HBO dropped an atomic bomb of awesomeness on us yesterday: it’s assigned four writers to explore the potential for multiple Game of Thrones spinoffs.
The four writers have varied backgrounds. Max Borenstein has written action films like Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, and the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Jane Goldman is a well-rounded writer, having penned the scripts for horror movies (The Woman in Black), fantasy films (Stardust), superhero flicks (X-Men: First Class), and dramas (The Debt). She also wrote the stylish action hit Kingsman: The Secret Service.
Brian Helgeland is the most experienced of the group, and the only one to win an Oscar (Best Adapted Screenplay for L.A. Confidential). He also wrote the intense drama Mystic River and wrote and directed Legend (no, not the Tom Cruise film — it’s a spy thriller from 2015). Finally, Carly Wray is the least experience of the writers and the only one to focus exclusively on television — she’s written for both Mad Men and The Leftovers. Of these four, Goldman and Wray will be working directly with Game of Thrones creator, George R.R. Martin.
We don’t whether we’re getting a sequel, an entirely new story with new characters, or a prequel, but we know which direction we’d like HBO to go, and which writer we’d like to work work on which project. (Keep in mind that HBO has hinted that a prequel is most likely.) Let’s dive in.
1. Robert’s Rebellion
The events that lead up to the current Game of Thrones timeline are known as Robert’s Rebellion. Mad King Aerys Targaryen was going crazy, and wanted to have young Ned Stark and his friend Robert Baratheon killed. Meanwhile, Aerys’ son Rhaegar absconded with Lyanna Stark, Ned’s sister and Robert’s intended, thus inciting Robert’s legendary wrath. It’s got everything: drama, action, romance, battles…What better prequel for HBO to throw its considerable weight behind?
We already know what a young Ned Stark looks like, so HBO wouldn’t have to search far to fill that role. We even have a touchstone for Robert Baratheon with Gethin Anthony, who played his younger brother Renly. Finding the right actor to play Rhaegar could be an ordeal, but a potential star-making turn for whoever lands it.
With his experience writing grounded, real-world stories, Brian Helgeland would be the best fit for this project.
2. Dunk and Egg
The Tales of Dunk and Egg tell the story of Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight down on his luck when he meets Aegon V Targaryen, the youngest son of the royal family. More free to do what he wants with his time than his older brothers, Aegon takes to wandering around tournaments and going as a bald little boy named Egg. The two have many adventures together, most of which end with Dunk clouting Egg in the ear. This would be a fresh and new take on Game of Thrones, as little to no characters from the show could make an appearance.
With their episodic structure, The Tales of Dunk and Egg also lend themselves most easily to the small screen. That’s why we think Carly Wray would be the best choice to adapt them, given her TV experience.
