Game of Thrones' Kit Harington can see the Jon Snow sequel happening now he's "more comfortable" with that world again

The actor who defined Jon Snow in Game of Thrones revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that the original sequel series—planned in 2022 and developed for two years—was abandoned in 2024 because HBO deemed its tone “too downbeat.” The scrapped storyline would have followed Snow in exile beyond the Wall, without his direwolf Ghost or sword Longclaw. Harington explained that his own reluctance grew as he wrestled with returning to a world that felt “not quite the right story.” However, he noted a fresh creative push: writer Quoc Dang Tran, known for Drops of God, has been attached, and the narrative is being re‑imagined in Essos with Arya Stark potentially joining Snow’s arc. Simultaneously, HBO confirmed Harington’s casting as Defense‑Against‑the‑Dark‑Arts professor Gilderoy Lockhart for season 2 of its Harry Potter series—a role he previously voiced for Audible’s full‑cast audio editions. Harington linked the new part to his personal sobriety journey, describing Lockhart’s self‑obsession as a “tiny step” from his own experience.

The shift reflects HBO’s broader strategy of mining its most valuable franchises while staying agile about tone and audience appetite. After the mixed reception of the “House of the Dragon” spin‑off, executives appear cautious about launching another grim fantasy extension that could alienate viewers. By relocating Snow’s story to the more politically diverse landscape of Essos and inserting a beloved character like Arya, HBO hopes to inject fresh conflict without repeating the bleakness that killed the original concept. At the same time, casting Harington in the Harry Potter universe signals the network’s intent to cross‑pollinate talent across its fantasy slate, leveraging his existing fan base to boost a high‑profile, yet still‑unreleased, adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s world.

If the Essos‑based script proves compelling, HBO could green‑light a Jon Snow continuation, but the project remains speculative until a formal order is announced. Risks include audience fatigue with yet‑another “Game of Thrones” extension and the challenge of integrating Arya without undermining her own narrative closure. Harington’s dual involvement also raises scheduling questions; his commitment to the Harry Potter series may limit his availability for a snow‑bound saga. Watch for HBO’s upcoming development slate updates, especially any pilot orders or writer’s‑room reports, which will indicate whether the Jon Snow revival moves from rumor to production.