Spoilers ahead for the Season 8 premiere of Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones' Season 8 premiere was packed with plot twists, but there was still time for the episode to add some fuel to a popular fan theory regarding a long-gone character. As fans know well, Daenerys' husband Khal Drogo did not survive the first season, and he lives on only in memories. Or does he? Could Khal Drogo be a little closer than he seems?
Before Jon Snow learned that he is Daenerys' nephew in the Season 8 premiere, the two went out for a while, with Jon riding Rhaegal. Following the ride, they took in the sight of a majestic waterfall and proceeded to kiss. Dany was clearly enjoying herself, but Drogon -- named for the late Khal Drogo -- gave Jon a super strange look, which Jon definitely noticed.
Fans have their theories for why Drogon was looking at Jon like that, and Game of Thrones’ sound designer shares in the theory. What do fans think? See for yourself:
Well, Drogon ripping Jon's tongue out through his neck would certainly bring back memories! Khal Drogo actor Jason Momoa immortalized that particular Game of Thrones death from Season 1 via his super gross choice in souvenir.
Another Game of Thrones viewer is pretty confident that Drogon is the reincarnation of Khal Drogo, but they need a little more proof before they can really commit. Check it out:
"Moon of my life" was the term of endearment that Drogo gave Daenerys. He was her “sun and stars.” The look that Drogon gave certainly did nothing to dissuade fans that Khal Drogo has returned. Albeit, not in the form of Jason Momoa. Another fan has an explanation for the reason behind Drogon’s expression:
If Drogon is Khal Drogo reincarnated, he likely knew something Jon and Daenerys did not in that scene. Season 7 proved that Jon can connect with Dany's dragons, so Drogon in theory could sense that Jon is a secret Targaryen. If Drogon = Drogo, then he may know things could be short-lived between Jon and Daenerys. Jon is her nephew, after all.
As the final season continues to unfold, fans are anxious to see if Khal Drogo will put in a confirmed appearance, ideally played by Jason Momoa rather than just CGI-ed into existence as Drogon. Well, Momoa previously weighed in on that.
Fans had hoped that since Jason Momoa was in Ireland, he had filmed something for the final season.The actor did attend the Game of Thrones’ wrap party. Momoa debunked the rumor that he was reprising his role, citing Drogo’s death. Still, Momoa has appeared on Game of Thrones since Drogo's death, although only in the form of a vision Daenerys had of him and their son at the House of the Undying.
If Jason Momoa did film something for Game of Thrones, it is highly unlikely he would be able to confirm it. A non-disclosure agreement, anyone? Jason Momoa did shave his iconic beard. It would be timely for him to change his well-known look, potentially doing so ahead of making his on-screen return in a bearded form for an upcoming episode of Game of Thrones.
While it may seem like he had to hold onto his beard for something, it is probably not Game of Thrones-related. Filming on Game of Thrones' final season has been over for a while. Plus, Kit Harington did away with his Jon Snow beard a while ago.
So, the timing of Jason Momoa shaving his beard should be unrelated to Game of Thrones. Time will tell if there is any connection. If Daenerys meets an unsettling fate or dies in Season 8, it would make sense for her to see Khal Drogo and her son again.
Find out if Khal Drogo comes back when Game of Thrones Season 8 continues airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
