Game of Thrones fans were left disappointed with the show's final seasons, and now, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have shed light on the original plan for the series. The duo revealed that the initial idea was to create three movies instead of the final 13 episodes that aired across two seasons. However, this concept was allegedly shut down by HBO executives.
Benioff and Weiss expressed their dissatisfaction with HBO's then-owners, AT&T, citing instances where the network suggested unconventional ideas like shooting the series vertically for mobile viewing. The duo's experience with HBO influenced their decision to work with Netflix on their next project, '3 Body Problem,' emphasizing the importance of a stable working environment.
Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin's series of fantasy novels, concluded in 2019 with a divisive ending that saw Bran Stark becoming king and Jon Snow exiled to the Night's Watch. The show's conclusion sparked backlash, prompting Martin to assure fans that the book series would offer a different ending.
While fans eagerly await Martin's next book, 'The Winds of Winter,' HBO has kept them engaged with the spinoff series 'House of the Dragon.' Set centuries before the events of Game of Thrones, the prequel focuses on the Targaryen family's ancestors, with a star-studded cast including Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, and others.
Season 2 of 'House of the Dragon' is scheduled to premiere later this year, offering fans a deeper dive into the rich lore of the Game of Thrones universe.