Which Game of Thrones Prequels HBO Is Actually Making
HBO is pursuing multiple Game of Thrones prequels to extend the franchise beyond the main saga set in Westeros. The most prominent is House of the Dragon, which explores the Targaryen civil war that reshapes the world decades before Arya and Jon Snow appear. Other projects move through development, pilots, or early production, including adaptations of regional histories and behind-the-scenes documentaries. This overview summarizes each project, its current status, and what has been confirmed so far.
Confirmed and Active Pre-Release Projects
House of the Dragon (Series)
House of the Dragon is the only Game of Thrones prequel that has completed multiple seasons and is widely available. Set roughly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, it dramatizes the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen succession crisis that fractures the realm. The series premiered in 2022 and received a renewal for a second season before the first season finished airing, signaling a long-term commitment from HBO and showrunner Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik.
- Setting: Westeros, approximately 114–132 AC, about two centuries before A Game of Thrones.
- Core focus: The Targaryen civil war between rival branches of the family.
- Status: Multiple seasons commissioned; first two seasons released.
10,000 Ships (In Development)
10,000 Ships is the next major prequel moving actively toward production after the source novel has been optioned. The story follows Princess Saera Targaryen and a fleet of one thousand ships as they attempt to reclaim Valyria and confront colonial legacies across the sea. In 2024, HBO ordered a writers room and expanded the creative team, indicating progress from earlier stalled announcements. No pilot has been shot, but development is more concrete than earlier rumored projects.
- Setting: Essos, focusing on Valyrian history and maritime expansion.
- Status: Writers room established; pilot not yet in production as of public reports.
- Key themes: Colonialism, diaspora, and rebuilding after catastrophe.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (In Development)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a prequel centered on the youthful adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and the clever hedge knight known as Egg, before they appear in the main saga. The project has moved through writers rooms and creative changes, with HBO pursuing a television adaptation separate from the earlier feature film plans. As of the latest available information, a pilot has not been ordered, but the project remains under active consideration.
- Setting: Westeros, several generations before the main series.
- Focus: Sworn sword stories, tournaments, and early political intrigues.
- Status: In active development; pilot phase not yet confirmed.
Projects Previously Announced or Rumored
Earlier announcements referenced additional prequels that never reached pilots, including World of Ice and Fire documentaries and other regional adaptations. Some projects were described as exploring locations such as Asshai and the eastern lands, but public details remain sparse. Others were discussed in early development but did not progress to commissioning or casting announcements. The landscape has shifted as HBO has prioritized projects with clearer creative paths and source foundations.
Quick Comparison of Major Pre-Release Projects
| Project | Status | Primary Setting | Relation to Main Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| House of the Dragon | Active (multiple seasons) | Westeros (Dragonstone, King’s Landing) | ~200 years before season 1 |
| 10,000 Ships | Writers room established | Valyria and Essos | Thousands of years before |
| A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | In development | Westeros | Several generations before |
Production and Creative Trends
Across these projects, HBO has emphasized high production values, established fantasy IP, and backstories that expand the world rather than retell the core conflict. House of the Dragon demonstrated that there is sustained audience appetite for Targaryen-centric storytelling, which may shape future commissioning decisions. Writers and producers frequently reference George R. R. Martin’s source material when outlining scope, aiming for adaptations that respect the tone of the novels while translating political intrigue and large-scale spectacle to screen. The prequel strategy allows HBO to mine Westerosi history without requiring major departures from established lore.
What to Watch For Next
Moving forward, the most reliable near-term additions will come from projects that announce pilot orders or casting news. House of the Dragon’s renewal will likely prompt deeper investment in related prequels, particularly 10,000 Ships given its distinct geographic focus. Fans should expect official announcements once pilots are greenlit and when HBO schedules upfront presentations or festival screenings. Documentary content and feature-length retrospectives may also appear as HBO leverages the extended Game of Thrones catalog.