Geez, season four hasn’t even started (latest trailer here), but the folks behind HBO hit “Game Of Thrones” are already plotting how things will end. Indeed, the show writers are already contemplating wrapping things up after seventh or eighth season… or will they? Right now, this is HBO’s biggest golden goose so perhaps it’s not a surprise that the network is already kicking around ideas for one big movie to truly cap it all off.
Author George R.R. Martin recently caught up with THR, and he revealed that a movie is already being discussed, though it’s still pretty early in the game. “It all depends on how long the main series runs,” he explained. “Do we run for seven years? Do we run for eight? Do we run for 10? The books get bigger and bigger (in scope). It might need a feature to tie things up, something with a feature budget, like $100 million for two hours. Those dragons get real big, you know.”
And to add fuel to the speculation fire, Martin revealed that he already as some source material in mind, “Tales Of Dunk And Egg,” also known as the trio of novellas, “The Hedge Knight,” “The Sworn Sword” and “The Mystery Knight.” and it would actually serve as more of a prequel. “They could be the basis for (a film),” he said. “I have written these three stories, and I have about a dozen more.” Here’s the Amazon synopsis of the first two volumes to give you an idea of the scope (the third was published in the anthology “Warriors“):
“The Hedge Knight“: A century before the events of New York Times best-selling author George R. R. Martin’s epic series, A Song of Ice and Fire, a squire named Dunk picks up the sword and shield of his dead master and enters a tournament to begin his career as a knight. But “Ser Duncan” has much to learn about this world of knights and nobles, and as he attempts to find a sponsor who will allow him to enter the tournament, he makes friends and enemies readily. Dunk is a capable fighter and has a strong sense of honor, but is that enough for him to become a true knight in the eyes of the others, or is he just a young man living a delusion and putting those he knows in grave danger?
“The Sworn Sword“: After the deaths, surprises, and heroics in The Hedge Knight, Dunk and Egg continue their journey in search of the fair puppeteer Tanselle. Along the way, the elderly knight Ser Eustace takes both men under his charge, alongside another knight—and this one promises trouble. Peace is ever elusive for Dunk and Egg, as they are soon embroiled in the schemes of local nobility, while a darker, greater thread threatens to unravel long-held truths of the Battle of Redgrass Field.
Of course, whether or not this happens or how it happens is still many years off, but HBO turning shows into movies is nothing new (“Sex And The City” twice, “Entourage” forthcoming) so this makes sense. And frankly, moreso than those other movies, “Game Of Thrones” could really benefit from a big screen experience. Any particular saga from the canon you want to see at the multiplex? Tell us below.
