Plans for a Game of Thrones prequel about Aegon the Conqueror are actively moving forward, but its final format remains a major question. New reports confirm that Aegon’s Conquest is now being developed for two potential paths: as a new HBO television series or as a large-scale feature film for theaters.
This story would explore the legendary founding of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. It focuses on Aegon I Targaryen and his two sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, who used their three great dragons to unite six of the Seven Kingdoms. The project represents one of several expansions of the Game of Thrones universe currently in the works.
The Core Story and Its Place in the Timeline
The narrative of Aegon’s Conquest is the foundational myth of the world seen in Game of Thrones. It takes place roughly 300 years before the events of the original series and about 100 years before the civil war depicted in House of the Dragon. Aegon and his sisters sailed from their ancestral home on Dragonstone, using their dragons—Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes—to subdue the rival kings of Westeros.
The story’s details are chronicled in George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, which serves as the historical source material for HBO’s House of the Dragon. The book presents the history as written by a maester of the Citadel, Archmaester Gyldayn. For fans, this era answers the question of how the Targaryens first gained power and created the Iron Throne.
Why the Story Might Become a Movie
Recent updates reveal that the project’s development is unique. According to industry reports, HBO is developing it as a possible drama series simultaneously with the Warner Bros. film team exploring it as a “mammoth Dune-sized feature film”. This dual-track approach suggests the studios see significant potential in the epic scale of the conquest.
The comparison to Dune is notable, as those films are known for their grand cinematic spectacle and complex themes. Aegon’s story involves massive battles, dragon warfare, and the political unification of an entire continent—elements that could translate powerfully to the big screen. Furthermore, the core narrative of a near-unstoppable conquest might fit the structure of a two-to-three-hour film better than a multi-season television arc.
Key Characters and Major Moments
At the heart of the story are the three Targaryen conquerors. Aegon I is often seen as a driven and somewhat mysterious figure, motivated in part by a prophetic dream known as the “Song of Ice and Fire”. His sister-wives were crucial to his success: Visenya was a fierce warrior, while Rhaenys was said to be his favorite and played a key diplomatic role.
The conquest featured iconic events that would likely be central to any adaptation:
- The Burning of Harrenhal: The destruction of the massive castle of Harren the Black, demonstrating the unstoppable power of dragonfire.
- The Submission of the Arryns: Visenya famously landed her dragon in the courtyard of the impregnable Eyrie, leading the young king of the Vale to surrender and even ask for a dragon ride.
- The Last Storm: The defeat of Argilac the Arrogant, the last Storm King, by Aegon’s commander Orys Baratheon.
- The Resistance of Dorne: The one kingdom that successfully resisted conquest, with the Princess of Dorne famously defying the Targaryens from her empty throne room.
Connections to the Existing TV Series
This prequel would have direct links to the already-established Game of Thrones universe. The prophecy that drove Aegon—the “Song of Ice and Fire” warning of a threat from the North—was a key plot point introduced in House of the Dragon. Furthermore, the dragon Vhagar, ridden by Visenya during the conquest, is a major creature in House of the Dragon, having been passed down through the Targaryen line.
The project was first reported to be in development back in 2024, with writer Mattson Tomlin attached. Tomlin is known for his work on The Batman Part II. Since the initial announcement, public updates had been scarce until this recent confirmation that the project is still active and being considered for both film and television.
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The Expanding Game of Thrones Universe on Screen
Aegon’s Conquest is just one of several projects expanding the franchise. HBO recently premiered its second successful prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, and House of the Dragon Season 3 is expected later this year. Other ideas reportedly in various stages of discussion include a sequel series following Jon Snow and a project exploring Arya Stark’s adventures west of Westeros.
Whether it ultimately becomes a television series or a major motion picture, the development of Aegon’s Conquest signals HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery’s continued strong commitment to the Game of Thrones franchise. The decision on its final format will likely depend on creative visions and how the story can best be told for modern audiences.
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