Game of Thrones Season 8 is arguably the most highly anticipated series in the world, with devoted fans eager for any information about the upcoming episodes ahead of its release next year.
Wilf Scolding, the actor who portrayed Rhaegar Targaryen in Season 7, recently engaged with fans in a Q&A on the Instagram account Universe of Thrones. During the exchange, he confirmed that he had been on set in Belfast earlier this year for filming.
This strongly suggests that Rhaegar Targaryen will be returning in the new season—but in what capacity, and for what purpose?
Fans of both Game of Thrones and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series will recognize Rhaegar Targaryen as the older brother of Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke).
Prior to the events of the series and books, Rhaegar was the rightful heir to the Targaryen dynasty but met his end at the hands of Robert Baratheon during the Battle of the Trident.
Before his death, the prince secretly eloped with the Stark princess Lyanna (Aisling Franciosi), who had already been betrothed to Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy).
A long-standing fan theory known as R+L=J suggested that Jon Snow (Kit Harington) was actually the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, making him a Targaryen by birthright.
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This theory was officially confirmed in Season 7, much to the delight of fans, through one of Bran Stark’s (Isaac Hempstead Wright) visions.
In the vision, a secret marriage between Rhaegar and Lyanna was revealed, proving that Jon was not a bastard, but in fact the rightful heir to the Iron Throne—above even his newfound love interest, Daenerys, who was also revealed as his aunt.
This moment also marked the first time Rhaegar appeared on screen.
Why Is Rhaegar Targaryen Returning in Game of Thrones Season 8?
Given that Scolding was filming in Belfast for Season 8, it is highly likely that Rhaegar will appear in new scenes.
However, the exact context of his return remains uncertain. The most straightforward explanation would be additional flashbacks and visions.
Yet, as the series has established, Bran’s visions are not limited to mere glimpses of the past—certain events appear to be intricately connected across time, linking the past, present, and future in unexpected ways.
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A prime example of this was seen in the now-infamous “Hold the Door” episode, where events in the future directly impacted a pivotal moment in the past, shaping Hodor’s (Kristian Nairn) entire fate and explaining his disability.
Could a similar time-altering revelation be in store for Rhaegar? Or is there an even more shocking twist suggesting he was never truly dead to begin with?
Scolding took to Instagram to express his gratitude for portraying such a significant character, stating:
“I had to try to do the best job I could, to do the character justice!”
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There is also the possibility that fans will witness a flashback to Rhaegar’s dramatic death at the Battle of the Trident, or perhaps a reenactment of the legendary Tourney of Harrenhal.
During that fateful event, Rhaegar famously won the joust but shocked the realm by placing a crown of winter roses in Lyanna’s lap—honoring her as the Queen of Love and Beauty instead of his own wife, Elia Martell of Dorne.
Another intriguing possibility is that Bran may use his abilities to communicate with Rhaegar, potentially allowing Jon the chance to speak with his father through visions.
Whatever the case may be, the truth behind Rhaegar’s presence will remain a mystery until Game of Thrones returns for its final season. Game of Thrones Season 8 is expected to premiere in Spring 2019 on HBO.
