By The Naomi Watts-led prequel series to HBO’s Game of Thrones would appear to be cancelled, sources have confirmed to Variety.
Originally set to tell a story thousands of years prior to the events of Game of Thrones, the prequel series was rumored to be called The Long Night, or something to that effect. The series was looking to weave a yarn before those crazy party-lovers the Targaryans and Lannisters showed up, though the Stark family was said to feature in the story.
The Long Night’s pilot starred Watts, Josh Whitehouse, Naomi Ackie, and Denise Gough, among others, and was co-created by George RR Martins and Jane Goldman, the later of whom would have served as showrunner had the pilot gone to series.
HBO hasn’t made any comments on the cancellation, though one wonders if the divisive reaction to Game of Thrones‘ eighth season had anything to do with the chord being cut. Certainly the fan reaction to the finale didn’t impede the series’ odds at the Emmys.
The Long Night is one of several Game of Thrones spin-offs HBO was developing. The fate of the other projects is unclear at this time.
‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel Pilot Starring Naomi Watts Not Moving Forward at HBO [Variety]