Following Game of Thrones' infamous finale, fans have returned to Westeros with a pair of spinoffs. House of the Dragon's Season 3 finale just aired on HBO (and streaming with a HBO Max subscription), setting up the final chapter in the Dance of the Dragons. I have an idea who I'd actually place on the Iron Throne, and creator Ryan Condal recently echoed those comments.
While fans are keeping up with which HOTD dragon belongs to who, the book to screen adaptation will eventually put one character on the Iron Throne. During an interview with Empire, Condal was asked who he thinks would actually be the best as the ruler of Westeros. He responded with:
I mean, honestly I think Alicent. There’s not a character in the show that has seen more of a differential between power, to lack of power. She’s seen it all. She doesn’t ride a dragon, which I think is probably important for a sane and stable leader. But I think where she is now, where we find her now in the story, and certainly where I think she’s going, she’s a person that has the proper experience and training to make the right choices.
Honestly, I've been thinking the same thing. While the Targaryen civil war has been about whether Rhaenyra or Aegon would sit on the Iron Throne, that doesn't meant that either of them are actually good at leading Westeros. The latter seemed more focused on drinking while he was governing, while Rhaenyra has been struggling to actually rule after taking King's Landing, amid civil unrest and financial crisis.
The same cannot be said for Alicent. She helped to govern Westeros for years as Queen Regent. She did this while her husband King Viserys was ill, getting almost no credit for her work during this time of peace in the realm. She also served on Aegon's small council, although her son wasn't always keen to listen to her. Regardless, she actually knows what it takes to rule Westeros, and she doesn't have the corrupting power of a dragon influencing her decision making.
Plenty of characters in the Game of Thrones universe try to take the Iron Throne, but the reality of actually ruling over The Realm isn't as glamorous as it may seem. There are issues of safety and trade to worry about, as well as rebellions and battles with the free cities. The Great Houses must be given enough power to have loyalty toward you, which sometimes includes making tricky deals and even marriages. Overall its a complicated job that's so much more than simply sitting on the Iron Throne.
Unfortunately, Alicent will likely not be the one on the Iron Throne at the end of HOTD; Westeros simply is against a woman ruling. But I'm glad Ryan Condal said what I've been thinking for a few seasons now.
House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming in its entirety on HBO Max as part of the 2026 TV schedule. The fourth season will offer a conclusion, but we will likely have to wait a few years before it returns. Luckily there's another spinoff to keep us in Westeros with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
