There are not many fantasy books as globally renowned as George R. R. Martin’s (GRRM) novel A Song of Ice and Fire, which was brilliantly turned into HBO’s critically acclaimed Game of Thrones. Millions of fans worldwide have been enthralled by the story, violence, and political intrigue. While fans of the franchise are always excited about new installments, Martin’s initial resistance to the idea of a spinoff based on Robert’s Rebellion has proven to be a significant roadblock.
The world that HBO’s Game of Thrones creates for its viewers has a rich and lengthy history, which heightens the sense of grandeur that ultimately drives the show in the future. Robert’s Rebellion took place several decades before the show and is considered one of the most significant historical events. Martin, 75, on the other hand, has been adamantly opposed to this Game of Thrones spin-off that upsets many fans.
George R. R. Martin Was Opposed To The Highly Anticipated Game Of Thrones Spin-Off
The recognizable ground Robert’s Rebellion covers is one of the key reasons a spinoff would be the biggest hit in the Game of Thrones universe. In a way, this is the most obvious prequel concept in the entire series because it establishes and clarifies a great deal of what happens in Game of Thrones, from big-picture themes to important character dynamics and characteristics.
The main issue is that, despite being suggested as a possible spinoff, Robert’s Rebellion—which would probably be the largest Game of Thrones spinoff—has previously been opposed by George R. R. Martin. Back in 2017, the novelist, 75, said he did not want to tell that story because it would sound too much like it had already been told twice. GRRM wrote on the Not A Blog:
“We’re not doing Robert’s Rebellion either. I know thousands of you want that, I know there’s a petition… but by the time I finish writing A SONG OF ICE & FIRE, you will know every important thing that happened in Robert’s Rebellion. There would be no surprises or revelations left in such a show, just the acting out of conflicts whose resolutions you already know. That’s not a story I want to tell just now; it would feel too much like a twice-told tale.”
Why Are Fans Still Holding Out Hope For A Spinoff of Robert’s Rebellion?
Of course, things change everything—people, plans, and times. George R.R. Martin also stated in that same Not A Blog that they would not be continuing Tales of Dunk & Egg because he needed to write more novellas. To quote him:
“We’re not doing Dunk & Egg. Eventually, sure, I’d love that, and so would many of you. But I’ve only written and published three novellas to date, and there are at least seven or eight or ten more I want to write. We all know how slow I am, and how fast a television show can move.”
But as per April reports, it is happening now. Indeed, HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, which is based on Martin’s Tales of Dunk & Egg, is now officially in development. Check out the post below:
A century before @GameofThrones, there was Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.
Executive produced by George R. R. Martin, Ira Parker, Ryan Condal, and Vince Gerardis, A Knight of the #SevenKingdoms: The Hedge Knight has received a straight to series order. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/MRPUke5Upt
— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 12, 2023
Also, Variety reported that the series, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, will explore the adventures of young Aegon V Targaryen (Egg) and Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) ninety years before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire.
Martin has released three novellas in the Tales of Dunk and Egg fantasy novellas: The Mystery Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Hedge Knight. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a compilation of the three existing novellas, was released on October 6, 2015, featuring illustrations by Gary Gianni.
Stream Game of Thrones on Max.
