Renowned author George R.R. Martin recently provided an exciting update for fans eagerly anticipating his animated projects set in the captivating world of A Song of Ice & Fire. In his New Year’s Eve post on his personal blog, Martin shared a significant change regarding the highly anticipated Game of Thrones spinoff, Nine Voyages. He revealed that the series, exploring the legendary voyages of the Sea Snake, would move from live action to animation—a decision he wholeheartedly supports.
The shift from live action to animation primarily stems from the pragmatic consideration of budgetary constraints. With the storyline heavily centered around sea voyages, rendering these visuals in live action would likely prove exorbitantly expensive. Furthermore, the narrative necessitates the creation of a new port every week, spanning from Driftmark to Lys, the Basilisk Isles to Volantis, and even to Qarth, among others. Embracing animation allows for a much broader canvas to showcase the vast world contained within the story.
In 2021, HBO signaled its intent to expand the Game of Thrones universe by conceptualizing three potential projects. These projects, collectively referred to as 9 Voyages (also known as Sea Snake), Flea Bottom, and 10,000 Ships, aimed to further enrich the already beloved franchise. Amongst the trio, the Sea Snake project boasted the greatest progress, with a committed creative team onboard to develop its animated iteration. Additionally, discussions were underway to potentially create an animated version of Game of Thrones for HBO Max.
Martin’s latest blog update sheds light on the current status of his animated projects at HBO. While none of them have received official greenlights, progress is being made, and he expresses hope that some of them are approaching the next significant milestone. The initial development phase involved four animated show ideas, attracting exceptional talents in the industry. However, two of these promising projects were later shelved for reasons unknown. Martin, ever the optimist, chooses to describe these setbacks as being “shelved” rather than “killed,” emphasizing the often unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
With his unwavering perseverance, Martin envisions the possibility of eventually presenting the shelved stories in alternative formats, such as graphic novels. Though the fate of these projects remains uncertain, Martin’s determination to breathe life back into them at a future date resonates with his loyal fans.
George R.R. Martin’s decision to shift Nine Voyages from live action to animation showcases a shrewd understanding of the practical constraints involved. This transition allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the sea voyages and diverse ports while keeping the production costs in check. Furthermore, Martin’s ongoing pursuit of expanding the animated universe indicates his unwavering commitment to enhancing the Game of Thrones legacy, leaving fans eager to embark on new adventures within the realm of A Song of Ice & Fire.