The Rise and Fall of the ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequels

In shocking news today, HBO has canceled the untitled Game of Thrones prequel starring Naomi Watts.

HBO ordered a pilot in June for The Long Night, a GOT prequel that was to be set thousands of years before the events of Game of Thrones, diving and was to dive into the true origin of the White Walkers, the history of Westeros, and the legendary Stark family. Jane Goldman, who is known for X-Men: First Class, Kick-Ass, and Kingsman: The Secret Service wrote the pilot and was an executive producer/showrunner, with George R.R. Martin also serving as executive producer. Naomi Watts was slated to star in it, along with Georgie Henley(The Chronicles of Narnia series), Jamie Campbell Bower(The Mortel Instruments, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street), and Naomi Ackie(Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker).

HBO allegedly viewed the pilot over the summer and wasn’t happy, sending it back for revisions before ultimately cutting it entirely. TVLine reported that the pilot was plagued with difficulties, including budget issues and creative differences, which may have led to the nail in this shows coffin.

Do not fret, however, as there will still be a Game of Thrones prequel. A prequel centered around the famed House Targaryan has been greenlit and full series of ten episodes has been ordered. Set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, it is to be based on the book Fire and Blood which tells the history of House Targaryan. George R.R. Martin is already set as executive producer, with Ryan Condal set as co-creator/co-executive producer. Also announced was that Emmy winning Game of Thrones director Miguel Sapochnik is coming aboard as co-showrunner and will direct the pilot. The show has been officially titled House of the Dragon with the tagline “Fire will reign.” No casting decisions have yet been announced.

HBO apparently knows a dragon-winged gravy train when they see one.

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Sam Strange