Winter (and death) is coming to Game of Thrones Season 8, but science — yes science — predicts that Cersei Lannister could be left standing in the ruins of the Seven Kingdoms at the end of the fantasy epic.
Considering George R.R. Martin has promised a bittersweet ending to his A Song of Ice and Fire book series that the show is based on, we’re pretty sure the likes of Jon and Daenerys won’t be flying off to a happy ending on the back of a dragon.
The research was conducted by IFL Science and deduced that a certain calibre of character is most likely to escape the icy grip of death in Season 8. A dedicated team of Thrones boffins worked out that if you are a female, highborn, featured less prominently, and have switched allegiance, you should be safe from a Valyrian steel kiss.
That being said, Cersei isn’t exactly a background characters and is currently Public Enemy No. 1 with likes of Arya Stark and the Night King heading her way. We also know the grim history of those who’ve sat on that pointy chair as Cersei’s family like King Robert, Joffrey, and Tommen have all met their maker while wearing the crown.
Finally, audiences are well-versed on Maggy the Frog’s prophecy that Cersei is doomed to an early grave. I love the idea of the Night King barrelling down on a King’s Landing and claiming Cersei as his own abominable Night Queen. Game of Thrones is notorious for letting the bad guys win, but it’s a struggle to see how Cersei is making it out of this one alive.
According to the facts, Kit Harington’s Jon Snow could be in trouble. Considering the mopey bastard is a male, not technically considered a highborn (despite his Targaryen heritage), is an MVP (most valuable player), and has stayed loyal to the side of good, he could be tipped for another mutinous murder. Science schmience, I’m still expecting to see that long-haired lothario swinging Longclaw as the credits roll.
As our own Long Night continues and the wait for Season 8 seems to go on for an eternity, we’ll have to wait until late 2019 to find out if anyone will be left on the Iron Throne or whether we’re left with a snowy version of The Walking Dead.