Game of Thrones ended its almost decade run as one of the greatest shows of all time just a couple weeks ago. But never fear. Its prequel series–working title Bloodmoon–is set to begin filming in June.
Rumors of a Game of Thrones spin-off have been in the news since we got confirmation that the show had a definite endpoint. And the same cynical minds who knew there was no way financially that Spider-Man and Black Panther were actually going to stay dead at the end of Infinity War knew that HBO would never let this cash cow die. But now we actually have official confirmation of what to expect. And, frankly, I think there’s a lot to be hopeful for.
First off, the show is set in the period of Westeros history known as “The Long Night” (which is heavily rumored to be in contention for the actual title when the series releases). This is a period thousands of years before the events of the current/former series and long before even the Iron Throne existed. This opens up a world of possibilities. The show could explore the Children of the Forest, Valyria (and its “Doom”), and the oft-discussed-but-never-illuminated “First Men”. It will presumably follow the ancient Stark and Targaryen bloodlines and their settling of Westeros.
Of course, almost any plot ideas are mere speculation at this point. HBO’s site lists only this as the plot synopsis for Bloodmoon:
Taking place thousands of years before the events of Game of Thrones, the series chronicles the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour. From the horrifying secrets of Westeros’s history to the true origin of the White Walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend, only one thing is for sure: It’s not the story we think we know.
So what can we learn from the title Bloodmoon? Well, frankly, not a lot. Working titles–that is, unofficial titles used by cast and crew while working on the film–are often intentionally vague or even downright misleading. For example, 2009’s Star Trek was referred to as Corporate Headquarters and the Matrix sequels had the working title Burly Man. But many Game of Thrones fans want to wildly speculate, so let’s speculate wildly!
The first thing I thought of when I read the title Bloodmoon was the plotline with the red comet that appeared in the early seasons/books and was never mentioned again. But that may just be wishful thinking on my part. That plot point has been bothering me like an unfinished musical hook.
It could also be a reference to the myth that Westeros once had two moons until one cracked and birthed all of the dragons. The title could also be a reference to the Targaryen family words, “Fire and Blood”.
The show will be run by Jane Goldman (Kingsmen, X-Men First Class) and star Naomi Watts (Mulholland Dr., Movie 43) and is expected to air in 2021.
What are your wild speculations about Bloodmoon? Are you excited to get to dive back into the Game of Thrones universe? Let us know in the comments below!
Billy is a freelance writer living in Indianapolis with his dog, BoJack. He enjoys TED talks, video games, sunny days, football, and the salty tears of his enemies.
