When Kit Harington first appeared on our screens as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, nobody could have predicted the impact he would have on pop culture. As the brooding, conflicted hero of the show, Harington quickly earned a legion of devoted fans and became one of the most recognizable faces in television. But now, as he watches the new Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon, Harington says he feels something different: pain.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Harington revealed that watching House of the Dragon has been a difficult experience for him. “It’s just weird to see it without me,” he explained. “I’m still very proud of the show and everything we accomplished, but it’s hard to watch something that was such a huge part of your life and not feel a little bit of pain.”

Harington’s pain is understandable. After playing Jon Snow for eight seasons, he became deeply invested in the world of Westeros and the characters that inhabited it. He went through countless battles, betrayals, and romances, and his character became a symbol of hope for many fans. So seeing new actors take on roles in the same universe can be a jarring experience.

But Harington also acknowledged that House of the Dragon is a different show with a different story, and that he’s excited to see where it goes. “I think it’s going to be great,” he said. “The people working on it are all incredibly talented, and they really know what they’re doing. It’s just hard to let go of the past sometimes.”

Of course, Harington’s performance on Game of Thrones was a big reason why the show was so successful. He brought a nuanced, understated quality to Jon Snow that resonated with viewers, and his chemistry with his co-stars was always electric. So it’s natural that he would feel a little bit possessive over the character and the show as a whole.

But in the end, Harington’s comments are a testament to the power of television and the way it can affect our lives. For millions of fans around the world, Game of Thrones was more than just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon that brought people together and inspired passion and devotion. And for Harington, it was an experience that will stay with him forever.

As House of the Dragon continues to air, fans will undoubtedly compare it to the original show and debate its merits. But it’s worth remembering that every show is its own thing, with its own strengths and weaknesses. And while it might be painful to let go of the past, sometimes it’s necessary in order to embrace new stories and voices.

As for Harington, he’s keeping busy with a variety of projects, including the upcoming Marvel movie Eternals. But no matter what he does next, he’ll always be Jon Snow to millions of fans around the world. And that’s something to be proud of.