I’m Far More Excited For The Next Game Of Thrones Spinoff After HBO’s Surprising Jon Snow Sequel Decision
HBO isn’t moving forward with Kit Harington’s Jon Snow spinoff, and that’s actually a promising sign for the future of its Game of Thrones franchise.
HBO isn’t moving forward with the Jon Snow sequel show, and that’s a promising sign for its next Game of Thrones spinoff. The network has had various prequels in the works since Game of Thrones’ ending – although only House of the Dragon has made it to screen so far – but Jon Snow’s show will have bucked the trend. With Harington set to return, this would have been the first sequel to the main show, directly continuing part of its story.
After almost two years in development, Harington revealed to Screen Rant in April 2024 that the Jon Snow spinoff is no longer in development at HBO. It’s a surprising development, given it it would likely have been a big hit, but it came for an unsurprising reason: Harington and his team of writers struggled to find a story for Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow spinoff. While there is some disappointment in the decision, as it means not seeing the actor return, it’s not only for the best, but encouraging for the entire franchise.
After almost two years in development, Harington revealed to Screen Rant in April 2024 that the Jon Snow spinoff is no longer in development at HBO. It’s a surprising development, given it it would likely have been a big hit, but it came for an unsurprising reason: Harington and his team of writers struggled to find a story for Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow spinoff. While there is some disappointment in the decision, as it means not seeing the actor return, it’s not only for the best, but encouraging for the entire franchise.
Jon Snow’s sequel not happening bodes well for other upcoming Game of Thrones spinoffs, because it strongly re-affirms HBO’s desire to only have the very best stories on screen. The Snow show would effectively have been a replacement for Game of Thrones season 9: continuing the main character’s arc, building on the main show in a direct way, and potentially even bringing back other popular actors. In terms of ratings, at least, it would be a no-brainer. And yet they’re not making it.
House of the Dragon was a great first prequel, and the implication here is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ story will be just as good.
That’s a very clear message that HBO is prepared to be patient with its Westeros franchise, and should mean great things for the next spinoff that is confirmed: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight. That show received a straight-to-series order, similar to House of the Dragon, rather than having to go to the pilot stage. There is obviously a lot of faith in that project, not only in its ability to draw in viewers, but more so in the quality of its story. House of the Dragon was a great first prequel, and the implication here is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ story will be just as good.
That feels even more likely when looking at the history of other, rejected Game of Thrones spinoffs. HBO cancels Bloodmoon after a $30 million pilot had already been filmed; Even the Dance of the Dragons went through various failed stages of development before it eventually became House of the Dragon. Combine all of these elements together, and it becomes even more exciting that there is an idea strong enough for this to move forward
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Has Big Advantages Over A Jon Snow Spinoff
It’s Easy To See Why The Hedge Knight Is Happening & Jon Snow’s Sequel Is Not
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight does, in fairness, have things a little easier than making a show about Jon Snow. The biggest of these is quite simple: there are books to adapt. Martin hasn’t yet finished A Song of Ice and Fire, never mind thought about what happens to Jon Snow after that, so the sequel was working without any kind of blueprint. While Martin does plan on writing more Dunk & Egg novels (which could present its own challenges later on), there is at least a clear starting point and structure, with three books published so far.
It is also, perhaps, easier to make a Game of Thrones prequel than a sequel. That’s not just because of Martin’s works existing, with plenty of worldbuilding to pull from yet nothing after, but because of the backlash to Game of Thrones season 8. Trying to make something that continues on from there, but also avoid its mistakes and the parts viewers disliked, is not an easy task. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight can completely stand apart, but a Jon Snow sequel will always be directed connected to it, and the former is a lot easier for the franchise’s future.
