The Game of Thrones franchise from HBO continues to grow beyond its original television saga. After the flagship series, the streamer released the prequel The House of the Dragon, and several spin-offs are in various stages of development. George R.R. Martin has now confirmed that new projects are moving forward.
The author shared that HBO is pushing into animation, with multiple Westeros-centered series in development. He notes that while several ideas are in progress, each project still needs formal approval before any production can begin.
On his website, Martin explained that HBO and the creative team have their own animated initiatives set in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. None has received the green light yet, but he believes that a number of these concepts are close to advancing to the next phase.
Reflecting on earlier development rounds, Martin recalled that four animated concepts had strong potential and attracted significant talent. Over time, writers rooms, meetings, and script drafts progressed, yet two of the original ideas were ultimately archived.
Nevertheless, the remaining two animated projects continue to move forward, and a previously announced live-action series has now been added to this animation lineup. He noted that work on the two animations persists at a brisk pace. At the same time, changes were made, including a new project titled Nine Journeys. The series follows the Sea Serpent, Lord Corlys Velaryon, from live action to animation, offering a different visual approach to one of Westeros’s most iconic houses.
The shift toward animation is presented as a strategic choice. Budget constraints that would have hindered a large-scale live-action production, especially one featuring sea voyages and frequent port locations such as Driftmark, Lys, the Basilisk Islands, and Volantis, are cited as reasons for embracing animated storytelling. This approach is described as a means to showcase a broader world more efficiently and vividly.
Martin emphasizes that there is a vast world beyond the known shores, and animation provides a powerful vehicle to reveal it. Currently, three animation projects remain active in development, while the details of the other two series are still unknown. No release windows have been disclosed for any of the potential projects, should they win approval.
In a broader note, Martin mentions the Netflix series Blue-Eyed Samurai as an example of the kind of artistry that inspires him. He praises its artwork as some of the finest he has seen, praising the Edo-period setting, its intense, visceral storytelling, and the rich, complex cast. He highlights the depth of character development and the realism of the plot, noting the show’s colorful and convincing world-building. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for strong, multifaceted characters—not merely archetypal heroes and villains.
Martin encourages audiences to give animation a chance. Even viewers who do not typically seek out animated content may find themselves drawn in by the quality of storytelling, he suggests. If readers appreciate his literary worlds, there is a belief that they might also enjoy these animated explorations. The momentum around these projects remains promising, with expectations that the animation route could enhance how the stories are told and experienced.
In sum, the Westeros universe is expanding in new directions, with animated formats poised to bring broader horizons to fans. The upcoming slate centers on deep, character-driven narratives and expansive world-building, leveraging animation to navigate grand vistas and intricate histories that have long fascinated readers and viewers alike. The ongoing development signals a proactive strategy to broaden the franchise while maintaining a strong connection to the source material and its beloved cast of characters. [Source: Martin interview and official statements]”