Since its debut in 2011, Game of Thrones has evolved from a ground-breaking television series into a global phenomenon that reshaped television and storytelling. With the success of House of the Dragon and the upcoming series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, HBO’s epic fantasy franchise appears to have only begun to unfurl its wings. According to a scoop by The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. is quietly developing “at least one” feature film set within the Game of Thrones universe—a significant move that could bring Westeros to the silver screen for the first time.
Although details are under wraps, THR reports that Warner’s project is in the early stages, with no director, writer, or cast attached. Nevertheless, the entertainment giant seems eager to translate George R.R. Martin’s sprawling world of ice and fire into a cinematic experience, and if the project materializes, it would be a historic first for the franchise. Discussions about a potential Game of Thrones film date back nearly a decade. In 2014, Martin himself floated the idea of concluding the series with a movie, hinting at the kind of grandiose budget needed to do justice to the dragons and battles: “It might need a feature to tie things up, something with a feature budget, like $100 million for two hours. Those dragons get real big, you know,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. There was also talk of adapting the Tales of Dunk and Egg, a beloved novella following Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, as a standalone film, a project that has since evolved into a series debuting on HBO in 2025. And of course, original showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss once pitched a trilogy of films to conclude Game of Thrones, an idea HBO rejected in favor of a traditional television ending.
With Warner Bros. and HBO now revisiting the concept of a Game of Thrones film, the big question becomes: which of George R.R. Martin’s epic stories will make it to theaters? From the infamous Tourney at Harrenhal to dynasty-crushing Robert’s Rebellion, there’s no shortage of lore to explore. But one tale stands out—a story that’s both mysterious and cataclysmic, one that shaped the history of Westeros and looms large in fan imaginations: The Doom of Valyria.
In April 2023, Variety reported that HBO was exploring a series centered on Aegon’s Conquest, with sources indicating a potential film component to lead into the show. Since then, Mattson Tomlin (The Batman and Terminator: ZERO) has signed on to write the adaptation of Aegon’s story from Fire & Blood, Martin’s Targaryen history. As the Conquest series progresses, the idea of a theatrical lead-in gains momentum, and what better prelude to Aegon’s story than the famed Doom of Valyria?
The Doom of Valyria, a cataclysmic event referenced throughout Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, marks the fiery end of the Valyrian Freehold, the powerful empire from which House Targaryen fled to Dragonstone 12 years prior. An inferno so fierce it even incinerated dragons, the Doom has long intrigued fans as one of Martin’s greatest mysteries. Valyria, at its peak, was the center of civilization, a city of grandeur and power where rival houses competed in a brutal dance for dominance. But all that splendor ended in flames, leaving only the Targaryens to carry on Valyria’s legacy in Westeros. The story’s allure lies in its mystery and tragic fate: what sparked the cataclysm that wiped Valyria from the known world? Witnessing hundreds of dragons soaring across the Valyrian skyline, only to fall as the empire crumbles, presents an unmissable cinematic opportunity.
But what would it take to bring the Doom of Valyria to life on the big screen? One name comes to mind: Anya Taylor-Joy. With her ethereal, regal look and proven acting prowess, Taylor-Joy would be a perfect choice to lead a film as a Valyrian dragonlord. As a movie star, Taylor-Joy could step into the Game of Thrones universe without the long-term commitment of a television series, instead taking on a one-off project that showcases her talents on a grand scale. She has an established relationship with Warner Bros., briefly appearing in Dune: Part Two as Alia Atreides and starring in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Beyond her resume, Taylor-Joy has expressed a personal love for Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, particularly the Targaryen mythos. Casting her as a fierce Valyrian with a dragon to command could elevate the film’s appeal to dedicated fans and broader audiences. To market the movie, Warner Bros. would only need to promote it as a chance to experience an episode of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, two of television’s most visually unique and grandiose series, on the big screen. The demand to see more Valyrians in action has been growing for years. House Targaryen and their dragons have become cultural icons, referenced across various forms of media. This immense popularity led to the creation of House of the Dragon, highlighting the commercial power of House Targaryen and their dragons as HBO continues to develop projects centered on their descendants. Without question, the Targaryens, their dragons, and the legacy of Old Valyria form the very foundation of the Game of Thrones Cinematic universe, which was heralded by Emilia Clarke’s iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen, arguably the franchise’s most recognized face. The allure of world of ice and fire’s deeply interwoven political landscape along with its epic-fantasy elements magnified on a cinematic scale would be enough to draw in long-time fans and new viewers alike.
Budget-wise, Warner Bros. could position this as a blockbuster on par with Dune. Season 2 of House of the Dragon averaged $20 million per episode, while Dune: Part Two was produced with a budget of $190 million. With a similar investment, a Doom of Valyria film could showcase Valyria’s grandeur at its peak and the terrifying beauty of its destruction. Warner’s roster of star actors and in-house production expertise would ensure that the film’s visual spectacle captures the scale and splendor of Martin’s vision. A successful Game of Thrones movie would need more than just impressive visuals, however. A skilled director and a screenwriter who can balance the personal and epic scales of Martin’s world, as well as Martin himself as a consultant could turn this project into a billion-dollar blockbuster.
Given the passionate fan base and the franchise’s proven appeal, a film centered on the Doom of Valyria could further grow the Game of Thrones fandom worldwide and elevate Westeros into a new cinematic realm. And Warner Bros., if you’re reading this, please let the Valyrians finally have their signature ethereal violet eyes. Sincerely the entire fandom.
What do you think? Is the Doom of Valyria the perfect choice for Game of Thrones’ big-screen debut, or is there another story from George R.R. Martin’s world you’d love to see brought to life?
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