Game of Thrones' cast returning? Right now, the plan is only in the earliest stages, with no director, writer, or actors attached, which means, in theory, it could be anything. However, while there are plenty of stories to pull from, only a few would make sense - or rather, be big enough - as a theatrical release.

That could be something like Robert's Rebellion or Aegon's Conquest, but it's not hard to imagine picking up after Game of Thrones' ending, as divisive as it was, would be attractive to WB. It would be somewhat of a surprise, but this is a world where there's a new Lord of the Rings movie set during Fellowship and a Harry Potter remake coming in the next couple of years (from Warner Bros. Discovery, no less), so it can't be ruled out, especially as it would likely be a box office hit.

Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff & D.B. Weiss originally wanted to end the show with a movie trilogy, rather than seasons 7 and 8.

When the Jon Snow spinoff, with Kit Harington open to a return, so it is certainly plausible, even if it's not necessarily likely. But if it happened, would it be a good idea? And would it right the perceived wrongs of season 8? That I'm not so sure about.

Game Of Thrones' Movie Can't Make Up For Season 8's Problems

Not Even A 9th Season Would Fix The Ending

To be clear, I liked Game of Thrones season 8, but when looking at whether a movie (or even season 9) is a good idea, then it's worth considering the bigger picture. And, obviously, the response to season 8 - and the finale in particular - was overwhelmingly negative, at least in very general of the fandom, both die-hard and casual. The finale is typically viewed as "bad," and I don't see how any kind of continuation, barring major retcons or simply just a remake, would really fix anything for anyone let down by how things concluded.

Bran Stark would be king; Daenerys Targaryen would be dead, killed by Jon Snow.

Either Game of Thrones season 9 or movie would still have to play with the status quo left by the ending. Bran Stark would be king; Daenerys Targaryen would be dead, killed by Jon Snow. Jaime Lannister still went back to Cersei and died with her at the Red Keep. The White Walkers were still dealt with within three episodes; The Long Night was only one night. Even if it were to undo some - such as theories about Daenerys being resurrected by a Red Priestess - it makes them feel worse, and cheapens what narrative and thematic value they do hold.

Related
Game Of Thrones Is Finally Fulfilling D&D's Original Season 8 Plan That Could Have Saved The Finale 5 Years Ago

A Game of Thrones movie is in development at Warner Bros, which calls to mind D&D's rejected original release plan for the divisive seasons 7 & 8.

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Could a Game of Thrones movie find a way to flesh out Bran's character that justifies the decision to make him king enough to those who dislike it? Is it going to reckon with his struggles to rule, that making him king was a mistake, that actually, now, this time they're really going to break the wheel? Could it find a compelling enough story to bring Jon Snow back into the fold, when a spinoff already tried and failed to do that? Are Dorne and the Iron Islands suddenly going to decide they're not OK with being part of a united Seven Kingdoms?

Say what you will about Game of Thrones' series finale - the point here is not to relitigate any debates over its quality - but it is an ending, wrapping up character arcs and storylines that had been running the entire show. Their lives go on, but there's not too much in of promising more stories worth telling, and so continuing that I think would most likely feel forced. There'd probably be an element of trying to course-correct and appease fans, leaving no side happy, not dissimilar to something like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, except with less to build on.

Game Of Thrones Is Better Off Avoiding Most Of Its Main Characters

There's Plenty More To This World To Explore Instead

Maisie Williams as Arya in Game of Thrones season 8 finale

For the most part, I don't think it's worth revisiting Game of Thrones' main characters, at least not in a way that would necessitate almost all of them coming back. It would risk further damaging the show's legacy, and the character endings that did work - at least in broad - such as Sansa Stark being Queen in the North, or Jon going back beyond the Wall (a fitting fate, even if there can be arguments over how it happened - would have to be disrupted.

If there were to be a continuation, for me, the only real option would be an Arya Stark spinoff, following her adventures to find what's West of Westeros.

If there were to be a continuation, for me, the only real option would be an Arya Stark spinoff, following her adventures to find what's West of Westeros. That could be something quite unique, exploring different parts of the world, allowing for new characters, and wouldn't necessitate the return of other cast . Even that isn't entirely "necessary," (as much as any piece of art could be called that), but there's more potential to the idea.

Game of Thrones Spinoffs

Title

Description

Status

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

An adaptation of George R.R. Martin's The Tales of Dunk & Egg novellas

Season 1 releasing in 2025 on HBO and Max

House of the Dragon

Ongoing Game of Thrones prequel, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons

Season 3 expected in 2026; season 4 will be the last

Aegon's Conquest

The story of King Aegon I Targaryen and the conquest of Westeros with his sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya

In-development

10,000 Ships

A spinoff about Princess Nymeria, who led her people the Rhoynar to Dorne after a war with the Valyrian Freehold

In-development

Nine Voyages

An animated show about Corlys Velaryon's Great Voyages, where he sailed around the Known World

In-development

The Golden Empire (unofficial)

An animated show set in empire of Yi Ti, which is in the far East of Essos

In-development

TBC

Another live-action Game of Thrones spinoff

In-development

TBC

Another animated Game of Thrones spinoff

In-development

TBC

A Game of Thrones movie

In-development

Otherwise, WB and HBO alike are better off continuing to explore the past of Westeros (and beyond). Martin has created a world with a history going back over 10,000 years; there's plenty to choose from. Do an Aegon's Conquest movie. Make the Game of Thrones spinoffs already in the works. But, for the main show, there's really no need to go back. Thankfully, I don't think it's the most likely option, but I hope it's one that's avoided all the same.

  • Game of Thrones Poster

    Your Rating

    Game Of Thrones
    Release Date
    2011 - 2019-00-00
    Showrunner
    David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
    Directors
    David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
    • Headshot Of Kit Harington In The Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall
      Jon Snow
    • Headshot Of Isaac Hempstead Wright
      Isaac Hempstead Wright
      Brandon Bran Stark

    WHERE TO WATCH

    Streaming

    Based on George R. R. Martin's ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.

  • Game of Thrones Franchise Poster
    Created by
    George R.R. Martin
    First TV Show
    Game Of Thrones
    Cast
    Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Sophie Turner, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Iain Glen, John Bradley, Alfie Allen, Conleth Hill, Liam Cunningham, Gwendoline Christie, Aidan Gillen, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Rory McCann, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jerome Flynn, Rhys Ifans, Matt Smith, Graham McTavish, Fabien Frankel, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Emma D'Arcy, Matthew Needham, Olivia Cooke, Milly Alcock, Emily Carey
    TV Show(s)
    Game Of Thrones, House of the Dragon, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight

    Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.