Game of Thrones Universe Expands: Inside HBO’s 3-Season ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Plan
A sea choked with fire, ships splintering like matchsticks, and the roar of dragons drowning out screams. That’s the Battle of the Gullet—the centerpiece of House of the Dragon’s upcoming Season 3—and according to HBO’s drama chief Francesca Orsi, it’s “massive” enough to make Titanic’s iceberg disaster look quaint. “We needed the time to build it,” Orsi confessed, her voice crackling with the adrenaline of someone who’s just witnessed dragon-sized chaos firsthand.
But let’s rewind. After Season 2’s quieter finale left fans scratching their heads (only eight episodes? Really?), HBO’s doubling down on spectacle. The delayed battle, originally meant for Season 2, is now the crown jewel of 2026’s return. Why the wait? Blame logistics—and a producer who once sank the Titanic. “You think building a sinking ship was hard? Try staging a naval apocalypse with dragons,” Orsi quipped.
Meanwhile, George R.R. Martin’s other passion project, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms—a prequel set 90 years before Thrones—is quietly stealing hearts. Forget CGI dragons; this one’s a “buddy road trip” between a hulking knight (Peter Claffey) and his pint-sized squire (Dexter Sol Ansell). Martin’s already gushing about the rough cuts, and HBO’s so smitten, they’re plotting a three-season arc. “Egg’s actor will age faster than a direwolf pup,” Orsi laughed, hinting at back-to-back shoots to keep the kid… well, a kid.
But wait—dragons aren’t done yet. Orsi teased another Targaryen spinoff, this one “very big budget.” (Because apparently, HBO’s motto is “Fire cannot kill a franchise.”) Fans might groan: another blonde dynasty drama? Yet Orsi insists this unnamed project is “promising,” even as she admits, “We’re throwing gold at these shows like Lannisters at a brothel.”
HBO’s betting big on Westeros—but will fans embrace another Targaryen tale, or crave fresher blood? Either way, grab your popcorn (and fireproof armor). Winter isn’t coming… it’s already here.
FAQs:
What’s the Battle of the Gullet in House of the Dragon Season 3?
A naval clash between the Blacks and Greens, delayed to Season 3 for grander scale—think dragon fire meets Titanic-level production.
Will A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have multiple seasons?**
HBO plans three seasons, adapting Martin’s novellas, with potential back-to-back filming to keep the young actor aging believably.
What’s the new Game of Thrones spinoff about?
Another Targaryen-centric series, described as “big budget” but still under wraps. Dragons? Probably. Drama? Definitely.
How does George R.R. Martin feel about the Dunk & Egg adaptation?
He’s “loved” the rough cuts, praising the casting and calling the novellas personal favorites.
