Some Game of Thrones spinoffs 'shelved' amid changes at HBO Max, George R.R. Martin reveals


The tumult at Warner Bros. Discovery hasn't spared the Game of Thrones franchise.
George R.R. Martin has revealed that some of the planned Game of Thrones spinoffs have been "shelved," which he blamed on recent changes at HBO Max.
On his blog, the author shared that while there are more Thrones spinoffs in development beyond House of the Dragon, none of them have been officially greenlit.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"A couple have been shelved, but I would not agree that they are dead," he added. "You can take something off the shelf as easily as you can put it on the shelf. All the changes at HBO Max have impacted us, certainly."
Martin didn't specify which spinoffs have been shelved. But his update comes at the end of a tumultuous year for HBO Max after the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has since instituted numerous cost-cutting measures, including scrapping a nearly completed Batgirl movie that was intended for HBO Max and pulling various shows like Westworld off the service. HBO Max will also merge with Discovery+ in 2023.
But it was still surprising to see all of this seemingly affect HBO's flagship franchise, too. House of the Dragon was a major success for HBO this year, and no fewer than seven other Thrones spinoffs have been discussed, though it was never expected that all of them would make it to air. "Not all, no, it is never all but more than one," Martin previously said. "I certainly hope so." Among the potential projects include a series about the Sea Snake from House of the Dragon and a Jon Snow sequel series starring Kit Harington.
For now, though, House of the Dragon's second season is moving forward, and it's expected to air — likely sometime in 2024 — before any other possible spinoffs debut.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
A horseback safari in the wilds of Zambia
The Week Recommends Unforgettable trip offers chance to see wildlife and experience local villages
By The Week UK Published
-
Erica's harira soup recipe
The Week Recommends Gently spiced Moroccan soup-stew warms the soul
By The Week UK Published
-
The best food gifts for Mother's Day
The Week Recommends Forget flowers, spoil your mum with these foodie treats
By The Week UK Published
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published