4 wild details from The Mad King that completely change Game of Thrones canon

The Mad King, a new play set in the Game of Thrones universe, held its first-ever preview on Tuesday night. The production was met with a standing ovation. Some of that response was undoubtedly an expression of relief. A Dance with Dragons came out in 2011, so “A Song of Ice and Fire” fans have been starving for new stories for over a decade. That hunger was worsened by the rushed ending of the HBO show. However, the new stage play, which was written with the counsel and support of George R.R. Martin, doesn’t just throw fans a bone. The Mad King completely recontextualizes key pillars of the larger Game of Thrones story. Even folks who had their favorite fan theories thrown out the window by the play are giddy with excitement.