Although Game of Thrones ended this year, it didn’t seem like viewers would be saying goodbye to Westeros anytime soon. HBO greenlit a handful of spinoffs to continue exploring George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire universe even before the main series’ conclusion. Unfortunately, it sounds like fans are going to have to look elsewhere for tales of dragons and royal intrigue. In a surprising turn of events, Deadline is reporting that the network has decided to pass on what would have been the first Game of Thrones prequel.
Deadline notes that HBO has not confirmed the project’s cancellation. However, showrunner Jane Goldman is reportedly in the process of emailing cast and crew members to share the news. It goes without saying that this announcement is the last thing anyone was expecting, especially given GoT’s popularity over the last eight years. It’s true that the last few episodes of the final season polarized longtime fans and critics. Regardless, the show’s May finale became the most-watched telecast in HBO’s history, with 13.6 million viewers tuning in.
RELATED: HBO Will Trace the Targaryens’ History in a New Game of Thrones Prequel
The prequel, which was never given an actual title, was set thousands of years before the flagship show. It would have focused on Westeros’ Age of Heroes, and even recruited some impressive star power to bring this concept to life. Naomi Watts was going to headline the series alongside the likes of Josh Whitehouse, Miranda Richardson, John Simm, and more. Production on the series’ pilot began this summer in Northern Ireland. Apparently, problems that arose during filming and post-production are to blame for the series’ current status.
It’s not clear what this new development means for any other Game of Thrones offshoots in the works. Most recently, HBO ordered another series that traced the history of House Targaryen.
What do you make of HBO’s decision to pass on the Game of Thrones prequel series? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading – Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume One
