The hairs on your arms prickle as the opening credits roll. You settle in, expecting the familiar fanfare, the sweeping vistas—but something’s off. The visuals are different, starker, and then it hits you: where’s the music?
Fans of Game of Thrones experienced a wave of nostalgia mixed with bemusement when they first watched House of the Dragon. The opening graphics had changed, but the iconic theme by Ramin Djawadi remained. The latest Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, omits the opening theme music and doesn’t even include a credits sequence, as showrunner Ira Parker has explained. However, that familiar tune *does* surface in a couple of key moments.
We won’t spoil the specifics, but as mentioned in our A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review, one instance is surprisingly comedic, while the other is profoundly heroic. At a recent press event for Knight, io9 inquired with Parker about the specific choices surrounding the music.
“We use the Game of Thrones theme at the beginning—on the page it was written as ‘Dunk [Peter Claffey’s character] hears the hero theme in his head.’ We didn’t know exactly what the hero [theme] was going to be at that point. But when we tried a whole bunch of things out, Dunk’s hero theme that [Dan] Romer developed for the show felt like Dunk in this moment now. But what he’s hearing in his head is that call to greatness, that call of a potential something else in the future. And so what is the best call to the greatness of the whole world? The Game of Thrones theme, the most iconic theme that’s ever been laid down before,” Parker explained.
“Immediately, as soon as he hears that music, the reality of what it takes to actually go off and do that, and how terrifying it is, hits him and forces him into a very unheroic [situation],” Parker said. “Which hopefully is very understandable to a lot of people who have had big ideas and [then] they’ve been hit with the reality of ‘How do I go off and do this?’”
Parker continued, explaining that the Game of Thrones theme reappears later because “this is the moment: this is fucking go time. It hits obviously very different at this moment. We feel like, yeah, okay, we’re getting to the Game of Thrones that we remember. And hopefully everybody—like I am, even though I’ve seen this a million times—is getting a little bit of that goosebump feeling that something nice is coming … Forget it, man, if you’re not jumping out of your seats [when you hear the song in this scene], then you’re not a fan of Game of Thrones.”
Elsewhere, the score is intentionally less imposing. The primary motif involves a whistling melody, reminiscent of lonesome Westerns instead of grandiose medieval warfare.
“Music overall in the show had to very much be a representation of Dunk,” Parker stated. “We have one POV character, and what was so beautifully done about the original [Game of Thrones] is [that it’s on] this epic scale … there had never been a more epic TV show. So to have this big, booming, epic orchestral score was very important.”
Regarding A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Parker said, “We sort of realized early on that that was not going to suit our [needs]. We’re telling a small story here, a small story about a simple person who’s not very great and has smaller ambitions. And so certainly our sound had to suit that, and Romer came in, and I think the key that really it was finding just a little bit of a sense of whimsy, if that’s the right word.”
“It’s a kid with a silly dream trekking out to a new frontier, trying to do something that’s difficult. Even though obviously he’s an adult and he’s a man, he has a dash of childlike innocence. He just doesn’t know things about the world. He’s very unseasoned compared to everyone else. And so the music had to feel—like everything else in this—it had to be a reflection of Dunk.”
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres January 18 on HBO and HBO Max.
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A Familiar Tune With a Twist
Think about a time you heard a song in an unexpected place—maybe an orchestral piece in a fast-food commercial. It’s jarring, right? The inclusion of the Game of Thrones theme isn’t merely fan service; it’s a calculated artistic choice. It’s less about bombastic battles and more about the internal struggles of its central character, Dunk.
The theme’s appearances serve as sonic shorthand, immediately connecting the new series to the grand legacy of Game of Thrones while simultaneously subverting expectations. It’s as if the show is whispering, “Yes, we know what you want, but we’re going to give it to you on our terms.”
What is the main theme of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
Parker emphasizes that the music, composed by Dan Romer, needed to represent Dunk’s character. Think of it as a sonic portrait, capturing his naivete, his aspirations, and the harsh realities he faces. The whistling melody, a far cry from the orchestral might of the original series, sets the tone for a more intimate and personal journey. Where the original score was a roaring bonfire, this new score is a flickering candle.
Dunk’s Theme: More Than Just Music
Ever notice how certain songs instantly transport you to a specific time or place? Music wields immense power. The score in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isn’t just background noise; it’s a character in its own right, shaping our perception of Dunk and his world. It’s a reflection of his simple dreams and the daunting challenges that lie ahead.
According to Parker, the whimsical nature of the score mirrors Dunk’s childlike innocence, highlighting his inexperience and the long road he has to travel. The quieter score reflects the protagonist’s journey in a way that the original Game of Thrones score never could.
Why does the show use the Game of Thrones theme?
Parker offers insight into the decision to weave in the iconic Game of Thrones theme. The initial use represents Dunk’s aspirational thoughts, the “call to greatness” he hears in his head. It’s a powerful moment, connecting his personal journey to the larger world of Westeros. Later, the theme returns to signify a pivotal moment of action, triggering a surge of excitement for viewers familiar with the original series.
The Creative Minds Behind the Music
Consider the work of Ramin Djawadi and Dan Romer. Parker highlights Romer’s contribution, explaining how he developed a theme that felt authentic to Dunk’s character and his journey. The score is integral to storytelling, providing emotional cues and enhancing the viewing experience.
The strategic use of the original Game of Thrones theme, coupled with Romer’s unique compositions, adds layers of meaning to the narrative. It’s a delicate balance that promises to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The success of the show may hinge on how viewers respond to these deliberate musical cues.
Will the Game of Thrones theme be used frequently?
Parker’s comments suggest a restrained approach. The Game of Thrones theme isn’t meant to be a constant presence, but rather a carefully placed element that amplifies specific emotional beats. This scarcity makes each appearance all the more impactful. Will this calculated risk pay off, or will fans crave a more familiar sonic landscape?