HBO is developing a Game of Thrones sequel series revolving around the continuing adventures of Jon Snow, with actor Kit Harington attached to return. George R.R. Martin's bestselling fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire translated into television gold when HBO brought Game of Thrones to life back in 2011. Now, three years since it came to an end after season 8, the network remains very interested in expanding the franchise with various spinoffs. The first, House of the Dragon, is set to premiere this August.
Harington's Jon Snow was a key figure throughout Game of Thrones' run. An honorable bastard, Jon would play a pivotal role in the series' shifting plots, and most notably was featured in one of its biggest twists when he was killed off in season 5, only to be revived later. At the end of Game of Thrones, Jon was banished from Westeros for killing Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), his lover and newly-revealed aunt; he went north beyond the Wall with the Wildlings and finally seemed to be at peace.
Now it seems that peace might not last for much longer. THR has revealed that HBO is now developing a potential Game of Thrones sequel series centered on Jon Snow. The series is still in very early development, but should it move forward, Harington is attached to reprise his role as Jon. No members of the creative team have been announced at this point.
This is a major development for HBO's growing Game of Thrones franchise. Even before the flagship series came to an end, the network began working on potential offshoots. What's notable about the Jon Snow project is that it is the first potential Game of Thrones spinoff that would take place after the series ended; everything else that is currently in the works, which includes 10,000 Ships and 9 Voyages, are prequels. However, it isn't surprising that HBO is now looking to push the timeline forward. Despite its propensity for killing characters, Game of Thrones ended with a number of people still alive and all ready to potentially lead their own spinoff.
As Jon left Westeros in the Game of Thrones season 8 finale, he is undeniably one of the characters best suited to lead a new story. His adventures beyond the Wall can allow for a greater exploration of this aspect of Martin's world and could perhaps lead to the introduction of new creatures. Some might be quick to say that Game of Thrones already spent a significant amount of time beyond the Wall, and they wouldn't be wrong. However, without a need to return to the storylines in Westeros, this Jon Snow-led sequel can go deeper than ever before into what lies far in the north. Plus, there's a good chance other fan favorite characters like Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) could put in return appearances. With House of the Dragon rapidly approaching, it isn't clear how big of a priority the Game of Thrones sequel is for HBO. However, with a popular character like Jon involved, there is a good chance this show could move forward quickly if the creative team falls into place soon.
Source: THR