Aegon's Conquest: HBO Eyes Epic Series and Blockbuster Film

Westeros may soon find itself at the centre of another grand saga, as plans for a new chapter in the Game of Thrones universe gather pace. This time, the spotlight falls on Aegon Targaryen, the original conqueror, whose legendary campaign to unite the Seven Kingdoms is being considered for both the small and big screen. The project is currently in the works as a possible drama for HBO, while Warner Bros. is also exploring the idea of a sweeping, cinematic adaptation on a scale to rival Dune.

Aegon's story, set a century before the events of House of the Dragon and three centuries prior to the original Game of Thrones, follows his audacious bid to bring Westeros under one rule. With his sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya, and their formidable dragons—Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion—Aegon managed to subdue six of the seven kingdoms. Dorne, ever the outlier, managed to hold onto its independence for a good while longer.

Dragons, Prophecies, and the Targaryen Legacy

House of the Dragon recently shed new light on Aegon's motivations, revealing that his conquest was driven by a chilling prophecy. He foresaw a devastating winter descending from the North, threatening the very existence of mankind. The only hope, according to this vision, was for a Targaryen to sit atop the Iron Throne, uniting the realm against the coming storm. This ominous prediction, known as the Song of Ice and Fire, lends a new dimension to the Targaryen dynasty’s relentless pursuit of power.

Given the scale of Aegon's campaign and the sheer spectacle of dragon warfare, it’s hardly surprising that a feature film is on the table. The trio’s airborne assaults and the political intrigue that followed would certainly lend themselves to a cinematic treatment. Yet, HBO’s track record with both House of the Dragon and the latter seasons of Game of Thrones suggests that the network is more than capable of delivering fire and blood to television audiences as well.

Behind the Scenes and Future Prospects

Initial reports linked Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on The Batman 2, to the project back in 2024. Since then, however, updates have been rather thin on the ground. Fans can expect plenty of dragon-fuelled action should the project move forward, whether it lands as a film or a series. The prospect of seeing Balerion the Black Dread in all his glory is enough to set pulses racing among long-time followers of the franchise.

Meanwhile, there’s talk that the previously shelved Jon Snow sequel might be back in the mix. This time, the story could take an unexpected turn, potentially featuring Arya Stark and shifting the action to Essos. Such developments hint at a broader expansion of the Thrones universe, with familiar faces possibly returning in new and unfamiliar settings.

What Lies Ahead for Westeros

The next confirmed visit to Westeros comes in the form of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set to premiere in January on HBO in the US and Sky/NOW in the UK. House of the Dragon is also due to return for a third series later this year. For those keen to keep track of every twist and turn, there’s no shortage of upcoming Thrones-related projects to look forward to, each promising its own blend of intrigue, spectacle, and the occasional dragon.