The Game of Thrones universe continues to expand, but not in the way fans originally expected. After months of speculation about a Jon Snow sequel series, HBO has quietly shifted gears. The network is now developing a completely different project that brings back one of the most beloved characters from the original show.
According to multiple industry reports, Maisie Williams is expected to reprise her role as Arya Stark in a new spin-off series. The show will follow the youngest Stark daughter as she explores the mysterious lands west of Westeros—a journey she embarked on in the final moments of Game of Thrones.
The Jon Snow Project That Never Happened
For years, rumors swirled about a sequel series centered on Jon Snow. Kit Harington was attached to the project and even shared his vision for the character’s future. The actor envisioned exploring Jon’s life as “a broken man with PTSD” after everything he endured during the series.
However, HBO ultimately passed on the concept. Insiders familiar with the situation told The Hollywood Reporter that the network found the premise “too much of a bummer” for audiences. The darker tone didn’t align with what HBO wanted for a potential sequel.
Harington himself has since moved on from the role. In a December interview with Variety, the actor was asked about voicing Jon Snow for a Game of Thrones audiobook. His response was direct: “No, god no. I don’t wanna go anywhere near it. I spent 10 years doing that. Thanks, I’m alright.”
Arya Stark Takes the Lead
With the Jon Snow series officially shelved, HBO has found a new direction for a sequel. The network brought in writer Quoc Dang Tran, known for his work on “Drops of God,” to develop a series centered on Arya Stark. The show will reportedly be set in Essos, the vast continent across the Narrow Sea.
This setting makes perfect sense for Arya’s character. In the series finale, she sailed west of Westeros, determined to discover what lies beyond the maps. An Essos-based adventure would allow the show to explore new territories while keeping a familiar face at its center.
“We are very interested and excited by the prospect of a sequel, but also keenly aware of how high the bar of execution needs to be,” a source close to the project told The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s important to note that the project remains in “very early development.” No actors have officially signed on yet, though Maisie Williams is expected to return if the series moves forward. The network learned valuable lessons from previous failed spin-offs, including the expensive “Bloodmoon” pilot that never made it to series.
What We Know About the Story
The new series would pick up where Game of Thrones left off. Arya famously turned down opportunities for power and position, choosing instead to follow her own path. Unlike her sister Sansa, who became Queen in the North, or brother Bran, who was crowned King of the Six Kingdoms, Arya remained an explorer at heart.
Essos offers rich storytelling possibilities. The continent was home to Daenerys Targaryen during her early seasons and served as the setting for many memorable moments in the original series. Cities like Braavos, where Arya trained with the Faceless Men, could provide familiar touchstones for fans.
The series could also introduce entirely new locations and cultures. Martin’s books mention numerous Essosi cities and regions that never appeared on screen, giving the creative team plenty of material to work with.
The Growing Game of Thrones Franchise
While fans wait for news about the Arya project, there’s plenty of Game of Thrones content to enjoy right now. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on January 18, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max. The series follows Ser Duncan the Tall (played by Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) on their adventures across Westeros.
The show takes place about 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones, during an era when Targaryens still sat on the Iron Throne. Unlike its predecessors, this series has a lighter tone and focuses on ordinary people rather than noble families fighting for power.
The first season, based on Martin’s novella “The Hedge Knight,” consists of six episodes. The finale airs on February 22, 2026, in the United States and February 23, 2026, in other regions including India. HBO has already confirmed a second season for 2027, with filming currently underway.
House of the Dragon Season 3 is also on the way, scheduled to premiere in summer 2026. The Targaryen civil war continues, with Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, and Olivia Cooke returning as leads. A fourth and final season is planned for 2028.
Other Projects in Development
Beyond the Arya series, HBO has several other Game of Thrones projects in various stages of development. These include:
Aegon’s Conquest would tell the story of Aegon Targaryen uniting the Seven Kingdoms with his sisters and their dragons. The Batman scribe Mattson Tomlin is developing this project.
10,000 Ships follows Princess Nymeria leading her people to Dorne after the Valyrian Freehold conquers their homeland. Eboni Booth is writing the pilot.
The Sea Snake started as a live-action idea but may become an animated series focusing on Corlys Velaryon’s famous voyages.
The Golden Empire would explore Yi Ti, a region in Essos inspired by Imperial China, as another animated project.
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Global Release Information for Current Shows
For viewers around the world wanting to catch up on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, here’s when the finale arrives:
United States and Canada: February 22 at 7pm PT and 10pm ET on HBO and HBO Max
United Kingdom: February 23 at 3am GMT on Sky Atlantic
India: February 23 at 8:30am IST on JioHotstar
Singapore: February 23 at 11am SGT
Australia: February 23 at 2pm AEDT
New Zealand: February 23 at 4pm NZDT
Brazil: February 23 at 12am
Central Europe: February 23 at 4am
What This Means for Fans
The shift from Jon Snow to Arya Stark represents a significant change in direction for HBO’s sequel plans. While Jon’s story would have been darker and more introspective, Arya’s journey offers adventure and discovery. Her character always represented independence and defiance of expectations, making her a natural fit for a show about exploration.
For fans of the original series, seeing Maisie Williams return as Arya would be a major draw. The actress spent eight seasons growing up on screen, and her character became one of the most popular in the entire franchise. Arya’s list, her training in Braavos, and her role in defeating the Night King created some of the series’ most memorable moments.
The success of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and House of the Dragon proves that audiences remain hungry for more stories from this world. A sequel series featuring a beloved character could tap into that same enthusiasm while offering something new.
As with all development projects, nothing is guaranteed until cameras actually start rolling. HBO has shown willingness to cancel projects that don’t meet their standards, regardless of how much money they’ve invested. The “Bloodmoon” pilot cost an estimated $30 million before being scrapped.
Still, the combination of a popular character, an intriguing setting, and careful development gives the Arya project a strong foundation. If it moves forward, it could become the third active Game of Thrones series alongside House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
For now, fans can enjoy the current shows while keeping an eye on news about Arya’s potential return. The world of Westeros and beyond continues to grow, one spin-off at a time.
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