There are whispers in the dark corners of Westeros, stories that slip through cracks in castle walls and ride the winds over haunted moors. Some tales are so strange, so tangled in shadow and prophecy, that even the most learned masters hesitate to record them. In the world of House of the Dragon, a new enigma, with a blazing red head, emerged, one that blurs the line between myth and memory, and hints at secrets older than the throne itself.

As with all things in George R.R. Martin’s universe, the truth is elusive, but there might be some that even the Iron Throne cannot ignore.

From the House of Dragons to the Game of Thrones—the holy red thread

The cast of the House of Dragons was caught in an almost visible thick when they were faced with a bunch of fan theories to lift and debunk. But one seems to have caught even their attention. When asked about Alys Rivers, the mysterious witch queen of Harrenhal, being none other than Melisandre, the Red Woman of Game of Thrones, most of the cast nodded in agreement at the plausibility of the theory. “I do not want to debunk it”, said Olivia Cooke, to which Emma D’Arcy and the rest of the present cast playfully added, ” I want to bunk it. We will bunk that bunk. Consider it bun,k, they told Entertainment Weekly for Debunked.

  The parallels are uncanny- both are described as looking far younger than their years and are associated with powerful, prophetic magic—visions in flames, shadowy deaths, and an uncanny ability to manipulate those around them. The notion that Alys could have survived and resurfaced centuries later as Melisandre is not only plausible within the magical logic of Westeros but also fits the narrative’s fascination with resurrection and transformation.  

The two series are often picked apart for clues of connection due to their common worlds. For now, while one rests to be rejuvenated for the future, Game of Thrones, apart from occasional pickups, is unlikely to face a full reprise.  

What awaits Westeros—House of the Dragon and the games of Game of Thrones

The Game of Thrones universe is thriving with major projects underway. HBO’s House of the Dragon is set to begin production on its third season in early 2025, with a likely premiere in 2026, and will conclude with a fourth season. The upcoming chapters promise epic battles, new characters like Daeron Targaryen, and escalating Targaryen conflict. On the other hand, fast forward a hundred years, the TV series and novels have been referred back to for the upcoming Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, a real-time strategy game developed by PlaySide Studios and Warner Bros. 

  The mysteries of Westeros continue to spark debate, with theories blurring the boundaries between legend and reality. While the books and shows offer tantalizing hints, the truth remains hidden in shadow, inviting endless speculation. As new chapters unfold in House of the Dragon and beyond, the audience can be certain that the magic and intrigue of these intertwined tales will endure.

What do you think of this wild fan theory that has even the cast raising eyebrows of intrigue? Let us know in the comments below!