HBO is broadening its Game of Thrones franchise with several spinoffs. However, a glaring absence is the significant focus on one of the original show’s key elements: House Stark. Even before the conclusion of Game of Thrones, HBO was actively seeking ways to extend the narrative, exploring various prequel concepts. Among these was a project titled Bloodmoon, which centered around the Long Night and nearly reached the pilot stage before being scrapped, despite an investment reportedly ranging from $25 to $30 million. To date, only House of the Dragon has hit the screens.
This scenario is set to evolve with the upcoming release of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in 2025. While this may raise questions, it actually reflects HBO’s deliberate approach to curating its content. The network seems to be biding its time, carefully selecting projects that resonate positively with their vision—a somewhat uncommon practice in today’s franchise-driven entertainment landscape. Nevertheless, the preponderance of Game of Thrones spinoffs raises an intriguing question.
Game Of Thrones: Spinoffs Overlooking House Stark
Surprising Absence of Stark-Centric Spinoffs
Currently, HBO’s spinoff efforts are predominantly focused on House Targaryen. This is evident in productions like House of the Dragon and the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, along with the developing series Aegon’s Conquest. Additionally, an animated series featuring Corlys Velaryon, which is set before House of the Dragon, is in the pipeline; although it is indirectly related to House Targaryen as Corlys is of Valyrian descent. While some narratives delve into other realms, including Princess Nymeria’s leadership of her people to Dorne amid Valyrian conflict and a series set in the enigmatic Yi Ti empire, the Stark family remains conspicuously absent from the lineup.
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Upcoming Game of Thrones Spinoffs |
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|---|---|---|
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Title |
Description |
Status |
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms |
An adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s The Tales of Dunk & Egg novellas |
Season 1 releasing in 2025 on HBO and Max |
|
House of the Dragon |
Ongoing Game of Thrones prequel, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons |
Season 3 expected in 2026; season 4 will be the last |
|
Aegon’s Conquest |
The story of King Aegon I Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros with his sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya |
In development |
|
10,000 Ships |
A spinoff about Princess Nymeria’s exodus to Dorne after the war with Valyria |
In development |
|
Nine Voyages |
An animated show highlighting Corlys Velaryon’s majestic voyages across the Known World |
In development |
|
The Golden Empire (unofficial) |
An animated series set within the empire of Yi Ti in the far East of Essos |
In development |
|
TBC |
Another live-action Game of Thrones spinoff |
In development |
|
TBC |
Yet another animated Game of Thrones spinoff |
In development |
|
TBC |
A potential Game of Thrones movie |
In development |
Notably absent from this array of projects is any spotlight on House Stark. While Game of Thrones introduced numerous compelling characters, the Starks emerged as the quintessential heroes, captivating audiences with their resilience. The family’s mantra, “Winter is coming,” became a foundational phrase of the series, encapsulating its essence. Their tragic yet redemptive narrative serves as the emotional fulcrum of the entire storyline.
The rationale behind emphasizing House Targaryen becomes clearer when considering Daenerys, who remains one of the show’s most iconic characters. Dragons and their mystique undoubtedly serve as powerful selling points in the franchise. Furthermore, the Targaryens hold significant influence over the realm’s history and possess a rich narrative, further elaborated in George R.R. Martin’s works, Fire & Blood and The Tales of Dunk & Egg. However, this doesn’t negate the wealth of untold stories potential within House Stark.
The Untapped Reservoir of House Stark Narratives
The Rich History of the Starks
While the history of House Stark is not as thoroughly documented as that of House Targaryen, this should not deter the creation of a potential spinoff. An engaging narrative focusing on the Starks is still very possible, provided that a compelling story arc is identified. While direct comparisons to projects like Aegon’s Conquest or the Dance of the Dragons may not be feasible, there exists a wealth of intriguing characters from Stark’s past ripe for exploration.
A pivotal figure deserving a spotlight is Brandon the Builder, the esteemed founder of House Stark, revered for his legendary construction of both Winterfell and the Wall. His era dates back to the Age of Heroes, and exploring his backstory could yield a captivating series that reconciles legend with historical fiction.
Another noteworthy character is Theon Stark, a heroic King in the North who valiantly defended the realm during significant invasions, including the notorious Andal invasion. His multifaceted role in various conflicts presents ample opportunity for high-stakes action and a riveting plotline.
Should A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continue to thrive beyond its initial seasons, the Starks might yet find poignant storytelling opportunities within that series. George R.R. Martin has hinted at a narrative titled The She-Wolves of Winterfell, featuring formidable women whom Ser Duncan and Egg encounter during their travels, which could seamlessly integrate Stark lore into new narratives.
Lastly, the prospect of a spinoff centered on Arya Stark remains a highly anticipated concept. As a beloved character who diverged from traditional narratives, her journey could provide a refreshing route for continuing the overarching Game of Thrones saga. Amidst the abundance of spinoffs in development, perhaps a Stark narrative is the perfect narrative to remind viewers that winter is still coming.
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