HBO was developing a Game of Thrones spinoff set in Braavos at one point

As a lifelong cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of epic fantasy, I can confidently say that George R.R. Martin’s European sojourn this past summer was nothing short of a pilgrimage for us fellow fans. The man behind the masterful creation of Westeros and Essos has always been a globe-trotter, weaving real-life experiences into his rich tapestry of tales.

Last summer, the creator of “Game of Thrones“, George R.R. Martin, traveled to Europe for a mix of work and leisure, as he often does during his trips over the past few decades. He met with his foreign publishers and paid a visit to the set of the upcoming “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”. However, he also took time off to sightsee and enjoy Europe’s iconic cities, such as Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Martin suggests that Amsterdam might have been among the influences for the coastal city of Braavos, where Arya Stark honed her skills as a Faceless Man in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and in the television show “Game of Thrones.” It is interesting to note that Amsterdam reportedly boasts more canals than Venice, Italy – a city many people believe Braavos was modeled after. It seems there’s always something new to discover!

Martin discloses in his latest blog entry that there had been plans for an HBO prequel series to Game of Thrones, which was supposed to be based in the city of Braavos.

One of these days I need to write that story about Braavos we were developing for HBO. They shelved that one a couple of years back, alas, but that does not mean I won’t go back to it… after WINDS OF WINTER is done, of course.

Always uncertain is the timeline for when George R.R. Martin might complete “The Winds of Winter,” the eagerly awaited sixth installment in his “Song of Ice and Fire” series. Should he indeed deliver on that promise and be inspired to pen a tale centered around Braavos, I’ll definitely give it a read. However, for now, one step at a time seems best.

How many Game of Thrones spinoffs are in development?

As Martin shares, there are additional live-action series and two animated shows currently being worked on, over and above what is mentioned. However, it’s important to note that none of these projects are guaranteed to air. In fact, HBO has abandoned numerous concepts throughout the process. One such example is the shelved Braavos show, which we recently learned about. HBO even produced a pilot for a prequel titled “Blood Moon,” but decided not to proceed with it. Additionally, they’ve put on hold the idea of a sequel series featuring Jon Snow. But, as time goes by, who can predict what might transpire?

Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin reunites with Carice van Houten (Melisandre)

During his stay in Amsterdam, Martin had the pleasure of encountering the Dutch actress famous for her role as the Red Woman Melisandre on “Game of Thrones”. The two appeared to be in high spirits.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I found myself in the captivating city of Amsterdam, where I had the extraordinary chance to dine with none other than George R.R. Martin and Carice van Houten, the mesmerizing actress who brought Melisandre, the Red Woman, to life on screen.
— westerosies (@westerosies) October 27, 2024

Lastly, let me share a brief excerpt where Martin discusses the rejuvenating impact of his getaway. He found solace in escaping the turmoil he’s faced over the past six months.

Despite the glories of Amsterdam, many a night I found myself unable to sleep after my minions had headed off to bed. Instead I wandered out to my balcony, and sat looking out on the moonlit city while I mulled life and art and the woes of the world. It was a welcome respite from all the conflict that I had been dealing with for the past half year.

Martin has expressed some reservations about the way House of the Dragon’s showrunner Ryan Condal is handling his Game of Thrones prequel, and given this, it seems reasonable to assume that his concerns may be playing a role. It’s set to air again in 2026, but whether they will address Martin’s issues is still uncertain.

2024-10-28 18:41