Game of Thrones‘ Jon Snow sequel is no longer happening, and that’s a shame because it’s the one thing The Lord of the Rings never did. The initial reports of a Jon Snow spinoff series surfaced in 2022, offering hope that we’d learn what happens to Kit Harington’s character after the events of Game of Thrones. Sadly, Harington revealed that the Jon Snow series is no longer in development in July 2024. Given the skepticism surrounding a Game of Thrones sequel, this was met with a mixture of disappointment and relief.

However, Harington’s character has one of the most open endings of the entire show, so a sequel might have worked for him. Being banished beyond the Wall opens all kinds of possibilities. Of course, with the Night King and White Walkers seemingly gone, it’s hard to say what threats Jon would face in a spinoff series. Still, there are some loose threads surrounding his character that a Game of Thrones sequel could address. Additionally, a new Jon Snow story could have given HBO’s fantasy franchise the chance to do something Lord of the Rings didn’t.

How Jon Snow’s Ending Paralleled Frodo In Lord Of The Rings

The Game Of Thrones Hero’s Journey Is Surprisingly Similar

Jon Snow is often compared to Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings, as he’s skilled with a sword, has messy hair, and is even the secret heir to the throne. However, Jon’s character arc also mirrors Frodo’s in a lot of ways — and this is especially true when it comes to their endings. Throughout The Lord of the Rings, Frodo is an unlikely and often overlooked hero, and Jon matches this description as well. Because he’s a bastard, most of Game of Thrones’ major players overlook him. However, it’s thanks to him that Westeros doesn’t fall to a tyrant.

Of course, killing Daenerys for the greater good is a traumatic experience for Jon. As Tyrion puts it, he sacrifices love to do his duty to the realm. And by the time Game of Thrones ends, Jon is obviously struggling with the decisions he’s made. Both aiding Daenerys in her assault on King’s Landing and betraying her leave their mark on him. One gets the sense that he’s lost a crucial part of himself as he rides beyond the Wall with Tormund and the Wildlings. This is true of Frodo at the end of The Return of the King as well.

Frodo’s exit feels similar to Jon’s, as they both leave the homes they’ve always known filled with trauma and regret.

After his harrowing journey to destroy the One Ring, Frodo eventually makes the decision to leave Middle-earth for the Undying Lands. His departure is much more final than Jon’s, as J.R.R. Tolkien implies that those with corporeal forms cannot return from Valinor after the Fall of Númenor. Still, Frodo’s exit feels similar to Jon’s, as they both leave the homes they’ve always known filled with trauma and regret. We don’t learn what happens to Frodo — though presumably he finds peace — but a Game of Thrones sequel could have clarified what’s next for Jon.

Seeing Jon Snow After Game Of Thrones Is What We Didn’t Get With Frodo

The Fantasy Franchise Could Have Grappled With His Trauma

Both Frodo and Jon have similar endings, but Game of Thrones could have explored Jon’s trauma further in a sequel series. The Lord of the Rings keeps the Undying Lands a mysterious location beyond Middle-earth, so viewers can’t see what happens to Frodo after his departure. HBO’s Jon Snow spinoff could have answered this question for Jon, though, going where The Lord of the Rings never did. So many fantasy series fail to show the toll that their adventures take on the main characters after the fact. Game of Thrones’ sequel would have stood out in that regard.

Seeing how Jon heals from th

Seeing how Jon heals from the events of Game of Thrones season 8 would have made a compelling story on its own, and that’s not accounting for whatever fantastical threats the sequel would have come up with. HBO’s canceled spinoff could have been a character study, allowing viewers to see a totally new side of Jon — and revealing if he comes back from his lowest point. The Lord of the Rings and many other fantasy stories leave viewers to wonder if their favorite characters will be okay. The Jon Snow sequel could have offered a definitive answer.

Why Game Of Thrones’ Jon Snow Spinoff Isn’t Happening

Despite having the opportunity to expand on Jon’s character, HBO’s Game of Thrones sequel isn’t happening because they “couldn’t find the right story to tell.” This is what Harington told Screen Rant, and it suggests the creators struggled to find an external threat to balance Jon’s internal struggle. The latter offers an intriguing story on its own, but the Jon Snow spinoff would need another conflict to drive things forward. With the Night King and White Walkers seemingly gone, it’s difficult to imagine what that would be.

Even Jon’s Targaryen heritage doesn’t mean much when you consider that Bran is on the Iron Throne. Under other circumstances, Jon’s identity could have fueled the Game of Thrones sequel’s central narrative. However, Jon is unlikely to take the throne from one of his siblings. He’d also have little reason to, as he doesn’t want the responsibility that accompanies it. And Bran is unlikely to abuse his power. With multiple avenues blocked, it’s easy to see why Game of Thrones‘ Jon Snow spinoff isn’t happening — even if it’s disappointing that we won’t see how he fares beyond the Wall.