Game of Thrones Season 9: Revisiting a Concept Scrapped by George R.R. Martin Over Two Decades Ago

The possibility of a Game of Thrones season 9 looms large in the imaginations of fans, particularly given the contentious reaction to the show’s conclusion. Many have pondered whether HBO might resurrect the series, despite the fact that its finale left many viewers divided. The idea of revisiting Westeros remains a compelling topic of discussion even years after the finale aired.

While the likelihood of a new season seems low, it is certainly plausible. With HBO actively developing several spinoffs and other franchises like a new Lord of the Rings film and a Harry Potter series remake underway, the potential for a Game of Thrones revival cannot be entirely dismissed. In today’s entertainment landscape, where reboots and revivals have become the norm, a new season of Game of Thrones could realistically find its way back to screens.

Nothing in the current climate is considered off-limits, and the concept of reboots, remakes, and reimaginings has become commonplace. If industry executives opt to explore Westeros once more with season 9, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising, though the merit of such a decision is debatable. For any revival to succeed, it would require key plot mechanisms, as well as the return of beloved cast and crew members.

Understanding GRRM’s Abandoned Time Jump

A Significant Time Leap Considered

Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) sailing to Braavos in Game of Thrones season 4, episode 10

During the development of the follow-up to A Storm of Swords, George R.R. Martin contemplated a significant five-year time jump within the A Song of Ice and Fire series. This decision aimed to age up key characters—such as Jon Snow, who started the story at just 14, and Daenerys Targaryen, who was 13—better to fit the darker narratives Martin envisioned.

Order of A Song of Ice and Fire Books
Title	Year
A Game of Thrones	1996
A Clash of Kings	1998
A Storm of Swords	2000
A Feast for Crows	2005
A Dance with Dragons	2011
The Winds of Winter	TBA
A Dream of Spring	TBA

This proposed time jump would have marked a pivotal shift in the narrative following the catastrophic events of A Storm of Swords. With major characters and houses experiencing dramatic changes—such as the deaths of Tywin Lannister, Robb Stark, and Joffrey Baratheon—the need for a temporal leap seemed logical. However, Martin ultimately abandoned this idea upon realizing it created more complications than it resolved.

He found that documenting five years at the Wall, following Jon Snow’s ascension to Lord Commander, yielded little of substance. In contrast, other plots became overly complex, necessitating flashbacks to clarify developments. Thus, Martin opted to forgo the time jump, resulting in the versions of A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons that readers are familiar with today.

The Case for a Time Jump in Game of Thrones Season 9

Aligning with the Series Finale

Although a significant time jump may seem distant compared to Martin’s original intentions, it is an approach that could add depth to the characters and storyline if Game of Thrones were to return. This time span could facilitate a new narrative while also providing a richer context for the characters’ development.

Given the conclusion of season 8, where numerous pivotal changes shaped the fate of the Seven Kingdoms, a time jump could provide the necessary space for rebuilding and evolution. With many prominent houses extinguished and a host of dramatic events unfolding, the storyline is ripe for new alliances, conflicts, and the emergence of fresh threats that could reshape the political landscape.

Incorporating a time jump allows the narrative arcs to resonate more deeply, aligning with the generational themes intrinsic to Westeros. This approach could open the door for exploring how legacy, family, and cycles of power resonate through time, reestablishing the complexities that lie at the heart of Martin’s world.

Furthermore, a significant leap could allow for new characters to emerge, perhaps as heirs or competitors in a power vacuum left by the devastating aftermath of previous seasons. This evolution not only provides a platform for addressing prior complaints about season 8 but also reinforces the enduring themes that made Game of Thrones a cultural phenomenon.

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