The Game Of Thrones Movie Won’t Fix Season 8, So Don’t Get Your Hopes Up

Game of Thrones could be making its way to the big screen, with a movie in development at Warner Bros. But does that mean that there will actually be a direct continuation of the show, with members of Game of Thrones‘ cast returning? Right now, the plan is only in the earliest stages, with no director, writer, or actors attached, which means, in theory, it could be anything. However, while there are plenty of stories to pull from, only a few would make sense – or rather, be big enough – as a theatrical release.

That could be something like Robert’s Rebellion or Aegon’s Conquest, but it’s not hard to imagine picking up after Game of Thrones‘ ending, as divisive as it was, would be attractive to WB. It would be somewhat of a surprise, but this is a world where there’s a new Lord of the Rings movie set during Fellowship and a Harry Potter remake coming in the next couple of years (from Warner Bros. Discovery, no less), so it can’t be ruled out, especially as it would likely be a box office hit.

When the Game of Thrones movie was reported, there was natural speculation that this is what they’d be doing, and, until it’s confirmed what the movie is, then it remains on the table. Plus, there was talk of a Jon Snow spinoff, with Kit Harington open to a return, so it is certainly plausible, even if it’s not necessarily likely. But if it happened, would it be a good idea? And would it right the perceived wrongs of season 8? That I’m not so sure about.

Game Of Thrones’ Movie Can’t Make Up For Season 8’s Problems

Not Even A 9th Season Would Fix The Ending

To be clear, I liked Game of Thrones season 8, but when looking at whether a movie (or even season 9) is a good idea, then it’s worth considering the bigger picture. And, obviously, the response to season 8 – and the finale in particular – was overwhelmingly negative, at least in very general terms of the fandom, both die-hard and casual. The finale is typically viewed as “bad,” and I don’t see how any kind of continuation, barring major retcons or simply just a remake, would really fix anything for anyone let down by how things concluded.

Either Game of Thrones season 9 or movie would still have to play with the status quo left by the ending. Bran Stark would be king; Daenerys Targaryen would be dead, killed by Jon Snow. Jaime Lannister still went back to Cersei and died with her at the Red Keep. The White Walkers were still dealt with within three episodes; The Long Night was only one night. Even if it were to undo some – such as theories about Daenerys being resurrected by a Red Priestess – it makes them feel worse, and cheapens what narrative and thematic value they do hold.

Could a Game of Thrones movie find a way to flesh out Bran’s character that justifies the decision to make him king enough to those who dislike it? Is it going to reckon with his struggles to rule, that making him king was a mistake, that actually, now, this time they’re really going to break the wheel? Could it find a compelling enough story to bring Jon Snow back into the fold, when a spinoff already tried and failed to do that? Are Dorne and the Iron Islands suddenly going to decide they’re not OK with being part of a united Seven Kingdoms?

Say what you will about Game of Thrones‘ series finale – the point here is not to relitigate any debates over its quality – but it is an ending, wrapping up character arcs and storylines that had been running the entire show. Their lives go on, but there’s not too much in terms of promising more stories worth telling, and so continuing that I think would most likely feel forced. There’d probably be an element of trying to course-correct and appease fans, leaving no side happy, not dissimilar to something like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, except with less to build on.

Game Of Thrones Is Better Off Avoiding Most Of Its Main Characters

There’s Plenty More To This World To Explore Instead

For the most part, I don’t think it’s worth revisiting Game of Thrones‘ main characters, at least not in a way that would necessitate almost all of them coming back. It would risk further damaging the show’s legacy, and the character endings that did work – at least in broad terms – such as Sansa Stark being Queen in the North, or Jon going back beyond the Wall (a fitting fate, even if there can be arguments over how it happened – would have to be disrupted.

If there were to be a continuation, for me, the only real option would be an Arya Stark spinoff, following her adventures to find what’s West of Westeros. That could be something quite unique, exploring different parts of the world, allowing for new characters, and wouldn’t necessitate the return of other cast members. Even that isn’t entirely “necessary,” (as much as any piece of art could be called that), but there’s more potential to the idea.

Otherwise, WB and HBO alike are better off continuing to explore the past of Westeros (and beyond). Martin has created a world with a history going back over 10,000 years; there’s plenty to choose from. Do an Aegon’s Conquest movie. Make the Game of Thrones spinoffs already in the works. But, for the main show, there’s really no need to go back. Thankfully, I don’t think it’s the most likely option, but I hope it’s one that’s avoided all the same.