Game of Thrones Creators Holding Off On Second Spin-Off Series Until An Idea Excites Them

Game of Thrones was a big money-maker for HBO, but it finally ended. They were not done milking that IP by a long shot. Now HBO executive, Kara Buckley, is discussing the future of the Game of Thrones spinoffs after House of the Dragon.

The OG GOT series first premiered on HBO in 2011, later it went on to be one of the network’s biggest hits, acting as an adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The Emmy-winning show was appreciated and renowned for its complex, nuanced characters, and its ruthless character deaths.

After the series concluded in 2019 after a much-maligned final season, it was announced that the world of Game of Thrones would continue to be in the form of House of the Dragon, a prequel series that was set 200 years before the orginal series. The show will include events such as the Targaryen civil war, based on Martin’s book, Fire and Blood. House of Dragon is set to release this August, featuring stars  Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, and Sonoya Mizuna, among others.

Buckley recently said at the ATX Television Festival, “We developed a lot of ideas, we were still developing a lot of ideas, and I think we’re really excited about the one that will air later this summer. But, we don’t feel the need to make another one unless it feels really creatively exciting to us. That’s my job, at least. And the team that I’m on, that’s what we’re told to focus on.”

Buckley didn’t reveal anything concrete, she clarified that they’re still “developing a lot of ideas, ” but their main focus at the moment is House of the Dragon.

HBO reportedly spent $30 million on a pilot for another spinoff that was ultimately scrapped. Martin confirmed that there will be three more Game of Thrones spinoffs in development, The Sea Snake, Ten Thousand Ships, and an adaptation of his Dunk and Egg novellas. 

Back when Game of Thrones was at its peak, it seemed clear that after the show concluded HBO would be working on additional show sets in Martin’s universe. Later, HBO narrowed its focus on further Game of Thrones spinoffs. The show ended on a very sour note for fans in the final season, something HBO will keep in mind while making House of the Dragon or any additional spinoffs moving forward.

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