Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Warner Bros. has revealed “Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest” during CinemaCon, highlighting the Targaryen conquest of Westeros, which occurred 300 years before the original series.
- Tech Advisor predicts the film could be released as early as 2028, considering there is currently no script and the production process will be extensive.
- The film will feature Aegon I Targaryen and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, as they conquer six kingdoms with legendary dragons such as Balerion and Vhagar.
In 2024, Warner Bros. confirmed its plans for a film set in George R. R. Martin’s universe. After months of fan speculation, Warner unveiled the working title at this year’s CinemaCon: Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest is on its way.
Warner Bros Discovery seems to be embracing a trend of developing both TV series and films within the same fictional universe simultaneously.
In 2024, HBO Max premiered “The Penguin,” a spin-off series from Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” and “Dune: Prophecy,” a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s film series about Paul Atreides. Additionally, a new Harry Potter series adaptation is on its way to television. Previously, Warner successfully extended the “Sex and the City” storyline into two theatrical films.
Warner Bros appears to be following a strategy akin to Disney’s development of the MCU and Star Wars universe. By expanding popular franchises into both films and series, Warner aims to strengthen its position against competitors in the cinematic and streaming arenas.
What should audiences anticipate from a film set in George Martin’s universe? We gather all the available details and speculation about Warner Bros.’ latest project.
When could Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest premiere?
With no script yet in existence, fans of George Martin’s universe will need to be patient, as the movie is far from reaching theaters.
Script development is expected to advance in the coming months. Filmmakers will require approximately six months for pre-production (casting, location scouting, and wardrobe design), followed by two to three months of filming, and six months to a year for post-production and marketing. Based on this timeline, the earliest release for a Game of Thrones movie could be at the beginning of 2028.
Warner Bros.
What could the plot of Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest involve?
The upcoming film will revisit the history of the Targaryen dynasty, focusing on the well-known conquest of Westeros, which occurred 300 years before Game of Thrones.
The presence of the Dragon Riders on the continent dates back 200 years before the catastrophic Doom of Valyria. As the Valyrians expanded their reach, they settled on an island off the coast of Westeros, naming it Dragonstone and constructing a formidable castle there.
Forewarned by prophecy, the Targaryens escaped to Dragonstone with their dragons just before Valyria’s destruction. They ruled the island until Aegon I Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, decided to invade Westeros.
Alongside his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, Aegon conquered the Seven Kingdoms, with Dorne being the only region to maintain its independence. Warner’s film will narrate the historical conquest that forever altered Westeros.
The narrative of Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys’ campaign in Westeros is direct and feasible for a movie adaptation. Moreover, a dragon-centric war, featuring creatures like Balerion The Black Dread and Vhagar, will be visually stunning on the big screen.
HBO Max
Who could star in Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest?
Currently, there are no confirmed cast members, but the film will revolve around three main characters:
Aegon the Conqueror
Aegon, the first king of the Seven Kingdoms, is known for riding the massive dragon Balerion the Black Dread and wielding the Blackfyre sword, making him an intriguing figure.
Choosing an actor for Aegon is challenging, as the role demands charisma and commanding presence. Fans often suggest Henry Cavill, who has extensive experience in fantasy roles, but his current commitments include the series Warhammer.
Another fan favorite is Alexander Skarsgård, appreciated for his striking physique and known for his role as Amnet in Robert Eggers’ fantasy film, The Northman.
Theo James, recognized for his work in The White Lotus and Guy Ritchie’s series, The Gentlemen, is also a contender.
HBO Max
Visenya Targaryen
Visenya, Aegon’s elder sister and wife, is celebrated as a formidable warrior, powerful queen, and beauty.
She rode the dragon Vhagar, which was later claimed by Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon. She wielded the Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister, later passed down to Prince Daemon Targaryen.
Visenya played a significant role in conquering Westeros and, post-conquest, co-ruled the kingdom with her siblings.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Rhaenys, Aegon’s younger sister and wife, was admired for her beauty and kindness. She rode the dragon Meraxes and was instrumental in conquering Westeros, notably attempting to subdue Dorne.
After the conquest, she co-governed the realm with her siblings, focusing on women’s and commoners’ affairs. Known for her grace and love for poetry and music, she was considered Aegon’s favorite.
HBO Max
Who is behind Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest?
Beau Willimon, known for his work as the showrunner of Netflix’s House of Cards and as a writer for the acclaimed series Star Wars: Andor, will pen the screenplay.
Which other films could be made in the Game of Thrones universe?
The further adventures of Jon Snow
Previously, Warner Bros had intentions to create a spin-off series titled Snow, centered on Jon Snow, but the project was quickly abandoned. However, the idea could be revived as a feature film.
Such a film might address lingering dissatisfaction from the series finale, where Jon’s character arc concluded less significantly than expected. While George Martin’s novels might also portray Jon’s fate as tragic, the series finale left many fans unsatisfied.
A film could explore new adventures for Jon beyond the Wall, though these might not match the excitement of a high-stakes battle against the White Walkers. Revisiting the Night King storyline could offer Jon a chance to become Azor Ahai, but such a move, while bold, seems unlikely.
Warner Bros.
The origin story of the White Walkers
Warner Bros has plans for various Game of Thrones spin-offs, including House of the Dragon season 3 and a second season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Projects like 10,000 Ships, Nine Voyages, and an animated series set in Yi Ti are also in early development.
However, the series Bloodmoon, set during the Age of Heroes thousands of years before Game of Thrones, was shelved. This era began with the pact between the First Men and the Children of the Forest, marked by the Long Night and the battle against the White Walkers.
Although HBO had filmed a pilot episode, the project was ultimately abandoned. Reviving Bloodmoon as a film could explore familiar locations in a different time, delving into the origins of the White Walkers while introducing new characters instead of relying on familiar ones.
Warner Bros.
The further adventures of Arya Stark
At the conclusion of Game of Thrones, Arya set her sights on the unexplored world west of Westeros. While George Martin’s books don’t detail what lies beyond, the continent’s western edge is bordered by the Sunset Sea, which remains largely untraversed.
Historical attempts have been made, such as King Brandon the Shipwright’s voyage west and noblewoman Elissa Farman’s journey across the Sunset Sea. Elissa discovered three islands and continued westward. Corlys Velaryon later claimed to have seen her ship in Essos, suggesting the possibility of circumnavigation.
George Martin’s world also includes two other continents: Ulthos in the far east and Sothoryos, a dangerous land south of Essos. Thus, Arya’s seafaring adventures hold significant potential to expand Martin’s fictional universe.
Warner Bros.
Game of Thrones season 8 remake
Many fans argue that if Warner Bros intends to create another Game of Thrones movie, it should revisit the contentious eighth season. The issues with the series, developed by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, began earlier, but the poorly executed final season highlighted these problems.
Originally, Benioff and Weiss considered making three films instead of a final season, an idea George Martin supported in 2014.
While a film remake of the eighth season is appealing, it remains unlikely. The studio and creators have expressed satisfaction with the series’ conclusion and have no plans for a remake.
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