This is probably the most fascinating, easy-to-tell spinoff story in the GOT universe. HBO is apparently in internal discussion with developing another Game of Thrones’ prequel series with Aegon the Conqueror’s conquest the focal point…which sounds like a great idea to me.
I don’t know about the majority of the GOT and ASOIAF (the book series) community’s opinions about this, but I think a prequel series set during the time of King Aegon I’s conquest of Westeros was always the best Game of Throne “spinoff” show idea.
So, for those who haven’t read the Variety article (I’ve linked it here and down below) I’m talking about, sources inside HBO have leaked to Variety that HBO and its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, have been in talks to develop another Game of Thrones prequel series centered around Aegon the Conqueror, his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, and their legendary dragons (Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes) as they sailed from Dragonstone and conquered all of Westeros to create the Iron Throne and the Targaryen dynasty.
Now, you don’t need me to say how awesome such a series sounds as it not only would shine light on some of the most legendary figures in all of the ASOIAF lore (Aegon, Visenya, Rhaenys, Storm King Argilac Durrandon, King Harren Hoare, a fully built Harrenhall, Orys Baratheon, and King Torrhen Stark), but it would also provide all of the politics, courtly intrigue, and dragons GOT fans have come to love and adore.
Plus, the show wouldn’t need to run through 30+ years of downtime to get to the main story…which plagued House of the Dragon Season 1.
I know I can’t really complain too much about HOTD as it won the Golden Globe for Best TV series (the only time in GOT and HOTD history such a feat was accomplished), but a large majority of that last season felt SUPER rushed as the showrunners and writers had to cram in 30+ years of deaths, births, birthdays, weddings, funerals, plots, betrayals, wars, exiles, etc. that lead up to the devastating Dance of the Dragons conflict.
Such a time and logistic-consuming issue would not be present in a Aegon the Conqueror series as whatever showrunner in charge could literally start the prequel a day before Aegon left Dragonstone and the plot would make complete sense. Obviously, they shouldn’t do that as a little backstory would do said series a world of good, but it’s possible.
As for why this series wasn’t the first prequel made by HBO, I understand the Dance of the Dragons is the most exciting time in the ASOIAF lore as it hosts two dozen dragons, the traditional GOT family houses, and egotistical, maniacal, crazy Targaryens all fighting against one another. Even though I have some big complaints about the show, it was still one of the best on T.V. during 2022.
But starting off with Aegon’s conquest first could have better explained all the White Walker prophecy choices shown in GOT and HOTD, which really hasn’t been explained very well in either show.
Nevertheless, regrets about what show should have come first doesn’t do anyone any good as the only important thing to take from this article is a new GOT prequel show starting the most influential figure in all of GOT/ASOIAF might be coming. Oh, and HBO might even make a feature film to compliment the series if the rumors Variety heard are true.
I really hope this show comes out as it might very well be the best project from the GOT franchise since the early seasons of the OG series.
Images Source: Featured Image: (Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO) (House of the Dragon | Official Trailer | HBO Max – YouTube)
Other Sources: (Variety.com) (‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel About Aegon’s Conquest Eyed at HBO – Variety)
