Brian Helgeland shares insights into the canceled Game of Thrones spinoff series, 10,000 Ships, shedding light on its narrative and untold potential.
By now, Game of Thrones stands as one of the most colossal franchises, so it is no wonder that it has spawned numerous spinoffs. Recently, a creator from a shelved spinoff revealed insights into what might have unfolded in the series.
Since the original series concluded, HBO has embarked on the development of several Game of Thrones spinoffs, further elevating the franchise’s popularity. Among these projects, the standout success is undoubtedly the House of the Dragon series. However, not all projects have seen the light of day. Recently, a creator associated with the canceled spinoff sequel, 10,000 Ships, has emerged to divulge intriguing details about the unrealized venture.
Brian Helgeland, a writer involved with the project, recently shared insights in an interview with Inverse. Helgeland delved into his experience, exploring the story’s tone and expressing his belief that setting it 1,000 years before the events of the original series rendered it too distant from the franchise for HBO to pursue further. However, he hinted that despite the project being currently canceled, it may not be entirely dead.
He revealed that the script centered on Queen Nymeria, the warrior-queen who led the Rhoynar refugees to Dorne. The narrative was intended to follow Nymeria’s journey from Essos to Dorne after their defeat by the Valyrian Freehold in the Second Spice War. Helgeland likened the storyline to that of Moses, with Nymeria taking the lead. Their homeland is devastated, and her people are forced to live on the water, hence the title 10,000 Ships.
Inspired by the story of Israelites leaving Egypt, they embarked on a quest for a new home, navigating what Helgeland described as a fictionalized rendition of the Mediterranean under Nymeria’s leadership, trying to keep the group united all while facing constant threats. Their existence would be characterized by a nomadic life, dwelling on a raft city held together by necessity; occasionally, they would venture ashore. Ultimately, they would be driven from the land in pursuit of their version of the promised land. In 2021, writer Amanda Segel was set to script the series, but unfortunately, the project fell through. “It came out great, but I think they felt the period of my show was too far removed from the pillars of the original,” Helgeland noted.
But 10,000 Ships is not the only Game of Thrones spinoff that has faced cancellation, as the Jon Snow prequel series was also recently axed. However, Helgeland noted that the project was not greenlit because it did not align with the current narrative, suggesting that “nothing is ever dead.” This statement hints that HBO may still be interested in revisiting the project in the future.
