HBO's Wise Decision to Overlook the Major Game of Thrones Spinoff (Courtesy of GRRM)

Summary

Notably absent from HBO's lineup of Game of Thrones spinoffs are any plans for a prequel centered around Robert's Rebellion. Instead, the network has unveiled House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and other potential sequels.

A show based on Robert's Rebellion has the potential to become the most significant prequel, as it establishes vital plot elements and character dynamics in Game of Thrones. The opportunity to witness the younger iterations of beloved characters is a major attraction.

Despite George R.R. Martin, the author, expressing his disinterest in a Robert's Rebellion spinoff, it is unlikely for HBO to disregard his wishes unless there is a change in plans.

HBO has several Game of Thrones spinoffs in the works, but they seem to be overlooking the most obvious and potentially biggest option. Even before Game of Thrones ended, HBO had started exploring ways to continue the storytelling in Westeros. So far, we've seen the canceled prequel about the Long Night and House of the Dragon, but there's so much more to come.

In addition to House of the Dragon season 2, there are other Game of Thrones spinoffs on the horizon. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight has already been ordered as a series, and there's talk of a Jon Snow sequel and an Aegon the Conqueror prequel being developed. All of these stories have potential, but what's surprising is what they haven't made yet: a Game of Thrones prequel about Robert's Rebellion.

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Robert’s Rebellion Would Be The Biggest Game Of Thrones Prequel

House of the Dragon's success notwithstanding, it is highly likely that a potential Jon Snow spinoff would achieve similar levels of popularity. However, there are compelling reasons to believe that a show centered around Robert's Rebellion would surpass them all. In fact, it is the most organic prequel concept within the entire franchise. This particular narrative serves as the foundation that shapes and defines the subsequent events in Game of Thrones. From overarching themes (such as Robert assuming the throne and the near-extinction of the Targaryens) to pivotal character relationships and traits (such as the ill-fated love story between Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, and Jaime Lannister's transformation into the Kingslayer), it encapsulates the essence of the series.

George R.R. Martin Never Wanted A Robert’s Rebellion Spinoff

The untold Game of Thrones story that was never fully explored by the original series holds immense intrigue. The appeal is heightened by the inclusion of beloved characters such as a younger Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, and Jaime Lannister, among others. This presents a unique opportunity to witness the famed rebellion, delve into the unadulterated friendship between Ned and Robert before time and tragedy altered it, observe Jaime at the height of his swordsmanship, and witness the prime of the esteemed Ser Barristan Selmy. Discovering the depths of the Mad King's madness and uncovering more thrilling aspects add an abundance of potential and excitement, making it a surefire hit for HBO.

Despite its potential as the most significant Game of Thrones spinoff, Robert's Rebellion faces a major hurdle: George R.R. Martin expressed his opposition to its realization. In 2017, Martin articulated his disapproval on his Not A Blog site.

We will not be exploring Robert's Rebellion either. Despite the desire of many fans and the existence of a petition, I want to assure you that by the time I finish writing A SONG OF ICE & FIRE, you will have all the significant information about Robert's Rebellion. There would be no unexpected plot twists or new revelations in a television adaptation focusing on these events; it would simply be a rehashing of conflicts whose resolutions you already know. Currently, I am not interested in telling a story that feels overly familiar or repetitive.

However, it is important to acknowledge that circumstances can change, people can evolve, and plans can shift. In the same post, I also mentioned that we would not be adapting The Tales of Dunk & Egg because I had other novellas to write. However, it is worth noting that the television adaptation of Dunk & Egg is now in development, despite no new novellas having been published yet. While it is not impossible, it is important to highlight that I expressed a desire to eventually explore Dunk & Egg, whereas my lack of interest in Robert's Rebellion was evident. Given my close involvement with HBO's House of the Dragon and potentially A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it would be highly unexpected if the network went against my wishes.

Why It’s Good A Robert’s Rebellion Spinoff Isn't Happening (For Now)

Robert's Rebellion has the potential to be an exceptional spinoff, encompassing the entire story with its intricate details over one or two seasons. This spinoff would captivate Game of Thrones viewers by delivering the elements they adored, such as political intrigue, familial feuds, thrilling action sequences, and unexpected plot twists. However, a significant hurdle arises, as Martin points out, due to the fact that the entire story will have been disclosed by the time he completes The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring (although we can remain hopeful and dare to dream).

This presents a distinction when compared to House of the Dragon, where the story exists but lacks comprehensive details, or even The Tales of Dunk & Egg, as Martin has not yet concluded that tale and may find solace in its television adaptation. Martin's primary focus is to complete A Song of Ice and Fire, and if another HBO series were to reveal crucial revelations and twists from these books, albeit ones set in the past, it would, at best, feel somewhat disrespectful and, at worst, risk repeating history if Martin is not fully involved and invested in its storytelling.

Consider the extent to which Game of Thrones covered Robert's Rebellion. Would any portrayal of it compare to Jaime Lannister's own account to Brienne of Tarth, which is considered one of the show's most flawless scenes? The Tower of Joy sequences, with their alternating excitement and profound emotion, especially captured the essence of Lyanna's heartfelt plea to Ned. Is there a necessity to recreate these moments? Despite the merits of Robert's Rebellion, the drawbacks outweigh the advantages in this instance.