It seems too easy for Game of Thrones to end with Daenerys Targaryen on the Iron Throne. That’s why a popular theory has circulated that she’s destined for a villainous Evil Queen reign just like her dad — but in a pre-Season 7 interview with HuffPost, Jorah shot this theory down.
On July 9, Iain Glen, who plays Jorah, said that the idea of Dany as the ultimate villain is “highly unlikely.” He continued, “I mean, this is Iain speaking and Jorah speaking ― we share the same voice ― my belief in her is such that I can’t see her going that way myself, so I think that’s highly unlikely…I don’t believe that would happen.”
Note that Glen offers no evidence besides his belief in her, which comes from a place of love. There’s actually plenty of evidence for Daenerys as an Evil Queen. As her dearly departed lover Daario pointed out in Season 6, she wasn’t made to sit in an uncomfortable chair; she’s a conqueror. Further, a Targaryen sweeping into war-torn Westeros with dragons is far more likely to alarm the populace than inspire them. While it’s exciting to watch her burn random extras with dragonfire, in Seasons 1 through 6, it will be far more sinister if it’s people we know like Jaime Lannister.
But the most supportive evidence for Dany as the villain is textual.
Game of Thrones is a fantasy story that subverts traditional fantasy tropes. The stalwart heroes die. The handsome knights in shining armor are gay (Loras) or incestuous Kingslayers (Jaime Lannister) while the truly chivalric characters are disgraced and uncouth (Sandor Clegane) or a woman who hardly commands widespread respect (Brienne). The princess in the tower (Sansa) is rescued not by a prince but by a horribly maimed old friend, and she kills her enemy herself.
But on the other hand, if the story ended with the long-lost Queen righteously claimed her throne, that isn’t subverting a fantasy trope — it’s fulfilling one. Because of previous narrative precedent, it makes sense for Dany to be the villain.
But of course, Jorah can’t see the story’s tapestry when he’s in it. He’s just talking about her heart.
Will Jorah prove to be right, or will he die of Greyscale before he even finds out?
Game of Thrones Season 7 premieres July 16 on HBO.
