Even if the North might not remember one of these characters next season, fans certainly will, but who’s in and who’s (possibly) out?
Warning: While these are comparatively mild spoilers for Game of Thrones, if you want to go into next season without knowing anything, this might ruin your experience.
The final season of a show is the kind of occasion that could see characters return for one last hurrah. Unfortunately for Game of Thrones fans, Ellie Kendrick, who plays Meera Reed, has said she probably won’t be in that category for season 8. That’s according to our sister site Winter is Coming.
While we agree with WiC that at this point, it’s unlikely, we can think of a reason that Meera might return. Now that Sam and Bran have both discovered the truth of Jon Snow’s parentage, a logical next step might be to consult Howland Reed. He was at the Tower of Joy and could presumably confirm whether or not Lyanna Stark had a baby there, offering some more solid evidence. It’s something I brought up during the season as a prediction. And it’s a point that keeps bothering me now.
Now, this doesn’t justify a Kendrick appearance entirely, though — all that could be used is a raven, and the prop department could put together a letter. If this small subplot comes to pass, then that’s still a very likely route. Admittedly, we also support Kendrick’s idea of getting Meera a dragon, as she suggested in the original interview.
What has been already confirmed, and which WiC notes refers to in passing but Entertainment Weekly has also reported on, is that Dolorous Edd, of all characters, is set for a comeback in season 8. That means it’s time to speculate on his role as well, although EW notes that it’s “it’s still unclear.”
Speculation never hurt, right? Perhaps Tormund’s possible survival (something else this writer has been suggesting since the end of season 7) has something to do with Edd? Crompton points out that “Edd is manning Castle Black” and thus presumably would be in a place to send a rescue team if news of Eastwatch reaches him quickly. It’s hard to see how some immediate impacts wouldn’t immediately be felt after the Wall’s collapse. Additionally, in its Kendrick article, WiC tells us that Kristofer Hivju is in Belfast.
We’re not saying that this increases the possibility that Tormund’s alive, but we’re certainly thinking it very hard.
Next: More season 8 spoilers: Another day, another hint
Game of Thrones has more surprises in store for season 8, casting-wise. Keep it here.