Game of Thrones apparently filmed a secret ending after all. The question is – what was it? Pop culture watchers will recall that Game of Thrones’ final season has been primarily regarded as divisive. Albeit, an Emmys poll indicated that most viewers were satisfied with the last season. Despite that viral petition, Game of Thrones’ finale still managed to break a huge HBO record.
Whether you were disappointed or managed to seize on the best moments of the finale, there is an ending as fans know it, but there is apparently another one, too! The news comes from Game of Thrones’ Kristofer Hivju, who played fan-favorite Tormund Giantsbane on the HBO hit. Hivju told Metro:
Well, we shot an alternative ending. That was mostly for fun but I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell you about that.
Okay, who else is super curious to know what Game of Thrones filmed? It is unclear if this was a legitimate alternate ending to Season 8 or something the cast/show did for kicks. In other words, for their own personal enjoyment (or simply to throw off those looking for spoilers as they filmed) and never meant to be seen by the outside world.
That Kristofer Hivju says it was “mostly for fun,” seems to indicate it was just that. Or does it? He also says he is not sure if he is allowed to talk about it. If there is nothing substantive to the alternate ending, one would think he could have shared more. Although, Game of Thrones has always liked its secrecy.
Depending on the nature of what got filmed, it would indicate whether this alternate changed big things or not. This might be a reach, but Kristofer Hivju says that “we” filmed the alternate ending. Tormund was not shown in King’s Landing during Game of Thrones’ finale, so was this alternate ending completely different?
Tormund was only seen in the North when Jon Snow arrived in the Game of Thrones finale’s closing moments. If Kristofer Hivju was involved in filming the alternate ending, it could mean that it featured that storyline (or an expansion of it) and not the one in King’s Landing. Just a thought.
If that is the case, did the alternate ending include a less crushing end for Jon Snow? So many questions! Kristofer Hivju’s reveal comes after some interesting teases had been made before Game of Thrones’ final season premiered. HBO president Casey Bloys had said that the drama would shoot multiple endings to prevent leaks.
However, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister, weighed in on the possibility with some interesting thoughts. In essence, Coster-Waldau pointed out the reasons it would not be cost-effective. Kristofer Hivju indicates Game of Thrones only filmed one alternate ending, which should have, theoretically, been within budget.
Whatever it is, I hope that fans someday get to see it! Seasons 1 through 8 of Game of Thrones are currently available to stream on HBO GO. If you want to watch something else, there are always this winter’s premieres.
