Game of Thrones movie needs to learn from House of the Dragon – not rely on the original

Game of Thrones movie needs to learn from House of the Dragon – not rely on the original

As a cinephile who’s seen more than his fair share of fantasy epics and spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Westeros, I must say that the prospect of a Game of Thrones movie leaves me feeling like a dragon caught between two dragonslayers – torn between my love for the original series and the fear of a subpar sequel.


If the news about a potential Game of Thrones film at Warner Bros leaves you feeling uninterested or even tired instead of thrilled, know that many others share your sentiment.

For several years now, following Game of Thrones’ finale that felt somewhat anticlimactic, numerous efforts have been made to recreate the glory of its initial seasons. Given its impact, which essentially led us into a new era of captivating and intricately designed TV shows, it’s no surprise that people crave more of such experiences.

To begin with, Game of Thrones had its run – a long one at eight seasons. However, the final season was generally criticized, and viewers seem to be tired of revisiting similar narratives. This is evident in the cancellation of the Jon Snow spin-off series, which has been postponed indefinitely.

According to Kit Harington’s confession, Jon Snow’s narrative has reached its end, and there isn’t a compelling enough tale to carry on. Regrettably, this isn’t the sole unsuccessful Game of Thrones spin-off in recent times, and it won’t be the last.

But, of course, that certainly doesn’t mean Westeros should be put to bed. George RR Martin is one of the greatest masters of fantasy world-building that we’ve ever known, offering up a rich universe that’s ripe for new stories to be told – and that’s the key: new stories.

Game of Thrones movie needs to learn from House of the Dragon – not rely on the original

It’s fair to say that House of the Dragon stands out among the most successful spin-offs ever made. Many might even consider it superior to the original series, skillfully rekindling our affection for Westeros and perhaps restoring Game of Thrones’s reputation following the controversy surrounding its final season.

Fundamentally, it doesn’t rehash old tales; rather, it presents a fresh take, scarcely reminiscent of Game of Thrones (dragons and Targaryen blonde wigs excluded!). It offers a distinct mood, new actors and characters, a different era, and location. Primarily, it can be appreciated independently, free from any association with Game of Thrones, and it establishes its unique identity. Yes, it does share the captivating realm of Westeros, which inevitably leads to some similarities and connections to the initial series, but it thrives as a standalone, high-quality television production.

To thrive or simply endure during its production, the new film could learn a crucial point from House of the Dragon: it’s essential not to solely depend on the accomplishments of Game of Thrones. Instead, it should forge its own path and establish its own identity.

One significant difference is that TV series and films are distinct formats. Transforming a TV series into a movie can feel incomplete or odd, as elements that worked well over multiple episodes may seem out of place in a shorter timeframe. For instance, Game of Thrones excelled at gradually constructing its world and characters, a pace that a film might struggle to maintain given the time constraints. However, the film adaptation does benefit from the audience’s existing familiarity with the world.

Game of Thrones movie needs to learn from House of the Dragon – not rely on the original

Some people believe that Bloodmoon, the unsuccessful spin-off featuring Naomi Watts, may have failed due to being overly distinct from Game of Thrones. Previously, Bob Greenblatt, former chairman of WarnerMedia, stated that he and HBO’s Casey Bloys disliked the pilot because it didn’t meet the expectations set by the original series (according to Entertainment Weekly).

While a new project doesn’t have to strictly follow Game of Thrones in terms of characters, plot, or mood, what truly captivates about GoT is its storytelling, quality, the intricate world of Westeros, and stunning visuals. These elements can be recreated and honored in a new production. However, it’s crucial that the project carves its own identity, as House of the Dragon demonstrates.

The movie currently lacks a screenwriter, director, or cast, but whoever assumes this role will face a challenging assignment. However, it’s not an insurmountable task. To begin with, they should focus on creating an exceptional narrative that just so happens to be set in Westeros. It may require some simplification and streamlining compared to the complex tales we’ve seen in the Game of Thrones universe thus far.

Venture into uncharted territory, craft an original narrative, and avoid unnecessary complexity – this could potentially lead to a successful Game of Thrones film adaptation.

Having said of all this, I do have one personal caveat, though – don’t ditch the dragons.

Read More

2024-11-01 15:34