Aziza Barnes is a writer who's worked on dramas like FX's Snowfall and Netflix's Teenage Bounty Hunters. They also worked on the Max series Rap Sh!t as well as the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is coming out on HBO and Max sometime in 2025.
Barnes has died at the age of 32, their family confirmed. As Variety reports, Barnes took their own life. No other details are available.
“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you of the passing of an undeniable and beloved artist, child, sibling, and friend Aziza ‘Z’ Barnes,” the family said in a statement. “Z has touched and inspired countless individuals both in their community and industry and will be deeply missed and endlessly loved by all who were fortunate to have experienced their presence and work. An incomparable talent, we look for understanding in Z’s words, and wish comfort and understanding as we grieve this loss.”
A Los Angeles native, Barnes got a bachelor of fine arts from New York University before pusuing a master's in fine arts at the University of Mississippi. Barnes released multiple books, including the novel Blks and collections of poetry like i be, but i ain't and me Aunt Jemima and the nailgun.
As for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it's a Game of Thrones prequel show set decades before the events of the original show but decades after the events of HBO's other prequel series House of the Dragon. It will adapt author George R.R. Martin's Dunk and Egg novellas, about a knight and squire who travel around the Seven Kingdoms having adventures. It's expected to be an altogether more light-hearted affair than either of HBO's other series set in Westeros, although there will still be plenty of drama. There is no release date set yet, but expect it sometime in the back half of 2025.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.