HBO is perhaps about to do something much larger just when it felt that ‘Game of Thrones’ was going to be a television-only phenomenon. An Aegon the Conqueror prequel has long been rumored, but now it is officially in the works, and the twist: it may not end with TV.
According to new reports, the project is being considered not only as a prestige HBO drama but also as a full-scale theatrical film, potentially giving Westeros its first true cinematic event. To a franchise that used to dominate Sunday nights, the notion of dragons ruling the big screen is a natural, albeit ambitious, development.
Aegon The Conqueror Could Take ‘Game Of Thrones’ Beyond HBO
Set roughly 300 years before ‘Game of Thrones‘, Aegon’s Conquest tells the story of how Aegon Targaryen I united six of the Seven Kingdoms through fire, blood, and dragons, founding the dynasty that would eventually give rise to Daenerys Targaryen. It is not a low-profile political play or a slow-moving character study. It is a mythic war tale.
The central figure of the story is Aegon and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, both dragon riders. Visenya’s dragon, Vhagar, is not a new character to ‘House of the Dragon’ viewers, as we see her centuries later as a living symbol of conquest.
Related: 10 Most Hated ‘Game Of Thrones’ Characters, Ranked
The sight of Vhagar in her glory, as well as several dragons altering the destiny of Westeros, is precisely the sort of visual spectacle that can be worth the theatrical release. The story is said to be considered by Warner Bros. as a possible ‘Dune’-sized film event, and that analogy is understandable.
Similar to ‘Dune’, Aegon Conquest is a combination of prophecy, empire-building, and larger-than-life characters. It is a myth, and myths are best seen on the largest screen possible.
How This Fits Into The Expanding Vision Of Westeros
The most interesting aspect of this development is that HBO is taking its time to restore confidence in the ‘Game of Thrones‘ brand. Following the polarizing finale of the original series, the network retreated, concentrating on prequels based on lore. ‘House of the Dragon’ demonstrated that people were ready to come back. Now, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ is maintaining the same pace with a more personalized, character-oriented style.
Aegon Conquest would be a third lane altogether: a historical epic that is more of a legend than a drama. It might also enhance the relationships that have already been formed in ‘House of the Dragon’.
The show showcased Aegon’s prophetic dream about the White Walkers. It is still unclear whether that prophecy has anything to do with the new adaptation. However, its inclusion may serve to unite the franchise thematically.
In case you missed it: Emilia Clarke On The Exact Moment Daenerys’ Story On ‘Game Of Thrones’ Broke Her
In the meantime, it is also reported that HBO is considering sequel concepts, such as a re-imagined concept after Arya Stark, who has gone west of Westeros. Combined, these projects indicate a franchise that is no longer afraid to look forward.
The message is clear whether the story of Aegon will become a series, a film, or both: ‘Game of Thrones’ is no longer a TV universe. It is turning into a full-fledged fantasy epic, one that both HBO and Warner Bros. are hoping will be able to flourish long after the Iron Throne.
