HBO developing multiple new Game of Thrones prequels, including Tales of Dunk and Egg

Game of Thrones
(Image credit: HBO)

Another Game of Thrones prequel based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg series is in early development at HBO, reports Variety.

The show is reportedly based on the novellas in the Tales of Dunk and Egg trilogy, which features Ser Duncan the Tall and a young Aegon V Targaryen, 90 years before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire and the original Game of Thrones series. 

Ser Duncan (known as 'Dunk) was a member of Aegon's Kingsguard, but the novellas tell his story before he becomes Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and before Aegon sits on the throne. Aegon (known as 'Egg') becomes Dunk's squire shortly after he adopts the armor of a recently deceased knight. 

There are some familiar characters from A Song of Ice and Fire in the novellas, including a four-year-old Walder Frey. It's important to note that Aegon does not become the Mad King – that's Aerys – but is known as Aegon the Unlikely as he was the fourth son in line for the throne.

Tales of Dunk and Egg is an entirely separate show from the upcoming House of the Dragon, which will tell the story of the Targaryen family. It's interesting that the two are separate considering Aegon's lineage, but perhaps there will be the occasional character crossover between the two series. House of the Dragon is set to start filming in a few months, but Tales of Dunk and Egg is only in "early development" at HBO with "no writer or talent... currently attached" according to Variety. 

In a separate report, Entertainment Weekly claimed that multiple new Game of Thrones spin-offs are currently being eyed. "HBO has been meeting with several top writers pitching other ideas based on Martin's works," the publication writes. "Among the ideas being contemplated is a prequel series based on Robert's Rebellion – the war for the Iron Throne that upended Westeros a couple of decades before the events in Thrones."

In the meantime, check out the best Netflix shows to stream right now.

Alyssa Mercante

Alyssa Mercante used to be a features writer at GamesRadar and is now a freelance writer and editor. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.