THE KING RETURNS
We chat to Kit Harington about the new season of Game of Thrones
Happiness is fleeting on Game of Thrones. Though Kit Harington’s character Jon Snow transcended his bastard-son heritage to be hailed King in the North – with the help of his half-sister Sansa Stark – his days of celebration are numbered. Heading into the HBO drama’s penultimate season, “Jon is in a weird place,” explains Kit. “There are White Walkers knocking at the door. The world is in disarray. People are dead. And yet, on a personal level, he’s become legitimate in a way he never thought possible.” Talking family, fame and theft, the 30-year-old British hunk invites Woman’s Day to Westeros.
How does Jon’s new responsibility motivate his actions in season seven?
It weighs heavily on him. He’s in a really good place because he’s King in the North, but that’s not easy. He has to fight people within his own ranks. Don’t expect to see skippy, fun-loving Jon.
Fan theories speculate that Jon is actually a member of the Targaryen family. How would he react to that news?
Jon is hard to shock. He’s seen a Night King raise a horde of dead men 100,000-strong and he’s come back to life himself. As far as finding out his true identity, if he has one, it’s low on the list of things he’s looking to find out.
So what does he want?
To find his siblings, save his friends and bring stability to the world. This is what makes Jon Snow genuinely good. If he could find out his identity or bring peace to the world, he’d choose peace. He’s very selfless – he’s a lover.
Now he’s in power, do the White Walkers fear Jon?
They’re intrigued by him. There’s a moment where the Night King looks at Jon from the top of a cliff and you get the feeling that there’s something he doesn’t like about Jon. It’s terrifying. They’re out to get him.
What could potentially tear apart Jon and Sansa?
Sibling rivalry or Littlefinger – he has a strange connection to Sansa.
Who is The Best fit For the Iron Throne?
Tyrion – he has his head and heart in the right place. He’s also prepared to do bad things to keep people safe. Jon is probably the most moral person, but that’s not the best person to lead.
Is it hard to fathom Game of Thrones coming to an end?
If you asked me between
season five and six, I would have been like, “This is mad, this can’t be my entire existence.” Now I’m getting emotional about it. I’m going to miss this.
How do you want to see Jon go out?
I can’t say if I make it through the season. But I know where the end is for me. I’d like to see Jon fulfil his dream of seeing his family and world safe.
Will you snag anything from the set?
My plan is to raid the place. I’m just going to steal everything!