HBO Confirms Multiple Game of Thrones Sequels in Development Through 2032
George R.R. Martin didn’t just drop a hint—he dropped a bombshell. At a quiet gathering during the Iceland festival on November 21, 2025, the author confirmed to accredited journalist Jav Marcos that George R.R. Martin is actively developing multiple Game of Thrones sequel series for HBO, stretching the franchise well into the next decade. The news, quickly amplified by outlets like El Mundo and Economic Times, wasn’t just fan speculation. It was a corporate reality, backed by HBO CEO Casey Bloys, who told reporters during a 2025 programming showcase that the network plans to deliver new Game of Thrones content for the next three years, with projects locked in through 2032. That’s not a promise. That’s a roadmap.
The Franchise Is Now a Multi-Timeline Empire
For years, fans thought of Game of Thrones as a single story—eight seasons, one ending, one legacy. But that’s over. HBO has built a sprawling universe with three distinct timelines: prequels, present-day spin-offs, and now, sequels. House of the Dragon, set 172 years before the original, is nearing its end with Season 3 slated for 2028. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the 90-year-earlier tale of Ser Duncan the Tall and young Prince Egg, is already in production, with Season 2 due in 2027. And now? Sequels. After the fall of the Iron Throne, after Jon Snow vanished beyond the Wall, after Arya sailed west into the unknown—HBO is going there.
The Arya Stark Sequel: A Long-Awaited Return
The most tantalizing project? A sequel centered on Maisie Williams, who played Arya Stark. Martin met with her in London in summer 2024, a meeting El Mundo called "the most logical and probable" catalyst for the new series. That’s not coincidence. That’s planning. The final episode of Season 8 showed Arya setting sail beyond the edge of Westeros, a moment that left fans breathless—and hungry for more. HBO’s timeline suggests that series won’t arrive until 2031 or 2032. Why so long? Because they’re building it right. This isn’t a rushed cash grab. It’s a character-driven epic, likely exploring the uncharted lands Arya seeks, the cultures she encounters, and whether she ever truly escapes her past. And yes, that means Williams will be in her late 30s playing a character who was 18 at the end of the original series. Time has passed. So has the story.
What About Jon Snow? And the Other Projects
There were rumors—lots of them. Jon Snow returning. A Daenerys resurrection. A Cersei-centric spin-off. None of those are happening. At least, not anymore. According to Emergency Awesome’s November 2025 analysis, HBO quietly shelved the Jon Snow project after Martin and showrunners decided the character’s arc was complete. Instead, they’re doubling down on new faces and unexplored corners of Westeros. One rumored sequel, still in early development, may follow a new generation of nobles in the Riverlands or the North, decades after the War for the Dawn. Another could explore the Free Cities, where Daenerys once sought allies, now ruled by warlords and former slaves. But the Arya project? That’s the crown jewel.
Why This Matters Beyond the Fans
This isn’t just about fantasy dragons and political intrigue. It’s about money. At its peak, Game of Thrones generated an estimated $1.5 billion annually in global revenue—merchandise, streaming, licensing, tourism. HBO’s decision to keep the machine running isn’t nostalgia. It’s strategy. With Max (formerly HBO Max) competing against Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, the Game of Thrones brand is a financial anchor. And now, for the first time since 2027, HBO will release two Game of Thrones series in the same year: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 2 and House of the Dragon Season 3. That’s unprecedented. That’s ambition.
The Long Road to 2032
It’s easy to forget how much time has passed since Season 8 ended in May 2019. The world changed. Streaming changed. Fans grew up. And HBO? They didn’t rush. They waited. They let the dust settle. They let Martin write. They let Williams age. They let the world miss it. Now, they’re ready. The first sequel won’t arrive until 2031. But when it does, it won’t feel like a reboot. It’ll feel like a homecoming. For Arya. For the fans. For the world that still believes in dragons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Maisie Williams return as Arya Stark in the sequel series?
Yes, multiple reports, including from Spanish outlet El Mundo, confirm that George R.R. Martin met with Williams in London in summer 2024 to discuss the project. While HBO hasn’t officially cast her yet, the timing aligns with their 2031–2032 release window, suggesting she’ll reprise the role as a woman in her late 30s, continuing Arya’s journey west of Westeros.
Why is the Arya sequel taking until 2031 to release?
HBO is prioritizing quality over speed. The script is being developed by Martin alongside showrunners who’ve worked on House of the Dragon, and production requires extensive world-building for uncharted regions beyond Westeros. The delay also allows Williams to age naturally into the role, making Arya’s transformation from warrior to explorer feel authentic.
Are there any other confirmed sequel series besides Arya’s?
Martin confirmed multiple sequels are in development, but only the Arya project has been publicly tied to a specific character and actress. Other rumored projects include a political drama set in the Riverlands decades after the War for the Dawn, and a tale of the Free Cities’ power vacuum. None have been officially greenlit beyond early development.
How does HBO plan to sustain interest over so many years?
HBO is leveraging its strongest asset: legacy. With House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms already proving the franchise’s enduring appeal, sequels will tap into unresolved emotional threads—like Arya’s isolation or the fate of the North—while introducing new characters who echo the original’s moral complexity. The $1.5 billion annual revenue peak shows the audience is still there.
Is George R.R. Martin writing all the sequels himself?
Martin is serving as executive producer and creative consultant, but he’s not writing every episode. He’s focused on finalizing The Winds of Winter and developing overarching lore for the sequels. Showrunners from House of the Dragon are handling day-to-day writing, with Martin reviewing scripts and approving major plot points to maintain continuity.
Where is HBO producing these new series?
Production will primarily take place in Northern Ireland, as with previous series, with additional filming in Spain and Iceland for exterior landscapes. HBO’s corporate base remains at 30 Hudson Yards in New York City, but creative decisions are made in collaboration with Martin’s team in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he lives and writes.