With smash-hit classic shows, HBO has been the undisputed home of many celebrated TV series. Setting the studio apart in landscape and greatness, HBO earned its reputation through the years, with several billion-dollar shows and franchises. However, in the recent past, following the end of Kit Harington’s hit series Game Of Thrones, the studio witnessed the question of what comes next.
Trying to hold onto the legacy of the $3.1B Game Of Thrones, the studio previously stacked itself with reboots and spinoffs of the show. Coming up with the House of the Dragons, HBO planned to provide outstanding drama series contenders. However, HBO Drama Chief, Francesca Orsi recently discussed the updates of the show and confirmed to move on with original stories rather than reboots.
Kit Harington’s Game Of Thrones Spinoffs Face Troubles
Witnessing great success following George R.R. Martin’s Game Of Thrones, HBO decided to bring forth the spinoff series House of the Dragon. In an attempt to keep the legacy of Kit Harington’s $3.1B show alive, the studios announced the prequel, showcasing the story of the Targaryens. Coming up with the first season of the spinoff in 2022, the show awaits its season 2 which is to premiere in summer 2024.
Overseeing HBO’s drama section, head of the drama department, Francesca Orsi previously expressed her excitement over the return of House of the Dragon. “We are really proud of the exciting return of The Last of Us, House of the Dragon” Orsi mentioned. However, on a recent note, Orsi provided updates on the Game Of Thrones prequel A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight and discussed the network’s criteria and development strategy.
While Kit Harington’s Game Of Thrones was a massive hit, people were overly excited with the spinoff House of the Dragon. However, while audiences eagerly wait for the second season of the show, George R.R. Martin mentioned how The Hedge Knight, a prequel to the original drama series has been shut in the writers’ room. Suffering from the writers’ strike since May 2nd, HBO and its shows are facing major issues.
Meanwhile, other internal aspects are obstructing the network from developing any further reboots or spinoffs.
HBO Drama Chief Focuses On Originality Over Reboots
While being optimistic about finding a solution for the writers’ strike, HBO Drama Chief, Francesca Orsi purposefully discussed the network’s decision regarding spinoffs and reboots. Despite having love and respect for each and every character of different shows, Orsi mentioned the network’s plan to focus on original stories rather than reboots.
“While everything at this moment is pencils down, I’m hopeful that we can come to terms sooner than later,” Orsi mentioned about the writers’ strike.
Three years after the end of Kit Harington‘s Game Of Thrones, HBO launched the House of the Dragon, and quickly the prequel received big ratings. Although following the footsteps of the iconoclastic flagship Game Of Thrones was not easy, the show creators accomplished the difficulty. However, currently, Orsi mentioned, reboots and spinoffs are “not something that’s exciting to us right now”.
“We’d rather find something totally original, new and un-derivative in terms of its world” Francesca Orsi stated.
Stating the network’s decision of pursuing original stories, the Drama Chief subtly took future Game Of Thrones reboots and spinoffs off the table. Following Kit Harington’s $3.1B show, the legacy of the franchise appears to be at great risk as HBO proposes new stories over rebooting the old ones.
Watch Game Of Thrones and House of the Dragons on HBO Max
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Source: Deadline