If you thought the success of Westworld had erased the possibility of a Game of Thrones spinoff from the minds of HBO execs then think again. Independent confirms HBO not only wants to stay in the Game of Thrones business, but the premium channel is currently in early talks with Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss about possible spinoff ideas. While Benioff and Weiss are focusing on the final two seasons, they are also looking ahead at a future in Westeros — something the duo has never confirmed before. Go ahead and get excited, guys. The Game of Thrones spinoff finally feels like a real possibility instead of just wishful thinking.
HBO CEO Richard Plepner told Independent, "There might be some brand extension that would be exciting. It certainly has not escaped the producers." While it is not an ironclad guarantee of a spinoff, he sounds openly optimistic. He went on to note that, while the primary focus right now is on bringing Game of Thrones to a satisfying conclusion, HBO is at the same time working on spinoff ideas in the "very embryonic stages."
The one thing Plepner did not comment on is exactly what form the potential spinoff could take. In a world as expansive as Westeros, the possibilities are endless. A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin has written enough prequel stories to give HBO pre-formed options, but the established world is full of potential for Benioff and Weiss to build a new series around an original idea of their own too.
For fans of the books, the most appealing option would be an adaptation of The Tales of Dunk and Egg . The short story collection chronicles the journey of a knight and his squire, set 90 years prior to the events in Game of Thrones, and could offer up a more episodic adventure. There's also the potential to delve into past eras of Westeros, such as the build up to the Dance with Dragons or Aegon's Conquest.
Going off book isn't out of the question either, especially given how Game of Thrones flourished in Season 6 after being released from the constraints of Martin's series of books. If Benioff and Weiss have an original idea set in Westeros, the guys have earned the chance to expand the world on their own. One thing is for sure: at this stage, keeping quiet about what direction a spinoff could take is only going to build excitement.
Having a spinoff of some sort ready to go after Season 8 comes to an end is just good business. As long as the spinoff is rooted in a solid idea, the fans will follow. The sheer emotional investment Game of Thrones inspires is a valuable commodity for HBO, and it's one I am happy to see the company exploit as long as it means there are more adventures in Westeros to look forward to even after I say goodbye to Jon, Arya, Tyrion, and all the rest of Game of Thrones' amazing characters.
Images: HBO; Giphy
