What’s Game of Thrones without the Seven Kingdoms? Turns out, a whole bunch. A possible prequel to the show could explore storylines set entirely outside of Westeros.
HBO’s president of programming confirmed they’re talking with George R.R. Martin about a possible GoT prequel. While you might think that guarantees a retelling of “Robert’s Rebellion,” Martin’s mythology goes back about 12,000 years and expands way beyond Westeros.
“I would say it’s still kind of preliminary ongoing talks,” Programming President Casey Bloys said. “There are areas we are exploring, but I wouldn’t point to any one and say, ‘This is what we’re going to do.’”
There are plenty of realms and kingdoms that are ripe for exploration in a Game of Thrones prequel. For example, there’s the continent of Sothoryos, which has hardly been explored in the HBO show. It’s vast, treacherous and full of mythical beasts. It also includes the Summer Islands, ruled by independent princes, where characters like Grey Worm and Xaro Xhoan Daxos (that guy Daenerys locked in a vault).
However, an even stronger prequel lies in what’s now the doomed realm of Old Valyria. This is where House Targaryen lived for thousands of years before fleeing to Westeros after the mysterious Doom 400 years before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire. Prior to the cataclysmic event, Valyria was a mighty empire ruled by lords who could control armies of dragons. House Targaryen wasn’t even the most powerful family in the kingdom, that’s how badass Valyria was. Plus, it’s the source of Valyrian steel, the only thing that can kill the White Walkers.
Given how much we don’t know about Valyria, and how much more can be told, a prequel set in that world would be fresh and unique. We all know who Ned Stark is, guys, we don’t need to see his “Muppet Babies” version come of age.
