Aegon's Conquest: HBO Eyes Epic Series and Blockbuster Film
Aegon's Conquest, the much-anticipated Game of Thrones spin-off, is being developed as both a potential HBO drama and a large-scale feature film. Find out what’s in store for Westeros fans.
Fans of Westeros have something big on the horizon, with a new project centred on Aegon's Conquest in the works. The much-talked-about spin-off is being shaped up as both a possible drama for HBO and a massive feature film, with the film side aiming for a scale similar to Dune. The story follows the original King Aegon, who, alongside his sister-wives Rhaenys and Visenya, managed to unite six of the seven kingdoms under his rule. Dorne, as usual, kept its independence for a fair while longer.
Set a century before the events of House of the Dragon and three centuries before the main Game of Thrones saga, Aegon's campaign is legendary for its sheer ambition and the firepower of his dragons—Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion. The trio’s conquest laid the groundwork for the Targaryen dynasty, with only Dorne holding out against their might. The tale is packed with the sort of dragon action that’s become a hallmark of the franchise, making it a prime candidate for a big-screen adaptation.
Prophecy and Power: The Song of Ice and Fire
House of the Dragon recently revealed that Aegon’s invasion wasn’t just about power. He was driven by a vision of a coming winter from the North, threatening all of mankind. According to the prophecy, a Targaryen needed to sit on the Iron Throne to unite the Seven Kingdoms against this looming threat. This vision is known as the Song of Ice and Fire, the same name as George R.R. Martin’s book series.
The spin-off was first mentioned back in 2024, with Mattson Tomlin, who penned The Batman 2, attached to the project. Since then, updates have been thin on the ground. Still, with the success of House of the Dragon and the later seasons of Game of Thrones, there’s plenty of confidence that HBO can deliver the spectacle, whether it’s on telly or in cinemas.
What’s Next for the Thrones Universe?
There’s more brewing in the world of Westeros. The same report suggests that the previously shelved Jon Snow sequel might be back on the table. This time, there’s talk it could include Arya Stark and take place in Essos, opening up fresh territory for the franchise.
Meanwhile, punters won’t have to wait long for their next fix. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to premiere on 18 January in the US and 19 January in the UK. Plus, the third season of House of the Dragon is also on the way this year. For those keen to keep up, there’s a handy guide to all the upcoming Thrones films and series, and a four-star review of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to check out.