George R.R. Martin’s original plan for Game of Thrones would have been incredible, with a major change that would satisfy every Joffrey hater. Before Game of Thrones was a cultural phenomenon HBO show, Martin was writing the A Song of Ice & Fire book series, with the first novel released in 1996. While much of Martin’s original plan and ideas are still intact, he changed a significant amount from what he originally intended, including the decision to expand the series beyond just a trilogy.
The Game of Thrones ending didn’t sit right with many of the show’s fans, but Martin’s novels are still widely celebrated as some of the most prolific works of the fantasy genre. Their approach to morally ambiguous characters and complex world-building subverted many of the norms that had been put in place by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. In order to have morally gray protagonists, A Song of Ice & Fire also needed some genuinely despicable villains. Few could rival the detestable behavior of Joffrey Baratheon, who saw his death at the Purple Wedding.
Robb Stark Fought (& Maimed) Joffrey Baratheon In GRRM’s Original A Song Of Ice & Fire Outline
Robb & Joffrey Would’ve Fought In Battle
In George R.R. Martin’s original plan for A Song of Ice & Fire, Robb Stark and Joffrey Baratheon actually fought, with the King in the North maiming the Lannister bastard. All of this information came from a letter Martin sent in 1993, containing his original outline, which was then shared on Twitter in 2015 by the UK’s Waterstones book retailer. Fans of the books and TV series know Robb Stark died tragically at the Red Wedding, one of Game of Thrones’ most upsetting moments, after being one of the main heroes to root for in the series.
These two also nearly fight in the first book at the training yard in Winterfell, but The Hound essentially steps in to save Joffrey.
Having Robb actually fight Joffrey would’ve been incredible, as it would’ve been one of the few scenes where audiences could actually celebrate. More often than not, in George R.R. Martin’s world, the villains don’t get what they deserve in such a way. Of course, Joffrey did end up dying, but it would’ve been more enjoyable to see it happen at the hands of a Stark after his involvement in Ned’s death. These two also nearly fight in the first book at the training yard in Winterfell, but The Hound essentially steps in to save Joffrey.
Robb Stark Didn’t Die At The Red Wedding In GRRM’s Original ASOIAF Plan
Robb Would’ve Died In Battle Later On
Along with Robb and Joffrey fighting in battle, the Red Wedding wasn’t the original plan for Robb’s death. In the outline, Robb’s war was waged against Joffrey, Tyrion, and Jaime, and he eventually died in battle. This whole plan seems to have changed to fit Tywin Lannister in, with Robb cleverly defeating the hardened commander in his first few battles. It could’ve been interesting to see events play out like this, but missing out on the Red Wedding wouldn’t have been worth it.
One thing that’s interesting about this idea is that Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice & Fire never really see two characters have a mid-battle duel. Rhaegar Targaryen and Robert Baratheon’s fight is one of the most legendary moments in the world’s history, but there’s nothing to rival it in the main series. There’s the Night King in Game of Thrones season 8, but it’s not quite the same as two well-known characters from opposing sides meeting on the field. Seeing this in the War of the Five Kings would’ve been incredible.
Robb Fighting Joffrey Would’ve Been Satisfying, But It’s Good The Plans Changed
The Red & Purple Weddings Are Iconic
Seeing Robb Stark embarrassing Joffrey in battle would’ve been incredible, especially after Joffrey flees during the Blackwater, which is his one opportunity to see proper conflict. However, it’s ultimately for the best that Martin changed his plans. The Red Wedding is one of the critical ingredients that make A Storm of Swords one of the greatest fantasy books ever written and what made Game of Thrones such a legendary TV series.
Furthermore, the Purple Wedding is also a pivotal moment for the conflicts in King’s Landing, setting up Tyrion’s future, Tommen and Margaery’s marriage, and paving the way for that whole narrative to take a dramatic shift in the absence of Joffrey and Tywin. Game of Thrones primarily benefits from the changes made after Martin’s original outline, but it’s still interesting to see how he might have course-corrected in the middle of writing the original book.