Brian Helgeland, known for his work on films like “Man on Fire” and “A Knight’s Tale,” was once tasked with creating a Game of Thrones spin-off titled “10,000 Ships.” The series, set 1,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones, would have focused on Queen Nymeria and her people’s struggle to find a new home after their country is ruined. Helgeland described the narrative as being similar to the Biblical story of Moses, with Nymeria leading her people on a journey across a fictionalized version of the Mediterranean in search of a promised land.
In Helgeland’s vision, the characters in “10,000 Ships” would live a nomadic life on a “raft city,” constantly moving between land and sea. The show would explore themes of resilience, leadership, and the constant threat of falling apart as they search for a place to settle. Despite the powers that be deeming the concept as too far removed from the original pillars of Game of Thrones, Helgeland maintained that the story he crafted was compelling and well-received.
Helgeland had the opportunity to pitch his idea to George R.R. Martin, the author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. Martin signed off on the concept, seeing the potential in exploring a different time period within the Game of Thrones universe. While the show never materialized, Helgeland expressed his willingness to work closely with Martin if HBO had picked up the project. He drew inspiration from classic adventure films like Ray Harryhausen’s Sinbad series and the epic tale of The Odyssey, envisioning Nymeria as a heroic figure leading her people to safety.
While “10,000 Ships” may have been shelved, HBO continues to explore other spin-off ideas within the Game of Thrones universe. “9 Voyages,” focusing on the Sea Snake character, is in development as an animated series due to cost concerns for a live-action adaptation. Despite the setbacks faced by these spin-offs, “House of the Dragon” Season 2 is set to premiere in June, with another spin-off, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” scheduled for late 2025.
The story of “10,000 Ships” offers a glimpse into the creative process behind developing a Game of Thrones spin-off. While the series may never see the light of day, the vision of Brian Helgeland and the approval of George R.R. Martin showcase the endless possibilities for expanding the vast world of Westeros. As fans eagerly anticipate new projects within the franchise, the legacy of Game of Thrones continues to inspire storytellers to explore new realms and characters within its rich tapestry.
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