying that the graphic shows the relationships of all the players to each other when Jon is born, which implies that Lyanna and Rhaegar were not in fact married or engaged at that moment in history.

  79. Shaz,

    The girl they cast looks sooo much like one of my friends from high school. Lyanna came off as more gentle and sweet than I envisioned her to be going by the various descriptions I’ve heard from book readers. Things like fierce, wolf-like, strong-willed. It was heartbreaking when she said she wants to be brave, but is afraid to die. Also now I think of it she didn’t look like the young girl on horseback in Bran’s first vision at WF.

  80. It looks like at this point, between season finale and getting the scripts for the next one, the actors enjoy being on the same page with the audience: sharing their predictions and speculations, and messing with everyone’s expectations like Sophie usually does in a quite relaxed manner.

  81. OT: A local bar posts reaction videos of the patrons watching and I just love the crowd’s enthusiasm so thought I’d share 🙂

  82. Some people were trying to guess the name Lyanna whispered in Ned’s ear. After reading this bit from the EW article I think she might have named Jon after his father, Rhaegar.

    “We also went and asked the finale’s director, Miguel Sapochnik, about the identity of Snow’s dad, he said he couldn’t outright tell us. But then he hinted, “I reckon if you turn the sound right up and listen carefully it might just give you the answer you need”

  83. orange,

    Jon gave her credit when they were alone. He shouldn’t have accepted being King in the North. It was her idea to retake Winterfell, the Knights of the Vale came because of her and she killed Ramsay at the end. She avenged the Red Wedding. She has the legitimate claim. I think he was surprised and overwhelmed and forgot about her little sister again. I understand she is a little jealous and worried. It’s obvious she doesn’t trust Jon. They were never close and her mother always hated him.
    I believe the script must say something about her reaction, because both Kit and Liam stated Sansa wasn’t happy about it.
    But I don’t think Sansa would attempt to harm Jon. Besides, Bran has to go to Winterfell …

  84. Mag,

    I agree, except for the Red Wedding part. Arya, Ramsay, Olenna (and LF by extension) avenged the Red Wedding. I guess by extension of LF Sansa avenged it too. I agree with all then : )

    I do think that Sansa is hiding her emotions well. I am not sure if she actually cares about being QitN or is just pretending not to care.

  85. Mag,

    Yes, Sansa was the one who wanted to march on Winterfell, but it was Jon’s army which actually fought the battle. Neither Jon nor Sansa alone deserve the credit for avenging the RW.

    Mag:
    orange,

    Jon gave her credit when they were alone. He shouldn’t have accepted being King in the North. It was her idea to retake Winterfell, the Knights of the Vale came because of her and she killed Ramsay at the end. She avenged the Red Wedding. She has the legitimate claim. I think he was surprised and overwhelmed and forgot about her little sister again. I understand she is a little jealous and worried.

    Why again? When was the first time he forgot his little sister? I don’t agree he forgot her here either. As soon as they started declaring him KitN, he looked at Sansa for her reaction and she smiled at him.
    As to why he did not acknowledge her as queen in that moment , it could be part ambition – it was always part of his innermost desires to be Lord of Winterfell, but moreso necessity. Even in that gathering he was talking about the impending threat of the WWs, that is his topmost priority and at such a time , he may feel that he needs to be the one to lead the North. And he wouldn’t be wrong.

  86. The sad part about the Jon, Sansa, and Littlefinger storylines this past season is that they could so easily have been better.

    LF never should have met with Sansa early in the season and offered help. It should have been Sansa’s idea, she sends a letter for assistance, but we’re not sure LF will come, since the last we saw of him, he was plotting with Cersei. And, Sansa tells Jon about it. The Vale army would then shows up before the battle, but the audience doesn’t see this on screen in order to keep up the drama. Instead, the battle happens similar to what we saw. But, when it looks like Jon’s force is about to lose, he gives a signal and the Vale knights rush out of the trees and crush the Boltons from behind.

    This way, Sansa doesn’t looke passive and as easily manipulated by LF. Jon looks like a decent commander for coming up with the hammer and anvil strategy. And, LF still gets to look like Sansa’s rescuer.

  87. ramsayreek:
    Interesting that Isaac even says Bran doesn’t have the full ToJ picture yet, and that he also realize who the father is yet.

    I would have assumed since Bran was raised and educated on the way Royalty works in Westeros, he could have put two and two together when he saw the Kingsguard outside the ToJ and he knew that Rheagar had “run off with” Lyanna. Those two facts alone should have him immediately think there’s a 99.9% chance Rheagar is the father.

    I am thinking the samething. I think that Issac is pulling another Kit here. He knows that Bran knows but can’t say anything. Believe it or not, people still believe that it is Dani and not Jon. They come up with all these convoluted plans & traveling cross country with some magical baby swap. Meanwhile there is a Massive war going on but, they will let babies criss cross the country. Sometimes a glass of water is just that a glass of water.

    The Look on Brans face at this part is that not only did he hear but understands fully what his father did. Once again Ned Lied about that day, The battle & the baby that he brought home. Everyone knew( or thought that they knew) that Rhaegar stole/ ran away with off with Lyanan . Who else could be the baby’s father. There is even a look of wide eye realization of Brans face with a deep swallow. I think that Isaac’s bran knows( though not in his scrip) but still isn’t saying any thing. I do think that they have too much to start closing up for season 7 & 8. We will get the entire story on the TOJ & other related material from GRRM. I think that they are leaving that on purpose, let him finish this tale.
    I have watched this episode many many times. & from what I THINK I heard SPOILER ALERT!!!!

    Lyanna say that he is ours & his name is Jaehaerys, You have to protect him from Robert, Blah Blah Blah.

  88. Tycho Nestoris,

    I do think that Sansa is hiding her emotions well. I am not sure if she actually cares about being QitN or is just pretending not to care.

    I agree. If anything Sansa should have learned from her time in KL is to not show her true emotions.

  89. ygritte:
    Some people were trying to guess the name Lyanna whispered in Ned’s ear. After reading this bit from the EW article I think she might have named Jon after his father, Rhaegar.

    “We also went and asked the finale’s director, Miguel Sapochnik, about the identity of Snow’s dad, he said he couldn’t outright tell us. But then he hinted, “I reckon if you turn the sound right up and listen carefully it might just give you the answer you need”

    I heard Jaehearys. If I remember correctly, he was a good king that brought peace to the entire relm. I heard some people say that she named him Aryes(sp) why would she name Jon after a BSC King. & naming him Rhaegar would be not only stuipid but obvious

  90. Tycho Nestoris,

    Yes, I had to explain to my friends who the father likely was … remember the crypt … remember LF and Sansa and Ned and Robert … we think they telegraph things and yet it is not so obvious

  91. Ginevra,

    Uncle Benjen’s words in the Winds of Winter, assuming we can trust them, belie the theory that Bran’s mark will undo the magic of the Wall.

    Barring this, what are your thoughts on how they do get through the Wall?

  92. Flayed Potatoes:
    Lisa0527,

    I’ve seen people on the internet who think the father is Robert or The Mad King.

    And what series have they been watching all this time. 1st Season Robert says that he will kill every single Targaryen he finds ( later Changes his mind on Dani). And Aeryes(sp), enough said about the Mad King

  93. ghost of winterfell:
    Mag,
    As to why [Jon] did not acknowledge [Sansa] as queen in that moment , it could be part ambition – it was always part of his innermost desires to be Lord of Winterfell, but moreso necessity. Even in that gathering he was talking about the impending threat of the WWs, that is his topmost priority and at such a time , he may feel that he needs to be the one to lead the North. And he wouldn’t be wrong.

    After Jon’s rebirth at the beginning of the season, he was completely different: brooding, morose, and ambivalent. And he was that way all season, much to the chagrin of the fans. But in BomB, he experienced a second rebirthing that changed all of that.

    When Jon climbs over the bodies and stares down Ramsey, he has a look in his eyes he hasn’t had all season, one that I don’t think he’s ever had on the show: the look of absolute intent, a man who knows what he wants and is about to go take it. This season has been about Jon’s death. First the death of his body. Then the death of his belief, and the death of his will. Then finally the death of his hope. Only in the final minutes of “Battle of the Bastards” has Jon truly returned to life, and now we’ll finally see the change that everybody expected back when life returned to his body.

    Jon always had the ice. Now he has the fire.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/gameofthrones/comments/4pndkb/everything_jons_story_in_battle_of_the_bastards/

    So Jon is on fire to meet his goal of defeating the White Walkers and protecting the realm. He is now willing and eager to accept that which will help him accomplish these goals.

  94. Darkrobin:
    Ginevra,

    Uncle Benjen’s words in the Winds of Winter, assuming we can trust them, belie the theory that Bran’s mark will undo the magic of the Wall.

    Barring this, what are your thoughts on how they do get through the Wall?

    One or more of the horns will be key. Euron seems like a great potential hornblower. He’s certainly full of hot air.

  95. Angie,

    No…it states : To see how they key players related to each other at that moment in GoT history, check out the infographic below.

    At THAT moment is completely different than AT the moment. So it is confirmed.

    Since Robert is no longer an option, those who just want to grasp at straws have turned onto a new theory: the mad king! LOL Have fun with that. 🙂

  96. How is no one talking about the lingering close up of Dawn being placed on the bed.

    Jon the baby was born *literally* under a bleeding star. Ned used Dawn to kill Arthur Dayne, and Dawn is made from meteorite…

    Jon is the Prince

  97. Lisa0527,

    I think because she whispered to her brother than “Robert will kill him…” this leads me to believe that the father IS Raegar. It is not unknown.

  98. Ser Matt the Sullen:
    How is no one talking about the lingering close up of Dawn being placed on the bed.

    Jon the baby was born *literally* under a bleeding star. Ned used Dawn to kill Arthur Dayne, and Dawn is made from meteorite…

    Jon is the Prince

    Lyanna died under a bleeding star, but Jon wasn’t born under a bleeding star. Dawn wasn’t even in the room when he was born.

  99. Lisa0527,

    Dawn was outside the door on Ser Arthur Dayne’s belt….guarding Lyanna. It was at the same location, I wouldn’t have thought it needed to be in the actual room. Not many men actually attended women in childbirth in medieval times.

  100. Ser Matt the Sullen:
    How is no one talking about the lingering close up of Dawn being placed on the bed.

    Jon the baby was born *literally* under a bleeding star. Ned used Dawn to kill Arthur Dayne, and Dawn is made from meteorite…

    Jon is the Prince

    I agree. That was a very deliberate decision when they filmed the scene.

  101. Flayed Potatoes,

    I really hope we get at least a couple, something from the Tourney at Harrenhal to show us how they met, and something later showing that she ran off with Rhaegar willingly, not kidnapped/raped. We need the truth!

  102. ghost of winterfell,

    I think the Rhaegar flashback will be the battle of the trident. Rhaegar will tell his most valued Kingsguard not to fight beside him, but to guard the tower or joy. Then Robert kills him and he falls to the ground whispering a women’s name….. Lyanna

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