HBO's Game of Thrones concluded with its eighth season in 2019. However, fans still have unresolved questions. The final season was laden with polarizing moments, including Daenerys' downfall, the rise of King Bran, and the Night King's defeat.
The foundations for a sequel series were laid in season 8. Many fans are eager to see the reigns of King Bran and Queen Sansa, as well as the possible return of the last Targaryens. If HBO ever decides to release a sequel series to the hit fantasy drama then there are several things they should and shouldn't do to avoid similar controversy.
Should: Bran Becomes The Villain
Bran Stark demonstrated a chilling lack of humanity after returning from beyond the Wall. Some fans consider his character to be the ultimate evil of Game of Thrones; the new Three-Eyed Raven seemingly knew that Daenerys would destroy King's Landing yet did nothing to prevent it.
A sequel series should further explore Bran's mysterious motives, as well as his reign as the omniscient King of Westeros. Bran was last seen searching for Drogon, and could be looking to use the dragon for his next scheme.
Shouldn't: Rush The Story
One of the main criticisms directed at season 7 and 8 was the hurried pace that rushed the series' ending. Season 7 included seven episodes instead of the usual ten, whereas season 8 unfolded across only six. The shorter seasons hurt the quality of the story and should be avoided in a sequel series.
The war against the White Walkers, Dany's downfall and Bran's ascension should have spanned seasons instead of episodes. If HBO ever releases a sequel series then they should take care not to repeat this mistake.
Should: The Resurrection Of Daenerys Targaryen
The Mother of Dragons suffered an unfortunate character assassination in season 8. Despite taking King's Landing with ease in "The Bells," Daenerys threw away her Breaker of Chains persona by destroying the city with dragonfire, dismissing the surrender of Cersei's forces.
Many fans have speculated that Drogon flew to Volantis with his mother's body in "The Iron Throne," where she was resurrected by the Red Priests. A sequel series should incorporate this theory, exploring the Targaryen queen's revival and redemption.
Shouldn't: Have Daenerys Forgive Jon Snow
If HBO ever releases a GoT sequel series featuring Daenerys' resurrection, then a confrontation between the Mother of Dragons and her murderer would be inevitable. Jon Snow killed his aunt, lover, and queen in the series finale before the council of Westeros banished him to the Night's Watch for his crimes.
Although many fans would be thrilled to see Jon and Dany reunite, Daenerys shouldn't forgive the man who stabbed her in the heart during an intimate embrace. A fiery and bloody showdown between the last Targaryens would be the ultimate resolution to their tragic romance.
Should: Jon Snow Returns From The Wall
Jon Snow was last seen leaving Westeros with the wildlings in the series finale. The former King in the North was banished to the Night's Watch for Daenerys' murder and later exiled himself beyond the Wall with Tormund, Ghost, and the Free Folk.
Jon was one of GoT's primary characters; a sequel series would feel hollow and incomplete without him. He could return to confront a resurrected Daenerys or to overthrow evil King Bran and embrace his destiny as the legitimate heir to House Targaryen.
Shouldn't: Introduce A New Cast
The Game of Thrones finale left many unanswered questions and unresolved theories. A sequel series should focus on addressing the fates of Tyrion Lannister, Arya Stark, and co. instead of introducing a new cast of Westerosi characters.
It would be fascinating to learn more about new characters like the unnamed Prince of Dorne, but established characters need closure first.
Should: Reveal The White Walkers' Survival
The White Walkers were introduced as the ultimate villains of GoT, but met an abrupt end in season 8's "The Long Night." The Night King and his army of wights decimated the forces at Winterfell before they were defeated by Arya Stark and her Valyrian steel dagger.
Many fans were disappointed by the lackluster conclusion to the White Walker plot. A sequel series should include the return of the ice zombies and a bigger, better conclusion to their arc.
Shouldn't: Use The Same Writers
David Benioff and D.B Weiss, the co-creators of Game of Thrones, have endured extensive criticism since the final season aired. The HBO series' controversial conclusion was rejected by fans, thanks to polarizing narrative decisions like Jaime and Cersei's reunion and Daenerys' descent into villainy.
Benioff and Weiss have since moved on to different projects. The GoT franchise should move on too. New writers would rejuvenate the franchise and take a potential sequel series in a refreshing, different direction.
Should: Address Season 8's Controversy
Season 8 was full of controversial moments that divided the fandom. A sequel series should address these controversies and deal with the repercussions instead of denying their existence.
The later seasons of GoT were criticized for glossing over the aftereffects of the Sept of Baelor's explosion and Cersei's coronation. A sequel series should take care to do the opposite and fully address the destruction from season 8.
Shouldn't: Avoid The Consequences Of Season 8
It may be tempting to overlook the events of season 8, but a sequel series should directly follow on from the finale instead of ignoring it. Fans were left with many questions surrounding King Bran and Queen Sansa's reigns. Returning to Westeros should answer these questions instead of creating more.
A sequel series should depict the consequences of the North's emancipation, Daenerys' death, and the destruction of King's Landing. Fans should witness what Westeros looks like under Bran's rule, as well as how the North is faring with Sansa as Queen. If HBO can explore these aspects then a sequel series may be successful after all.