The final season of Game of Thrones left fans divided. Many storylines felt unfinished, and Bran Stark’s coronation as King of Westeros sparked heated debates. However, if HBO ever decides to move forward with a ninth season, the showrunners have a chance to correct past mistakes and deliver something truly thrilling. The idea, as discussed by Collider critics, presents an intriguing conflict: Jon Snow vs. Bran Stark. Yes, the same Bran who seemingly became someone unrecognizable after securing the throne.
A Threat Without a Clear Villain
One of the biggest challenges for a potential Game of Thrones Season 9 is the absence of an obvious antagonist. The White Walkers are defeated, Daenerys Targaryen is dead, Cersei Lannister is gone, and even the Unsullied have sailed to Naath. It seems as though Westeros is finally at peace. But what if the greatest threat is the king himself?
As the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran possesses immense power. He can see the past and possibly the future, making him nearly invincible. But what if this power begins to corrupt him? If he starts using his abilities to manipulate people, suppress uprisings, and eliminate opposition, the realm could be heading toward another tyranny. In such a scenario, Jon Snow and other key figures would have no choice but to challenge a ruler who was supposed to bring stability and peace.
Many speculate that Bran may have orchestrated events to claim the throne. His cryptic remark, "Why do you think I came all this way?" hints at the possibility that he foresaw his rule and allowed certain tragedies to unfold to secure his position. If this theory holds, a ninth season could explore how Jon, Arya, and Sansa unite to stop a brother who has become a tyrant.
The Rise of Tyrant Kings
Throughout Game of Thrones, rulers have always been morally ambiguous. Cersei, Joffrey, even Robert Baratheon—each of them made decisions that led to chaos. Bran, as king, could continue this tradition.
If a ninth season depicts Bran’s gradual descent into tyranny, it would be a natural progression for his character. The Three-Eyed Raven is not just a wise overseer but a being with a potentially darker side. His vast knowledge of history could make him detached, and his absolute power could lead to ruthless decisions. In this case, a conflict between Bran and Jon Snow could reach an unprecedented scale.
The Political Map of Game of Thrones
King’s Landing has always been the center of political intrigue in Game of Thrones. If a ninth season focuses on Bran’s rule, the capital could become the heart of new conspiracies, rebellions, and attempts to overthrow the king.
Tyrion Lannister, as Hand of the King, would be caught in the middle. His moral dilemmas and struggle to balance loyalty to Bran with the need to prevent another dictatorship could create one of the most compelling arcs of the show.
Jon Snow: Return from Exile
With this setup, Jon Snow, who was exiled for killing Daenerys, would emerge as the key figure in opposing Bran. His integrity, leadership, and battle experience would make him the perfect candidate to lead a resistance against the ruler who was once his close friend and brother.
The Wheel Remains Unbroken
The final moments of Season 8 left many feeling that the "wheel" of power in Westeros had merely changed form. If a ninth season explores how Bran, despite his good intentions, ultimately becomes part of that wheel, it would offer a bitter yet fitting conclusion to the Game of Thrones saga — one that aligns with George R.R. Martin’s vision of a world where happy endings are never guaranteed.
Who knows? Perhaps this is the story that could make fans believe in Game of Thrones once again.
