Despite the disappointment of its finale, Game of Thrones undeniably had a successful run, leading many to consider the possibility of spin-offs due to its immense popularity. Brian Helgeland, an Oscar-winning screenplay writer also entertained one such idea and recently discussed why his spinoff script failed to be chosen and the challenges it encountered in a recent interview.
Brian Helgeland’s Game of Thrones Spinoff Idea was Based on Queen Nymeria!
Brian Helgeland elaborated on his involvement with a certain Game of Thrones spin-off which focused on expanding the world of Westeros. Based on Queen Nymeria, who is a legendary figure in the history of Westeros, Queen of Rhoynar, who later founded the kingdom of Nymeria. Although not a lot is known about her, she is known for her strength and leadership.
Helgeland aimed to explore uncharted territories within the Game of Thrones universe, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes while introducing new characters and plotlines. In an interview with Inverse, he revealed his motivations and aspirations for the project. He said,
“My script was based on Queen Nymeria and this little blurb about her that was in a Westeros encyclopedia. Essentially, it was the story of Moses but swapping him out for Nymeria. Her country gets ruined and her people are forced to live on the water, which is why the show was called Ten Thousand Ships. They end up having to leave and find a new home like the Israelites leaving Egypt. She’s leading all these people, trying to hold everyone together but things are always in danger of falling apart as they travel around a fictionalized version of the Mediterranean, looking for a new home to settle in.”
He also added,
“Their life was nomadic. Living in a raft city that was bound together, this big floating city. Sometimes, the characters would come ashore, but they ultimately get driven off the land as they search for a home, their version of the promised land.”
His script mirrored the story of Moses. After her homeland is destroyed, her people become nomads. Throughout, Nymeria struggles to keep her people united amidst constant threats. Among the plethora of GOT spin-offs and ones that are on the way this certainly would have been an interesting story.
Why Wasn’t Brian Helgeland’s Script Picked Up?
Brian Helgeland shared that while his script for the Game of Thrones spinoff wasn’t chosen, he remains hopeful. He believes the main reason it wasn’t picked up yet is because the time period of his show was too distant from the original series. In the same Inverse conversation, he said,
“It came out great, but I think they felt the period of my show was too far removed from the pillars of the original. That’s why it hasn’t been picked up yet, but nothing is ever dead.”
He also mentioned that George R.R. Martin, the creator of the said universe, also reviewed and approved his script. He revealed,
” I met with George R.R. Martin to pitch him the idea, which he signed off on. Sadly, I didn’t work with him closer, but I would have done if the show was picked up. It was kind of like Ray Harryhausen’s Sinbad films mixed with The Odyssey. In a way, Nymeria is Odysseus, but instead of a 12-person crew, she’s responsible for every citizen in this floating city-state. My work is still there if HBO wants to pick it up. I enjoyed my time developing it, and you just never know.”
He believes that HBO can still revisit and capitalize on it if they see fit. Despite the challenges and setbacks, he remains proud of the work he has done and sees this experience as paving the way for future opportunities.
Game of Thrones is streaming on Max.
