While Jon Snow’s saga may have reached its conclusion for the time being, there is still room for his character to potentially resurface in any future installments of HBO’s Game of Thrones, including a hypothetical Season 9. Although the narrative’s end doesn’t explicitly pave the way for new adventures, it certainly leaves the door open for possibilities.
Interestingly, HBO had previously considered reviving Jon Snow’s story through a planned sequel series starring Kit Harington. Despite efforts in development, the project was ultimately abandoned when the creative team struggled to formulate a compelling narrative. This highlights the challenges that a new season would face, but in today’s entertainment landscape—with reboots and continuations becoming commonplace—nothing is entirely out of the question. Notably, even though Jon’s tale may resemble the conclusion of his literary counterpart in A Song of Ice and Fire, there is a significant character worth incorporating into future plots.
Missed Opportunities: The Omission of a Key Character
An Underutilized Wildling Character
Overall, Game of Thrones adapted Jon Snow’s storyline relatively well from the source material. However, it glossed over some complexities, simplifying his character to an archetypal hero and omitting various moral dilemmas that define his character development, particularly in A Dance with Dragons. Despite these simplifications, fans appreciated Jon’s ultimate trajectory but felt a significant character was unjustly left out: Val.
Val, introduced in A Storm of Swords as the sister of Dalla, Mance Rayder’s wife, plays a crucial role in Jon’s narrative, particularly following Ygritte’s demise. Val is depicted as a bold and determined wildling, and her potent chemistry with Jon suggests a compelling romantic subplot, one that could unfold further in the books.
Incorporating Val not only enriches Jon’s storyline but also embraces themes of personal connection and desire. Despite his connections to his past, Val represents new possibilities for Jon—family, love, and an acceptance of his Stark identity.
With Val’s darkly enticing persona providing a captivating contrast to Jon, their interactions symbolize temptation and conflict. If Jon were to choose a life with her, he might embrace his Stark heritage entirely. In this way, Val embodies opportunities that spark inner turmoil for Jon Snow.
“‘Did you follow me as well?’ Jon reached to shoo the bird away but ended up stroking its feathers. The raven cocked its eye at him. ‘Snow,’ it muttered, bobbing its head knowingly. Then Ghost emerged from between two trees, with Val beside him. They look as though they belong together. Val was clad all in white; white woolen breeches tucked into high boots of bleached white leather, white bearskin cloak pinned at the shoulder with a carved weirwood face, white tunic with bone fastenings. Her breath was white as well … but her eyes were blue, her long braid the color of dark honey, her cheeks flushed red from the cold. It had been a long while since Jon Snow had seen a sight so lovely.”- Jon XI, A Dance with Dragons.
The decision to exclude Val was likely made to streamline the plot, as was the case with several elements in Jon’s narrative arc—including the surprising twist that Mance Rayder survives. While one can understand the showrunners’ rationale, many fans lament this significant loss.
Reimagining Val’s Role in Jon Snow’s Future
Val’s Adaptation: A New Direction
While Val’s original storyline may not directly translate into a potential Season 9 of Game of Thrones, her character still holds immense potential for inclusion. By maintaining her defining traits and relationship with Jon Snow, creators can craft a meaningful narrative. This adaptation can preserve the essence of Val while allowing her to evolve within the storyline.
Given Jon’s continued ties to the wildlings, it is plausible for Val to be woven into this new arc. Although she might not carry the same lineage as Mance Rayder, her core characteristics can resonate throughout Jon’s journey. It is easy to envision her leading a faction of wildlings, either as an ally or a figure with conflicting motivations; alternatively, their relationship may blossom, culminating in a romance that reinforces Jon’s growth.
The exploration of Jon’s trauma stemming from his past experiences with Daenerys offers an emotional depth. Val could emerge as a pivotal figure helping him navigate those feelings of guilt, fostering healing and love once again. In many ways, she personifies a blend of Jon’s past loves—Ygritte’s fierceness and Daenerys’s strength—illustrating a full circle for Jon’s emotional landscape.
Ultimately, a renewed focus on Jon Snow’s story could delve into themes of exploration and discovery. The uncharted territories to the north present countless possibilities for adventure and intrigue, an opportunity that could invite new mysteries without overly relying on the White Walkers. A narrative featuring Jon’s exploration and a potential reunion with Val could transform the series into a profound and exciting journey, finally doing justice to a character from the books that undoubtedly deserves more screen time.