Ryan Condal, the creative force behind House of the Dragon, has shared one of his most intriguing ideas yet for expanding the Game of Thrones universe. In a new interview with Total Film, Ryan Condal opened up about the vast potential of George R.R. Martin’s world and revealed a story concept that could redefine how we see House Targaryen.

Quick read:

  • Ryan Condal sees potential in the Westerosi universe for more series
  • One that he would like to explore is Targaryens without dragons
  • This is a different idea than the already existing AKOTSK

The pitch: Targaryens without dragons

While discussing the richness of Westeros, Condal highlighted a compelling narrative opportunity:

“I think there’s a real opportunity to see a story where the Targaryens… don’t have their dragons anymore. Where the Targaryens are still ruling, and like, how do you pursue rule? That seems like an interesting place.”

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This idea flips the traditional Targaryen power fantasy on its head. For generations, the family’s dominance rested on their dragons, who were the living symbols of conquest and supremacy. A story set after the dragons’ extinction would strip away that advantage, forcing the Targaryens to rely on politics, alliances, diplomacy, and sheer cunning to maintain the Iron Throne.

A series of Targaryens without dragons already exists named A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Created by Ira Parker, the story is a light-hearted journey of Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen and his mentor and one of the greatest knights of Westeros, Ser Duncan the Tall.

However, Condal’s vision might be tapping into one of the most fascinating eras in Targaryen history, the post-Dance, post-dragon period leading up to Robert’s Rebellion.

Condal noted that Game of Thrones itself only scratched the surface of this incredibly rich universe, suggesting there’s still massive untapped storytelling potential. Condal’s comments hint that the studio is open to even more varied tones and time periods.

A “Targaryens without dragons” series would offer something completely fresh: a political family saga with high stakes but no reliance on massive CGI battles. It could feel closer to Succession meets medieval intrigue than traditional fantasy

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