HBO Axes Naomi Watts-led ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel, Greenlights ‘House of the Dragon’ Spinoff

A Game of Thrones series dies, another rises.

It’s an overwhelming day for GoT fans as hit after hit comes at them. First up, the Naomi Watts-led Game of Thrones prequel series from Jane Goldman has been dropped by HBO. No further details were given about its axing, but the show would have shown the Westeros 1000 years before the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryens were locked in a never-ending dispute for the Iron Throne. The pilot of the GoT prequel was already shot, but it looks like HBO executives didn’t like it enough to order it to series.

This prequel was one of the five Game of Thrones-related shows being developed by the network. But with this cancelation comes a brand new hope for those desperate for more of Westeros. Another GoT spinoff just got a full 10-episode series order and will be titled House of the Dragons. It was reported back in September that the show is nearing a pilot order. However, it looks like the show’s writing was compelling enough to get a full season from the network.

House of the Dragon is based on “Fire & Blood,” the Game of Thrones companion novel from George R.R. Martin that tells the story of House Targaryen. The novel starts off with Aegon the Conqueror’s quest for Westeros after House Targaryen survives the Doom of Valyria and takes up residence in Dragonstone. Then, it goes on to tell the stories of the generations of Targaryens who fought and ruled on the Iron Throne.

Longtime Game of Thrones director Miguel Sapochnik, known for helming the show’s iconic war episodes “Hardhome,” “Battle of the Bastards,” and “The Long Night,” will serve as showrunner alongside Ryan Condal. Sapochnik will also direct the pilot episode, while Martin and Condal are the show’s creators.

House of the Dragon comes after a field day at the HBO Max WarnerMedia Day presentation where show and project announcements were dropped. “The Game of Thrones universe is so rich with stories,” said HBO Programming President Casey Bloys (via Variety). “We look forward to exploring the origins of House Targaryen and the earlier days of Westeros along with Miguel, Ryan, and George.”

House of the Dragons has no scheduled release date as of yet.