Could the dragons of Westeros finally be coming to the big screen?
At least one “Game of Thrones” movie is in very early stages of development, trade outlets The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported Thursday.
The original HBO “Game of Thrones” television show became a global cultural phenomenon during its eight-season run from 2011-2019, garnering huge audiences and a record 59 Emmys.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the hit show about violent, feuding noble families has already spawned TV spinoff “House of the Dragon,” with more small-screen adaptations confirmed to be in the works.
But while Martin and “Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss have discussed potential movies based on the universe in the past, parent company Warner Bros Discovery has been opposed to bringing the franchise to theatres.
The Hollywood Reporter suggested Thursday that recent leadership changes at the studio, and the success of franchises that have hopped between big and small screens such as “The Batman,” “Dune” and the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series, may have finally prompted a change.
Warner Bros “has been quietly developing at least one film” set in the “Thrones” universe, it reported.
Deadline said there have been only “preliminary discussions,” and no stars are yet attached to the proposed movie.
“We have no comment on this,” a Warner spokeswoman told AFP.
Meanwhile, HBO is currently diving deeper into Westeros’ past, with three ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel series in development, each focused on legendary figures and pivotal moments that shaped the realm.
‘Aegon’s Conquest’ will chronicle the rise of Aegon I Targaryen, known as Aegon the Conqueror, as he unites Westeros under a single rule. Screenwriter Mattson Tomlin confirmed in February 2024 that he’s actively working on the script with George R.R. Martin. This prequel aims to capture the political and martial strategies behind Aegon’s Conquest, revealing the Targaryen dynasty’s first steps toward power.
‘The Sea Snake’ will explore the seafaring exploits of Corlys Velaryon, the famed nautical adventurer and leader known as the Sea Snake. Initially titled ‘Nine Voyages’, HBO renamed the project to avoid confusing fans with other numerical titles. The series will follow Corlys’ daring voyages and his ascendance in Westerosi nobility, bringing a rich maritime dimension to Westeros’ lore.
‘Ten Thousand Ships’ will focus on Princess Nymeria, the fierce warrior queen of House Martell who led her people from Essos to Dorne around a thousand years before ‘Game of Thrones’. The title references the burning of the ships that carried her army, a decision symbolising her commitment to settling in Westeros. Her legend endures through the original series, where both Arya Stark’s direwolf and a Sand Snake were named in her honour.
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