If you have been missing “Game of Thrones” since you watched the final episode of the record-breaking phenomenon’s final season in 2019, have no fear. George R.R Martin and HBO have come to save the day with five all new shows for the small screen. After it was announced that the author who penned the show’s original books had signed an eight figure deal with the network to create more fantastical content, fans have a massive reason to rejoice. Here’s everything you need to know about the new additions to the “Game of Thrones” lore.
1. “House of the Dragon”
Who can forget the iconic mother of the dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke)? This iconic character has provided us some of the most blood-rushing moments of television— from her obtaining her everso loyal dragon in the season one finale to when she set the Master’s Fleet ablaze in season six. Get ready to learn much more of her family’s sorted past with the first of many GOT series to be green-lit, “House of the Dragon”.
The series serves as a much anticipated prequel, chroncalizing the events that took place 300 years prior to where “Game of Thrones” left off. According to HBO executive Casey Bloys in a statement made to Variety during the Television Critics Association press conference in January of last year, The expected release for the new show is sometime in 2022. His “best bet” for the show’s turn out looks promising as production began earlier this month.
“‘House of the Dragon’ has been in development for several years,” said Martin in his heavily fan monitored blog, “It was actually the first concept I pitched to HBO when we started talking about a successor show, way back in the summer of 2016.”
Shining from a star-studded cast with the likes of Matt Smith, Olivia Cook, Paddy Considine D’Arcy and so many more, this tale gives major insight to the trials and tribulations of the Taragaryen’s as they battle the forces that be and themselves for the coveted Iron Throne.
2. “10,000 Ships”
Among the jackpot of new Martin-inspired content in development is “10,000 Ships,” a seemingly rousing tale of warrior queen, Nyrmeia. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the title derives from “a reference to Nymeria ordering all her ships to be burned after bringing her army from Essos to Dorne so there could be no turning back.” This show is set way back in “Game of Thrones” lore—a whopping 10,000 years before the events of the original run.
3. “Flea Bottom”
Diving into the realm of the world’s gritty underbelly, “Flea Bottom” tells the story of the nefarious street life of the capitol city, King Landing’s ghettos. In Martin’s novels, these streets saw the upbringing of smuggler-turned-knight Davos Seaworth and the bastard son of King Robert Baratheon, Gendry Baratheon. It’s quite likely that we’ll see these two along with more familiar faces getting intriguing backstories and lucrative action.
4. “9 Voyages”
Fans are sure to be elated to see none other than Lord Corlys Velaryon getting the spotlight in this developing series. Dubbed the Sea Snake and Lord of Tides, the character makes his debut television appearance in this series and House of Dragon. Velaryon is said to be played by Steve Toussaint of Amazon Prime Video’s “Red, White and Blue” fame. The showrunner for the project is the “Gotham” creator himself, Bruno Heller.
5. “Dunk and Egg”
Last, but certainly not least is a project by the working title of “Dunk and Egg.” Another prequel, this show is based on a selection of Martin’s work outside of “Fire and Blood.” Plucked from the stories of “The Hedge Knight,” “The Sworn Sword,” and “The Mystery Knight,” the plot is said to be set 90 years prior to the events of “Fire and Blood,” thus giving context to lore set far into the franchise’s history. Knight Ser Duncan the Tall shines in this project with his squire Aegon. Many may recognize this name as he goes on to be crowned King Aegon V Targaryen. These are looming some major backstories to key proponents of the “Game of Thrones” universe.
Martin’s colossal deal with HBO brings smiles to unwavering die-hards across the nation. But fans of Martin’s novels are left a bit to the wayside as his ongoing books take the back seat.
“I still have hundreds of more pages to write to bring the novel to a satisfactory conclusion,” the author speaks on his blog about his latest soon-to-be addition to his work “Winds of the Winter,” “I will make no predictions on when I will finish. Every time I do, assholes on the internet take that as a ‘promise,’ and then wait eagerly to crucify me when I miss the deadline.”
As perfection can not be at haste, we’ll just have to wait patiently for the oncoming onslaught of brand new, Dragon-filled drama to finally return to its rightful throne on HBO.
“Game of Thrones” can be streamed on HBO Max.
By Omar Letson