HBO confirms the death of Game of Thrones prequel pilot starring Naomi Watts

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Earlier this week it was revealed that HBO had passed on the pilot for Jane Goldman's Game of Thrones prequel series which took place thousands of years prior to the main series and chronicled "the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour. And only one thing is for sure: from the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend–it’s not the story we think we know." HBO has now made the news official by confirming that the prequel pilot is deader than Ned Stark.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward to series with the Untitled Game of Thrones prequel. We thank Jane Goldman, S.J. Clarkson, and the talented cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication.

In a post on his blog, George R.R. Martin said that he was saddened to hear the news of the project's demise. "It goes without saying that I was saddened to hear the show would not be going to series. Jane Goldman is a terrific screenwriter, and I enjoyed brainstorming with her," Martin said. "Heartbreaking as it is to work for years on a pilot, to pour your blood and sweat and tears into it, and  have it come to nought, it’s not at all uncommon. I’ve been there myself, more than once.   I know Jane and her team are feeling the disappointment just now, and they have all my sympathy… with my thanks for all their hard work, and my good wishes for whatever they do next."

While HBO may have axed this particular Game of Thrones prequel project, they have given a straight-to-series order to House of the Dragon, another prequel series which will be set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones and will track the beginning of the end for House Targaryen.This new project is based upon George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," a Targaryen history book which chronicles the history of House Targaryen, starting off with "Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and [going on] to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold the throne, all the way up to the civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, that nearly tore their dynasty apart." Miguel Sapochnik, who helmed multiple episodes of Game of Thrones, set to direct the pilot as well as serve as co-showrunner alongside Ryan Condal (Colony).