There is a lot of talk currently about the potential eighth season of Game of Thrones . However, HBO’s bosses have not stopped there. There is the chance that a continuation of the show could happen, with a prequel series starting. It would make sense, considering George R.R. Martin has spent years crafting prequel books to tell more stories of the world of Westeros.
There has always been the talk of Game of Thrones ending with seven seasons. It seems HBO doesn’t want that to happen, and the showrunners believe that an eighth season is possible. The main reason for seven seasons is that there has always been the plan for seven books. Of course, Martin said last year that there may be eight books now, which could mean eight seasons.
Michael Lombardo, programming president at the network, has confirmed that they are all looking at eight seasons right now, but there may be more, Vanity Fair reports. A prequel series to accompany Game of Thrones is certainly possible, but there is no confirmation yet. Lombardo said that it would depend on whether Dan Weiss and David Benioff wanted to tackle that show with the Game of Thrones author.
“I would be open to anything that Dan and David wanted to do about Game of Thrones or any subject matter…It really would depend fully on what they wanted to do. I think you’re right, there’s enormous storytelling to be mined in a prequel, if [author George R.R. Martin ] and Dan and David decide they want to tackle that.”
–Michael Lombardo
The problem with a prequel series is just how far back it could go. There are rumors that the sixth season will include a flashback of a time before the Baratheons sat on the throne. This could set up the premise for a prequel series, if there is enough content to keep that going. Some fans have complained of too much filler content in season four of Game of Thrones — and then complained about too much violence in season five!
If one fan theory works out to be true, many fans would like to see a prequel surrounding Lyanna Stark. Many suspect that she is really Jon Snow’s mother, making him a Targareyn, but there has been no confirmation as of yet. It would mean that Sean Bean could return as Lord Eddard Stark, something that he has said he would be interested in.
All of this would depend on a number of factors, and not just whether Weiss and Benioff would work with Martin further — Martin allowed 10 years for the show, so he will likely be happy to work with them further. Most of the current cast is only signed on for seven seasons , according to The Hollywood Reporter . Some could decide to close the door on Game of Thrones , leaving the showrunners the task of crafting new stories, taking Game of Thrones further away from the books.
“I allowed that ten years sounded fine to me. I continue to hear similar sentiments from HBO every time I have a meeting with them, be it in LA or New York.”
–George R.R. Martin
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