George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author of the “A Song of Ice & Fire” series, has made an interesting announcement regarding the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, Nine Voyages. In a recent blog post, Martin revealed that the series, which explores the legendary voyages of Corlys Velaryon aboard the Sea Snake ship, will now be produced as an animated project instead of a live-action drama. This shift is a significant change from the original plan and comes with Martin’s full support.
The decision to switch Nine Voyages to animation was mainly driven by budgetary constraints. Martin acknowledged that the show’s expansive scope, featuring numerous sea-based scenes and the need for frequent creation of diverse ports, would have made a live-action production prohibitively expensive. With animation, however, the team will have a much better chance of depicting the vast world of Westeros and beyond.
Martin also revealed in his blog post that Nine Voyages is just one of three animated projects currently in development. While the other two projects remain unnamed, the author expressed optimism about their progress and hinted at the possibility of a green light in the near future. This move toward animation suggests that HBO is taking a creative approach to expanding the Game of Thrones universe beyond the original live-action series.
In his blog post, Martin shared his writing journey for these animated projects. He mentioned that when the development process commenced a few years ago, they had four initial ideas for animated shows, each with talented individuals attached. As the projects progressed, writers rooms were established, and outlines and scripts were created. Unfortunately, two of the original concepts were eventually shelved, a term Martin prefers over “killed” as it leaves room for potential resurrection in the future.
Martin’s enthusiasm for the shelved projects remained undeterred. He expressed a desire to explore alternative ways of presenting these stories, such as transforming them into graphic novels. While the fate of these projects remains uncertain, Martin’s optimism shines through, emphasizing that nothing is ever truly dead in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.
As with any creative endeavor, the path to bringing these animated projects to fruition is filled with uncertainties. Martin candidly admitted that there is no way to guarantee whether any of these shows will make it to air or become a reality. However, for fans of his books and the Game of Thrones universe, the prospect of delving into the world of animation offers an exciting opportunity to further explore and immerse themselves in Westeros.
George R.R. Martin’s decision to shift the Game of Thrones spinoff, Nine Voyages, to animation demonstrates his willingness to adapt and explore new avenues for storytelling. With three animated projects underway, Martin’s dedication to expanding the Game of Thrones universe remains unwavering. While the future of these projects is uncertain, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness the rich tapestry of Westeros come to life in a new and visually captivating form.