An animated spin-off of the Game of Thrones series is in ‘the very early development stages at HBO Max,’ according to multiple sources at Variety on Wednesday.
While an official deal is still pending, the project joins a growing number of TV series being created to expand the legacy of George R.R. Martin’s hit fantasy drama, which ran from 2011 to 2019.
Like a recently canned untitled Game of Thrones prequel, which had a pilot filmed over the summer and starred Naomi Watts, THR pointed out ‘there’s still a possibility that the animated series never comes to fruition.’
More to come: An animated spin-off of the Game of Thrones series has been confirmed to be in ‘the very early development stages at HBO Max,’ according to Variety on Wednesday
The animated series would be available to stream on HBO Max, unlike the upcoming prequel House of the Dragon, which was ‘picked up straight to series in October 2019’ and will air on the premium cable network.
Last week, news also broke that a TV adaptation of Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, another prequel to the events of GOT is in an ‘early’ phase of development.
While ‘no writer or talent is currently attached to the project,’ Variety‘s sources said it is being considered a ‘high priority.’
Beloved series: While an official deal is still pending, the project joins a growing number of TV series being made to expand George R.R. Martin’s hit fantasy franchise, which ran from 2011 to 2019
The trilogy of fantasy novellas in the Tales of Dunk and Egg include The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003) and The Mystery Knight (2010).
The one-hour program marks the second Game of Thrones prequel to be made, in addition to House of the Dragon, which will be released in 2022.
In December, it was announced through the series’ official Twitter account that production on the prequel would begin in 2021.
Good news! Earlier this week, a TV adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, a prequel to the events of Game of Thrones, ‘is in early development at HBO,’ according to Variety
While ‘no writer or talent is currently attached to the project,’ the outlet’s sources said ‘it is a high priority for HBO as the premium cabler looks to build on the success of Game of Thrones; Martin seen in 2019
The news also came with two images of concept art from the show’s production team depicting two dragons, one with a full body and another with just a head.
Development on the prequel was first reported by Deadline, and it was noted that both series creator and Colony co-creator Ryan Condal would be helming the new show, along with Michael Sapochnik.
The story for House Of The Dragon is reportedly built upon an original idea from Ryan Cogman, who served as an executive producer on the initial series.
Prolific writer: Like best-selling book series A Song of Ice and Fire, which were brought to screen by the cast of Game of Thrones from 2011 to 2019, the 72-year-old American novelist has reportedly struck another deal with the network
Prequel: In 2015, the trio, which is set a century before before the events of A Song and Ice and Fire, were complied and published together as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Martin’s prequel novel Fire And Blood, which was released in 2018, is also being named as part of the source material for the series.
The first season of the series is expected to run for 10 episodes, and writing was revealed to have begun in January, with a casting search beginning in July; the show is tentatively slated to arrive in 2022.
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar shared an update about the filming of the project during his statement regarding the company’s collaboration with HBO Max last month, and stated that principal photography was set to begin in a few months
Back for more: The Game Of Thrones prequel series House Of The Dragon will begin production in 2021
Getting the word out: The announcement was made through the Game Of Thrones official Twitter account, along with two pieces of concept art
The show will be set in the same world of the original series, albeit 300 years earlier, and will follow the depict the rise of House Targaryen to power in Westeros.
The only cast member that has been confirmed as of yet is Paddy Considine, who will portray King Viserys Targaryen.
House Of The Dragon was not the only intended successor that was based off of the critically acclaimed series, as five separate projects in the franchise were reported to have been in development at certain stages.
Way, way back: The series is set to depict the rise of House Targaryen 300 years before the events of the original series
The other prequel series, entitled Bloodmoon, was previously a forerunner for broadcast, and was set to occur 10,000 years before the start of Game Of Thrones.
A pilot for the series wrapped production in September of 2019, and starred Watts alongside Tony Regbo, Ivanno Jeremiah, and Jamie Campbell Bower, among others.
However, the potential successor show was passed on a month later in favor of House Of The Dragons.
Big deal: The only cast member that has been confirmed as of yet is Paddy Considine, who will portray King Viserys Targaryen