As it went on, Game Of Thrones became increasingly known for its plot turns you never saw coming (but totally should have). And years after the series ended, it sprang another twist on us this week – with reports that Kit Harington might be back in a sequel series, following the continued adventures of Jon Snow. Now, the ultimate authority on all things A Song Of Ice And Fire, a certain George RR Martin, has weighed in on all the reports and rumours. In one of his famous blog posts, the author not only confirmed that it’s all true, and has been in the early stages for a good while now – he even offered up its current title: Snow.
The series, Martin says, is in early development with Kit Harington on board in a creative capacity. “Yes, it was Kit Harington who brought the idea to us,” he writes. “I cannot tell you the names of the writers / showrunners, since that has not been cleared for release yet… but Kit brought them in too, his own team, and they are terrific.” Martin also confirmed that he himself is involved in the series, as he is with the other proposed “successor shows” to Game Of Thrones. “Kit’s team have visited me here in Santa Fe and worked with me and my own team of brilliant, talented writer / consultants to hammer out the show,” he says.
As with all of the Thrones spin-offs in the works, Martin stresses that they are planned (“Outlines and treatments have been written and approved, scripts have been written, notes have been given, second and third drafts have been written”) but that actual production is contingent on various other factors. In the years since Thrones ended, one proposed spin-off pilot from Jane Goldman, which was shot, ended up being scrapped, whereas Targaryen history series House Of The Dragon received a series order and will debut this August.
Beyond that, Martin offers up little info about Snow – but does offer alternative titles for the much-reported ‘Dunk & Egg’ series, now going by both The Hedge Night and Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms. Oh, and for all of you awaiting book news, there’s a little update regarding that too: “Yes, Winds Of Winter. No, have not forgotten. I was back with Tyrion this past week.” So there it is: Winter is coming. And so too, hopefully, is Snow.