The year is 2019. The decade-long saga for the Iron Throne had finally culminated. The people of Westeros had a new king. A new era had begun. But not for Game of Thrones – the final season of the show was, for many fans, a stain that ruined the franchise itself.
The fandom evaporated. A phenomenon at its peak, the show had become a mere shadow of its previous self. But HBO was developing a plan of its own to salvage the show’s legacy. And it might be set to kick into action come 2025.
House of the Dragons was just what the Game of Thrones fandom needed
House of the Dragons has gone a long way in breathing life into the Game of Thrones fandom. The series has brought Westeros back into discussion, with fans arguing over who is the rightful heir, the Team Green v. Team Black debates, and (of course) tales of the wrath of the Pink Dread.
The series, starring Milly Alcock, Matt Smith, Emily Carey, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and Paddy Considine, was very successful, averaging as much as 29 million viewers an episode over linear and streaming.
The premiere of House of the Dragons was streamed by 10 million viewers across all of the network’s platforms. Some numbers!
HBO is all set to take the story of Westeros in a new direction
It does not come as a surprise that the show was renewed for a second season within a week of its premiere. HBO’s plan to resuscitate the Game of Thrones fandom, and the Universe stitched by George RR Martin, had kicked into motion. But this was just the beginning. HBO has made it clear that they intend to do a lot more.
HBO had confirmed back in April that an HBO prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, was in the works. With George RR Martin confirming that 10000 ships, another spinoff series, is currently under development.
All these point towards one direction – a line of shows revolving around Westeros. And a Redditor might have broken down HBO’s formula.
HBO’s master plan for the Game of Thrones universe
Following the renewal of House of the Dragons for a third season even before its second season began streaming, a Reddit User wrote,
“They’re prepping for production on the Dunk & Egg show, and Martin just said the ‘10,000 Ships’ spin-off that takes place before Aegon’s Conquest is back in development with a new writer. I think it is more like they want a Game of Thrones show on every year after 2025.” (Reddit)
The prediction is not really a stretch. With the lead cast for The Hedge Knight already decided, the film could be set to premiere in 2025. And while this ain’t the first time 10000 Ships is being worked upon, the renewed commitment might point in the direction that they look intent on making the series happen.
The mega plan could well be a part of HBO’s strategy to ensure that the GoT fandom never goes into slumber again.
