There are only three episodes of “Game of Thrones” remaining, but there could be up to three spinoff series coming to HBO, according to author George R.R. Martin.
In a blog post on Saturday, Martin — whose “A Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy novels led to the HBO hit — said of the five “GoT” shows that were originally said to be in development at the pay-TV channel, “three of them are still moving forward nicely.”
HBO confirmed the Naomi Watts-led “Thrones” prequel pilot — which was ordered last year and is co-created by Martin and showrunner Jane Goldman — is set to begin production this summer, but little else had been said about the four other possible spinoffs.
The author says that “two other shows remain in the script stage, but are edging closer,” aside from the one potential “GoT” series that will soon begin shooting, which is set thousands of years before the events of “Game of Thrones” in the era known as the “Age of Heroes.” (Martin also mentioned once more he’s “not supposed” to refer to that project as “The Long Night” — but still claims that’s what it’s called.)
Martin was sparse with details on the other two spinoffs, writing, “What are they about? I cannot say. But maybe some of you should pick up a copy of ‘Fire and Blood’ and come up with your own theories.”
HBO declined to comment to TheWrap on Martin’s blog post.
Last July, HBO programming chief Casey Bloys told reporters during the Television Critics Association press tour that of the five “Thrones” spinoff scripts that had been in the works, Martin and Goldman’s was the only one going into production.
“The reason we did multiple scripts in the development process, [we knew] out of five we’d be lucky to get one we’re excited about,” he said. While he didn’t exactly confirm the others were dead, there has been no word from HBO regarding movement with those four other projects since.
“Game of Thrones” airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.