For the first time ever, the world of Westeros is heading to the big screen. A Game of Thrones: Aegon's Conquest movie is officially in the works at Warner Bros. and is set to be released on June 1, 2029. While little is officially known about the upcoming adaptation, it is already off to an exciting start. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms producer and director Owen Harris will helm the film, while House of Cards creator and Star Wars: Andor writer Beau Willimon will be responsible for the screenplay. This dynamic duo has made fans hopeful that the opening chapter of the Targaryen dynasty will be done justice on the big screen.
Before Aegon's Conquest was officially unveiled, there were reports indicating that Warner Bros. was trying to decide whether to adapt the story as a limited series or a theatrical movie. The latter eventually emerged victorious, and now the studio can prove that the world created by George R.R. Martin is a perfect fit for the big screen. However, there's a case to be made that the unification of six of the seven kingdoms could have been a story better suited for the small screen, and here are three reasons why.
1. Aegon's Conquest would have a longer runtime as a series
Most HBO limited series have between five and 10 episodes throughout their run. In the worst-case scenario, Aegon's Conquest may have consisted of six one-hour episodes, but it's all the more likely that it would've had eight one-hour episodes, much like seasons two and three of House of the Dragon. On the other hand, a theatrical film usually has a runtime under two hours, but some major releases like The Odyssey and Avengers: Endgame are often extended to three hours.
Even in the worst-case scenario, Aegon's Conquest would have had double the runtime as a limited series compared to a film, and that's a considerable difference. Despite the fact that House of the Dragon is slated to have four seasons, and one of them even has ten episodes, some major events in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood have been glossed over very quickly. So, a similar fate is all but certain to happen on the big screen (except the pacing will be more relentless).
It's impossible to fully adapt the events of a book on the big screen. Granted, one of the benefits of Aegon's Conquest is that it doesn't have to go through everything that happened in Fire & Blood, but merely a section of it. Even then, audiences are about to witness important moments such as the burning of Harrenhal and the creation of the Iron Throne, so a longer runtime could surely benefit the story.
2. A show could've eventually explored the Dornish resistance
While little is officially known about the story of Aegon's Conquest, it isn't far-fetched to assume it will go over how Aegon I Targaryen unified six of the Seven Kingdoms. While his efforts proved (mostly) fruitful, Dorne resisted his new dynasty. Maybe there's a chance that the film will go over the conflict between the Targaryens and Dorne, but it seems unlikely given its limited runtime. As such, audiences are likely to remain in the dark about the confrontations that unfolded between the two.
The First Dornish War could eventually be explored in a potential sequel, or perhaps during a limited series. Still, it's unlikely that we'll get to see how Meria Martell did the unthinkable and managed to keep her people free from Aegon's reign on the big screen (even if her story was mostly explained by Otto Hightower during the third season of House of the Dragon). On the other hand, a limited series could've had more room to adapt these events on the small screen.
3. A movie risks becoming a little too crowded
One of the recurring problems that plagued Game of Thrones (along with House of the Dragon during its third season) was that there were too many characters fighting for viewers' attention. Now, we could be about to face a similar issue, especially with a tale about the conquest of six of the seven kingdoms.
As was to be expected, nearly every major House in Westeros has a role to play in the conquest. The Targaryens, Starks, Baratheons, Lannisters, Gardeners, Tyrells, Arryns, and Martells were all involved in this huge conflict that ended up unifying most of the realm. As such, a movie risks getting a little too convoluted, especially if it can't give every character and House a proper amount of screen time.
Of course, the simplest solution is to gloss over some characters and events, but that would bring us back to the first problem discussed. Hopefully, director Owen Harris and writer Beau Willimon have figured out the perfect recipe for success to ensure Aegon's Conquest strikes the perfect balance and shines on the big screen.
Game of Thrones: Aegon's Conquest will be released on June 1, 2029.
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