Nobody on Game of Thrones is ever guaranteed to make it to the end, whether they’re a Stark, a Lannister, Jon Snow, or a random side character. But a new casting report from the set ensures that one seemingly expendable character will surprisingly make it to Season 8: Theon Greyjoy.
Watchers on the Wall reports that actor Brendan Cowell has been cast as Harrag the Ironborn, a minor and unimportant book character. This is not inherently fascinating news on its own, but it signifies that Theon — who has had a target on his back ever since the show gave him a redemption arc — will make it to the end of Season 7.
Why? Because Jeremy Podeswa, who is directing the Season 7 finale, was also present — signifying the episode’s place in the season.
Further, Harrag the Ironborn is part of Theon’s forces. Now, it’s certainly possible that the show will instead make him part of Yara’s forces, and Theon could still be dead. But either way, one Greyjoy sibling is not only making it to the end of Season 7 but playing a role in its doubtlessly explosive finale.
As Harrag dies in the Sack of Winterfell in the books, the show is moving him to a later place in the story. Most likely, he’ll fight and be killed by real-world MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who will also appear as an Ironborn fighting for Euron Greyjoy in Season 7.
While the Iron Born have been largely given side plots thus far, it looks like Season 7 could be their time to shine.
