Game of Thrones Animated Series In Early-Development Stages at HBO Max

The Game of Thrones universe is expanding yet again. HBO Max is reportedly in the early development stage of having an animated series.

Sources have revealed that there have been meetings among the writers for the adult-leaning project. It would be similar in tone when it comes to the plot and it is already under work. However, no deals have been made and there is still a possibility that the animated series will never come to play.

Reps for HBO Max have denied commenting on the subject. The animated series is apparently a part of a larger strategy to expand the fan-favorite series. Sources have revealed that development executives at HBO are working directly with George R. R. Martin. The group is led by head Francesca Orsi and her group.

It is claimed that George is working with them on building out the Game of Thrones world as he remains in the overall deal with the cabler. The franchise was already expanding as HBO announced House of Dragon. It is a prequel and will be picked up straight for series in October 2019. The series features Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Matt Smith and will be beginning production in spring.

Other ideas for the expansion of Game of Thrones is also being considered around for HBO and its streaming service HBO Max. this also includes a live-action take on George’s novel series Tales of Dunk and Egg for HBO proper. Multiple sources also note that the expansion plan of Game of Thrones was already in the works long before Disney announced plans for a nearly dozen Star Wars and Marvel TV Series.

HBO Max’s Bigger Plan

HBO previously has developed a number of other Game of Thrones prequels that did not take action. And HBO Max has actually placed greater importance on expanding George’s universe. The streaming service’s effort to mine IP like Harry Potter, DC Comics, and Sex and the City is all a part of a larger strategy.

This is to make the position of its parent, WarnerMedia better for the future. Media behemoths WarnerMedia, Disney, NBCUniversal, and ViacomCBS have restructured over the past year to prioritize their streaming services. Embracing intellectual property is a central part of building up streaming services to appeal to subscribers.

“In the face of massively expanding verticals, people have to make choices about what services they want based on what they can provide them,” notes a veteran lit agent. “[HBO Max] is going to look in their library and they’re going to exploit everything they can.”