5 Exciting Game of Thrones Spinoffs Share One Key Element (& It Unveils HBO's Untapped Potential)
Exploring the realm of HOTD, Jon Snow, and more in the world of Game of Thrones spinoffs.
One trend is poised to shape the landscape of Game of Thrones spinoffs, expanding far beyond House of the Dragon. HBO has extensive plans for its Westeros-based franchise, with spinoff development underway even prior to the conclusion of Game of Thrones in 2019. Five years later, the momentum continues to grow.
The first installment will be House of the Dragon season 2, scheduled for a Summer 2024 release, followed by A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, anticipated to premiere in 2025. While further details remain unconfirmed, a multitude of additional Game of Thrones spinoffs are in the works, each delving into various characters and eras in Westeros history, yet all sharing a common thematic thread.
Upcoming Game Of Thrones Spinoffs | |
|---|---|
Show | Status |
House Of The Dragon season 2 | Releases Summer 2024 |
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight | Expected 2025 |
Nine Voyages (animated Corlys Velaryon spinoff) | In-development |
10,000 Ships (spinoff focused on Princess Nymeria) | In-development |
The Golden Empire (animated spinoff set in Yi Ti) | In-development |
Aegon's Conquest | In-development |
Jon Snow sequel | In-development |
4 Upcoming Game Of Thrones Spinoffs Are Focused On Aegon Targaryen
There are 5 upcoming Aegons in total.
Prince Aegon Targaryen seated at a table in House of the Dragon. - There are 5 upcoming Aegons in total. - 4 Upcoming Game Of Thrones Spinoffs Are Focused On Aegon Targaryen
Several Game of Thrones spinoffs are focused on House Targaryen, specifically characters named Aegon Targaryen. This trend continues on screen with the appearance of three Aegon Targaryens: Jon Snow (real name Aegon Targaryen) in Game of Thrones, Aegon II, and Aegon the Younger in House of the Dragon.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight's story will also feature an Aegon Targaryen. This character, known as "Egg" in George R.R. Martin’s novellas The Tales of Dunk and Egg, eventually becomes King Aegon V Targaryen. The connection to Egg was previously mentioned in Game of Thrones by his brother, Maester Aemon.
Aegon Targaryen, the Conqueror himself, is the next character to be featured. Currently in development is an Aegon’s Conquest show, with Mattson Tomlin, The Batman writer, leading the project. This show will narrate the tale of how Aegon united Westeros and ascended to the throne as King Aegon Targaryen. Although the show has not been officially confirmed yet, it is highly likely to materialize as it serves as the pivotal point for the 300 years of Targaryen history that ensue.
Every Aegon Targaryen In Upcoming Game Of Thrones Spinoffs | ||
|---|---|---|
Character | Show | Actor |
Aegon II Targaryen | House Of The Dragon | Tom Glynn-Carney |
Aegon the Younger | House Of The Dragon | Jake and Rory Heard |
Aegon V Targaryen, aka Egg | A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms | TBC |
Aegon The Conqueror | Aegon's Conquest | TBC |
Jon Snow | Snow sequel show | Kit Harington |
HBO's Game Of Thrones Spinoffs Are Missing King Aegon IV Targaryen
The Blackfyre Rebellions would be a great Game of Thrones spinoff.
King Aegon IV Targaryen acknowledges Daemon Blackfyre in art from The World of Ice and Fire - The Blackfyre Rebellions would be a great Game of Thrones spinoff. - HBO's Game Of Thrones Spinoffs Are Missing King Aegon IV Targaryen
HBO is set to showcase four out of the five Westeros Kings named "Aegon Targaryen" in their upcoming spinoff series. The only King Aegon excluded from this trend is Aegon IV, who reigned from 172-184 AC, which is approximately 40-50 years after the timeline of House of the Dragon.
There is irony in the absence of King Aegon, known as "the Unworthy" due to his poor rule. Despite this, showcasing him on screen could be valuable, particularly in the context of the Blackfyre Rebellions. Aegon IV's decision to legitimize his bastards on his deathbed sparked five rebellions from House Blackfyre against the Targaryen dynasty, spanning several decades.
An anthology series dedicated to each rebellion could be captivating, with each season focusing on a different uprising. This approach would not only offer a unique storytelling opportunity but also provide a platform to introduce Aegon IV to audiences - a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Another Aegon Targaryen Cut from the Books The Blackfyre Rebellions are rich in potential for a captivating TV series. While lacking dragons, they possess the essential elements that have made Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon so beloved: political scheming, familial conflicts, morally ambiguous characters, and thrilling battles. An anthology format, with each season focusing on a different rebellion, could offer a compelling viewing experience. This would also provide the opportunity to bring Aegon IV to life on screen - a character deserving of his moment in the spotlight.
What happened to Young Griff?
Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen in Game of Thrones - What happened to Young Griff? - Game Of Thrones Cut Another Aegon Targaryen From The Books
In the fifth novel, A Dance with Dragons, readers are introduced to a character by the name of Young Griff. He is later revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell, who was believed to have been killed by the Mountain at the end of Robert’s Rebellion. Besides Jon Snow, there is another Aegon Targaryen who could have appeared in Game of Thrones, had it more closely followed Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books.
Real or not, he’s making a bid for the Iron Throne in the books, and Young Griff could well become the sixth King to carry the name Aegon Targaryen.
Ostensibly, Aegon was smuggled safely out of King’s Landing as a baby and raised to be the perfect prince. Some believe Young Griff is a fake, citing warnings in the book of a "mummer's dragon" and his sudden appearance. Despite his absence in the show, Young Griff is vying for the Iron Throne in the books, potentially becoming the sixth Aegon Targaryen.
The decision to omit Young Griff from Game of Thrones was likely due to the confusion of having two Aegons and the late reveal in the books. It would have been a repetitive surprise for audiences to have two characters named Aegon in quick succession, diluting the impact of Jon Snow's true lineage. If included, there would have been a proliferation of Aegon Targaryens across all Game of Thrones adaptations.
Why There Are So Many Aegon Targaryens In Game Of Thrones
It's not just a good name for a king.
Aegon's Coronation in House of the Dragon episode 9 - It's not just a good name for a king. - Why There Are So Many Aegon Targaryens In Game Of Thrones
It's no surprise that the name Aegon Targaryen is so prevalent. With the Conqueror establishing the Targaryen dynasty, it has become synonymous with power and royalty, making it a common choice for the heir to the throne. Aegon is a name steeped in tradition and strength, making it a perfect fit for a future king.
In House of the Dragon, Aegon's dream of the White Walkers hints at deeper significance. It appears that there was a belief that the Prince That Was Promised had to be named Aegon. This belief was likely held by Rhaegar, who was fixated on the prophecy and believed it pertained to his son. This could explain why Game of Thrones revealed that Jon Snow was named Aegon, despite Rhaegar already having a son with that name. The name Aegon holds great significance as a king's name, but it now carries a much deeper meaning.
Editor's P/S:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoffs, with a particular focus on characters named Aegon Targaryen. The trend of featuring multiple Aegons in the franchise is intriguing, and the inclusion of both well-established and lesser-known characters promises a diverse range of stories. The exploration of the Targaryen dynasty and its various branches, as well as the potential for new insights into the Blackfyre Rebellions and the fate of Young Griff, are particularly exciting.
Overall, the article highlights the rich and complex history of Westeros and the potential for the Game of Thrones universe to continue expanding and captivating audiences for years to come. The emphasis on the name Aegon Targaryen suggests that the writers are aware of the significance of this name in the mythology of the series and are using it to create meaningful connections between different characters and eras.
