What's going down in Westeros
With the heat once again getting turned up on all things 'Game of Thrones', we take a look at the many spinoff series currently in development.
Last week, author and creator of Westeros himself, George R. R. Martin gave us some updates on the many 'Game of Thrones' spinoffs currently in development.
"All four of these successor shows are still in the script stage. Outlines and treatments have been written and approved, scripts have been written, notes have been given, second and third drafts have been written. So far, that’s all. This is the way television works."
We thought now would be a great time to dive into the four shows set to follow the upcoming 'House of the Dragon', which hits our screens in August. Once more information arrives on the various shows, we'll keep you updated here!
'10,000 Ships'
This prequel series takes place around 1,000 years before the original 'Game of Thrones'. It will focus on Rhoynish Princess Nymeria of Ny Sar, who led her army from Essos to Dorne on said ten thousand ships, where they settled after being defeated by the Valyrians on their dragons. Once there, Nymeria ordered the ships be burnt so that they would never return.
Expect sunny Dorne to be the main location here, with house Martell probably getting a lot of screen time, too.
Amanda Segal is showrunner for '10,000' ships'. It has also been confirmed that a few scripts have been written for the first season already.
'Tales of Dunk and Egg' ('A Night of the Seven Kingdoms' or 'The Hedge Knight')
This spinoff is set roughly ninety years before the events of the main story. During a shift in power around Westeros, the Targeryans find themselves struggling for a grip on the realm. The story focuses on Sir Duncan the Tall, one of the finest knights in the kingdom and future Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and Egg, future king Aegon V Targeryon, his squire.
The stories all come from a series of novellas written by Martin and are a real fan favourite. The show would be on a smaller scale than 'Game of Thrones', however there's a real chance to explore the wider world of Westeros.
The series is currently in development and Steve Conrad acts as writer and showrunner for the series. The first season will focus on the story from the book 'The Hedge Knight'.
Martin wrote on his blog in March: "My team and I have had some great sessions with Steve and his team, and we really hit it off. He’s determined to do a faithful adaptation of the stories, which is exactly what I want; these characters and stories are very precious to me."
'The Sea Snake' (Nine Voyages)
Originally taking the name 'Nine Voyages', this is reportedly the furthest along project in development. The show will follow Corlys Velaryon, otherwise known as the Sea Snake, hence the title. Velaryon is one of Westeros' best seafarers and the show will follow his adventures on the high seas.
Velaryon would go on to become husband to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. During 'the Dance of the Dragons', he also became Hand to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Steve Toussaint will play the role of the seafarer in 'House of the Dragon'. Since the project is still in early development, it's unsure whether Toussaint will reprise the role there. However, it's probably safe to assume he'll be involved in some capacity either way.
Bruno Heller, Screenwriter of projects such as HBO's 'Rome', 'Gotham' and 'The Mentalist' is in charge of the pilot episode.
'Snow'
In the headlines recently is the newly (not officially) announced show 'Snow'. The series will focus on Jon Snow, one of the leading characters of 'Game of Thrones'.
Martin confirmed that Kit Harington, the actor who plays Jon Snow in the original series, brought the idea to him and his team. "Kit's team have visited me here in Santa Fe and worked with me and my own team of brilliant, talented writer/consultants to hammer out the show."
Former 'Thrones' actress Emelia Clarke also told BBC last week, "I know it exists. It's happening." She did, however, admit that she won't be appearing. "No, I think I'm done."
Other animated projects
As well as the four above, HBO are also working on three separate animated series set in the 'Game of Thrones' universe. One of them will be called 'The Golden Empire' and takes place in Yi Ti in Essos. This advanced society is based on imperial China, and will explore the largest land mass on the map, which has yet to be explored on screen.
The upcoming 'Game of Thrones' spinoff 'House of the Dragon' releases on Sky on August 22.