Exploring the vast realm of Game of Thrones, a multitude of spinoffs has emerged, each with its own tale to tell. Recently, a key figure involved in a shelved spinoff has come forward to shed light on what could have been.
Following the epic conclusion of the original series, HBO embarked on a journey to expand the Game of Thrones universe through various spinoffs. While projects like House of the Dragon have flourished, not all have seen the dawn. Recently, Brian Helgeland, associated with the abandoned spinoff 10,000 Ships, unveiled captivating details about the unrealized saga.
In an interview with Inverse, Brian Helgeland shared his experience and vision for the series. He mentioned that setting the story a millennium before the main events made it challenging for HBO to greenlight the project. Despite its cancellation, Helgeland hinted at a potential resurrection in the future.
The heart of the script revolved around Queen Nymeria, a fierce leader who guided her people from Essos to Dorne after a devastating defeat by the Valyrian Freehold. Drawing parallels to the narrative of Moses, Nymeria spearheaded the quest, leading her tribe of refugees who dwelt on the sea, hence the moniker 10,000 Ships.
Inspired by historical exoduses, the refugees navigated a fictionalized Mediterranean under Nymeria's leadership, fighting to stay united against looming threats. Their nomadic existence on a makeshift raft city mirrored a constant struggle for survival, occasionally seeking refuge on land as they pursued their version of a promised land. Despite a promising script by Amanda Segel in 2021, the project hit an impasse. Helgeland shared that the show's timeline was perhaps too distant from the core essence of the original.
The demise of 10,000 Ships paralleled the fate of another Game of Thrones spinoff featuring Jon Snow, which also faced the axe. Helgeland hinted that while these projects may seem terminated, the door to revival remains ajar, as narratives evolve and interests shift over time.
Game of Thrones enthusiasts can still immerse themselves in the realm on HBO Max.
Source: Inverse