George R.R. Martin is bringing back some of the most iconic characters from the Game of Thrones series to broadway. A stage production of the extremely popular show, based on Martin’s fantasy books, is in its early stages of development, with the first show expected to launch in 2023.
Working as a prequel for the HBO series that ended in 2019, the play will be set 16 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones and offer fans a look at the biggest competition event in Westeros history, ‘The Great Tourney at Harrenhal.' Keeping the show’s legacy alive, the play’s story will revolve around “love, vengeance, madness and the dangers of dealing in prophecy.”
In Martin’s books, some of the main Game of Thrones characters are seen attending the event, including Ned Stark, Lyanna Stark, Jaime Lannister, Lord Robert Baratheon, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Prince Oberyn Martell, and Ser Barristan Selmy. This means that the play would bring back all of those characters, as it is largely adapted from the books. Some of the other characters that are expected to return include Cersei Lannister, Tywin Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Littlefinger, and Varys. None of the castings have been announced at the moment.
Martin is working with award-winning playwright Duncan MacMillan to pen the script and the play will be directed by Dominic Cooke, known for The Courier, and produced by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, who brought the play The Illusionists to life. The team aims to debut productions of the show on Broadway in New York City, London’s West End, and in Australia.
While HBO is in no way associated with the project, the streaming service recently signed a five-year contract with Martin, with the writer agreeing to develop more content of the fantasy genre. Additionally, HBO is working on multiple Game of Thrones-related projects, along with Martin, to bring fans back to the world of Westeros. One of the most anticipated among them is the spin-off titled House of the Dragon, which also serves as a prequel to the original series and will be set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The show will offer insight into the history of House Targaryen and is expected to release in 2022.
Game of Thrones isn't the first book-to-screen adaptation that is making its way to stage. J. K. Rowling's magical wizarding world had made a similar jump when Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened in London in 2016. The two-part play also served as a sequel to the popular series of books and movies. The play has received a lot of praise and critical success since its first release, winning several awards and even expanding productions from London to Broadway and Melbourne.
The Game of Thrones stage production is expected to launch in 2023.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter