Targaryen-Focused Game Of Thrones Prequel Series Moves Forward At HBO
by Erik Amaya
Because what is brand may never die, HBO is looking to add a second Game of Thrones prequel series to its roster.
Variety reports the series will be based on Fire and Blood, the A Song of Ice and Fire companion book detailing the history of the Targaryen rulers of Westeros, and take place some 300 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones. The pilot will be written by Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin and Colony co-creator Ryan Condal.
Curiously, it does not appear to be one of the projects set up during HBO’s search for a GoT prequel in 2017. Out of the four known pilot pitches presented to HBO at the time, only Jane Goldman and Martin’s pitch for the history of the first Long Night advanced toward production with Naomi Watts attached to star. A fifth pitch was also said to be in the works, but it is unclear if this Fire and Blood project originates from that group or is a more recent development.
Of course, it remains to be seen if fans will want two prequel series in the 2020s. Considering the scope of Martin’s world, it is possible to tell interesting stories far removed from Game of Thrones, but telling two stories simultaneously may be too much to bear. Then again, Star Trek is going to do it with Discovery and Picard and comics have been telling multiple stories in the shared universes for decades. As with any other long form, brand-minded storytelling, the quality of the work will determine if it will become a Better Call Saul success or a Caprica-style footnote.
