Emmy Favorite ‘Game of Thrones’ is Planning Another Prequel, This Time Covering House Targaryen
Another Game of Thrones prequel is reportedly in the works. As the cast and crew of HBO’s hit fantasy drama gear up for the Emmys, George R.R. Martin just teased that he is working on another prequel — only this time, the spin-off will cover the beginning of House Targaryen. HBO has yet to confirm the exciting news, but Martin has been dropping some major hints about the project on social media.
HBO gets another ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel
The rumored prequel is based on Martin’s massive book about the Targaryens called Fire & Blood. Inside sources claim that the Game of Thrones author has been working on the project since last year, though there is no telling when it will start filming.
According to Deadline, Martin is serving as an executive producer on the prequel and is working alongside Ryan Condal, who is best known for co-creating Colony. The spin-off will be set around 300 years before the original series.
So far, five Game of Thrones prequels have been pitched to HBO. The Targaryen spin-off is not a new idea, however, and is reportedly based on a pitch from Bryan Cogman. A few months ago, Cogman revealed that his original idea was not picked up, so it will be interesting to see how this one differs.
Back in May, Martin confirmed that there were five prequels in development but only three of the projects are still in the works. Martin has not revealed too much about the new series, though it sounds like it will document the rise and downfall of Daenerys Targaryen’s (Emilia Clarke) ancestors.
“We have had five different Game of Thrones successor shows in development at HBO, and three of them are still moving forward nicely,” Martin shared.
The prequel will start with the reign of Aegon the Conquerer, the person who built the Iron Throne. It will lead up to a civil war called the Dance of the Dragons.
‘Game of Thrones’ prepares for the Emmys
After wrapping up its final season earlier this year, Game of Thrones is a heavy favorite at the Emmys. The HBO drama received a whopping 32 nominations, smashing the previous record of 26 nominations, which was held by NYPD Blue.
Over the course of its entire run, Game of Thrones has totaled 161 nominations. This year, several cast members are up for an award for supporting actress, including Lena Headey, Gwendoline Christie, Maisie Williams, and Sophie Turner. Peter Dinklage, Alfie Allen, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are in the running for supporting actor.
As far as lead characters are concerned, both Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke received nominations for best actor and best actress. Both of them had previously been nominated for supporting roles.
Although Game of Thrones has gotten a slew of nominations, only one cast member has actually won an Emmy. Peter Dinklage, who played the part of Tyrion Lannister, has won a total of three Emmys for Game of Thrones, all as a supporting actor.
The cast of ‘Game of Thrones’ to present at the Emmys
While plenty of the cast of Game of Thrones will be competing against each other at the Emmys, some of them will be teaming up on stage. After announcing the nominations, the Emmys confirmed that several Game of Thrones stars will be presenting awards, including Clarke, Headey, Harington, Dinklage, Turner, Allen, Williams, Coster-Waldau, Carice van Houten, and Gwendoline Christie.
The final season of Game of Thrones was it’s most controversial to date, yet the negative reviews did not hurt the show’s chances at the Emmys. In fact, the series is fully expected to clean house at the Emmys and potentially set a new record for Emmys won.
There is no telling if the prequels will be as good as the original, but they already have a large fan base. HBO has not revealed when the new spin-offs will premiere, but the first of the prequels filmed it’s pilot episode a few months ago.
The unnamed prequel stars Naomi Watts, while the script was written by Jane Goldman. The show will explore the early days of Martin’s world, including the golden Age of Heroes and how the White Walkers first came into being. No word yet on if HBO will pick it up.
The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards, meanwhile, will kick off on September 22 on Fox.
