Game of Thrones Movie Just Took A Big Step Forward, With New Script From Andor Writer

The Game of Thrones franchise continues its expansion, with reports coming in that the long-awaited franchise feature-film has taken a significant step forward. Reportedly, the film is in development at Warner Bros., and an initial script draft has been submitted by writer Beau Willimon. Willimon is an acclaimed writer of TV, films, and stage plays, with a long list of writing credits that include Netflix’s political drama series House of Cards and George Clooney’s political thriller The Ides of March, Star Wars’ Emmy-winning prequel series Andor, as well as serving as an executive producer on Apple TV’s hit sci-fi-drama, Severance.

Page Six claims that the leadership at Warner Bros. is “pumped on Willimon’s draft,” hinting that the project looks good to get the green light. Now industry insiders are on the lookout to hear from the studio whether this project is officially going into production. With Game of Thrones in the midst of a strong resurgence on the backs of its prequel shows, House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, this seems like a logical next step – especially if the plot rumors are true…

The Game of Thrones Movie Is Reportedly Aegon The Conquerer’s Story

In the report about Willimon’s script, it’s being stated that the story “may center Aegon I.” Fans of the Game of Thrones know him better as “Aegon the Conqueror,” the Targaryen who (along with his sister wives) rode dragons into a civil strife that ended with the Seven Kingdoms (Nine Kingdoms?) united under Aegon’s rule, as he took the Iron Throne as the first king of Westeros and the creator of a Targaryen Dynasty that would last 300 years.

There has been talk of doing Aegon the Conqueror’s story in some kind of format ever since Game of Thrones was airing. For a long time, it felt like the story was primed to be a prequel miniseries on HBO, so a feature film is an interesting pivot. There are smart ways to approach the story in a cinematic format, because it’s a pretty straightforward story of six different “kingdoms” that need to be visited and bested (Dorne didn’t fall as part of the Conquest), before the forging of the Iron Throne from the swords of Aegon’s vanquished enemies. It’s much less political drama and scheming, and a lot more military strategy and battles with three Dragons (ridden by Aegon and his sister-wives Rhaeny and Visenya) as horrific WMDs. In other words, it’s a story that could definitely use a movie-sized screen (and budget) to tell.

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Every King Aegon Targaryen in Game of Thrones History Explained

For diehard fans of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world, Aegon I’s story (and his name) ripples through every single Game of Thrones series there is. From the vile and violent Aegon II, who caused House of the Dragon’s civil war, to young Aegon V choosing a Hedge Knight’s vagabond life in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Then there is the new Aegon Targaryen, Jon Snow, whose story continues after Game of Thrones. Getting to know the truth of the man who started that line is a strong enough lure for fans to show up to theaters.

In addition to the original series and the two aforementioned prequel shows (HotD, AKotSK), there are several other Game of Thrones franchise projects in the works. Last year, George R.R. Martin confirmed that “five or six series” are being developed, which are both prequels and sequels to the original show. Much has changed since then, with Warner Bros. on the verge of a major merger with Paramount that can change the shape of the entertainment industry and all current franchise plans.

That said, Game of Thrones has announced both an animated series based on the Nine Voyages of “The Sea Snake” (Corlys Velaryon from House of the Dragon). A stage play called Game of Thrones: The Mad King is also in development to premiere this fall in the UK. That show will focus on the final days of the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, and the pivotal civil conflict known as “Robert’s Rebellion,” which ended the Targaryen Dynasty and set the events of Game of Thrones in motion.

Game of Thrones and its spinoff shows, House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, stream on HBO Max.