New Game Of Thrones Spinoff Will Finally Put Another Stark In The Spotlight

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As a long-time watcher of the Game of Thrones universe, I’m intrigued by the latest addition – and it’s a bit of a departure! Instead of another HBO series, we’re getting a stage play called Game of Thrones: The Mad King, set to debut in the summer of 2026 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. And, naturally, a Stark is central to the story. It’s a really interesting move for the franchise, and honestly, I’m expecting all the political intrigue and excitement we’ve come to love.

The new play, Game of Thrones: The Mad King, will focus on the events of the Tourney at Harrenhal – a competition that sparked Robert Baratheon’s rebellion against King Aerys II Targaryen and his son, Rhaegar. Because the play is set around 15 years before the start of the Game of Thrones TV series, audiences will see younger versions of familiar characters.

The upcoming show, Game of Thrones: The Mad King, will feature familiar faces like Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, Jaime Lannister, and Lord Varys. It will also introduce characters who were only mentioned in the original Game of Thrones because they died before the series began, such as Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, a key figure and Robert Baratheon’s rival. Naturally, Lyanna Stark will also be a prominent part of the story, as her life was closely tied to Rhaegar’s.

The Upcoming Game Of Thrones Play Will Finally Tell Lyanna Stark’s Story

Alongside the Targaryens, the Starks are arguably the most crucial family in the world of Game of Thrones. Surprisingly, none of the existing spin-off shows have focused on a significant Stark character – until now. The new series centers on Lyanna Stark, Ned Stark’s sister and a woman deeply connected to the main story. She was considered Robert Baratheon’s true love and played a pivotal role in the rebellion that overthrew the Targaryens. In fact, the entire story of Game of Thrones might not have happened without her.

Lyanna Stark, like other members of her family, has the potential to be a captivating character in her own right. George R.R. Martin has noted she shares a striking resemblance – both in looks and personality – to Arya Stark. Dominic Cooke, the director of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, describes Lyanna as energetic and rebellious, making her stand out from other noblewomen in Westeros. With plans for an Arya Stark spin-off shelved, a story focusing on her aunt – a key figure in the events of Game of Thrones – offers a compelling alternative.

The Mad King Story Is The Perfect Way To Show Where The Starks’ Tragedies Began

The tourney at Harrenhal is a fitting starting point for Lyanna Stark’s story. It was there that Rhaegar Targaryen controversially named her the queen of love and beauty instead of his wife, Elia Martell. This deeply angered Robert Baratheon, who was engaged to Lyanna, and ultimately sparked Robert’s rebellion. In many ways, that single event set in motion all the hardship the Starks would later endure in Game of Thrones.

Robert becoming king brought terrible misfortune to the Stark family. His marriage to Cersei Lannister led directly to Ned Stark’s death, Sansa’s imprisonment, Arya’s forced exile, and the death of Robb, among countless other tragedies. The whole conflict stemmed from the secret love affair between Rhaegar and Lyanna; if they hadn’t been together, Robert likely wouldn’t have rebelled against the Targaryens, or at least he would have married Lyanna instead of Cersei.

If Rhaegar and Lyanna hadn’t fallen in love in secret, Jon Snow wouldn’t exist. This could have led to the Night King winning and turning Westeros into a land of the dead – everything is connected. Game of Thrones: The Mad King will show how this chaos began, sparked not only by a Targaryen, but ultimately by a Stark.

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2026-02-23 03:41