The first Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragons, was launched two years ago. However, we will never see the Bloodmoon series starring Naomi Watts
With Game of Thrones, HBO has created one of the defining series of the past decade. When it became clear that the story of Jon Snow and co. was coming to an end, the US broadcaster commissioned the development of several spin-offs. In addition to House of the Dragon, these included the series Bloodmoon.
For a long time, it seemed as if HBO had a sure-fire hit on its hands with Bloodmoon. Last but not least, the prequel starred Hollywood star Naomi Watts (King Kong, Mulholland Drive) in the lead role. However, on October 29, 2019, the broadcaster revealed that the pilot, which was filmed for USD 30 million, had been rejected
Failed Game of Thrones series: First pictures of Naomi Watts in the pilot episode of Bloodmoon
Since then, fans have been wondering what the Game of Thrones series set 5000 years in the past would have looked like. Thanks to an Instagram post by Flora Moody, who worked in the hair and make-up department on the production, we now have four pictures that take us behind the scenes and show Naomi Watts in costume on set
First look at Naomi Watts in the pilot episode of HBO’s canceled ‘BLOOD MOON’ GameOfThrones prequel series.
The pilot reportedly revolved around a wedding between a Stark and a Casterly, taking place at Casterly Rock. pic.twitter.com/4htFRbSJsg
– westerosies (@westerosies) February 2, 2024
Bloodmoon aka The Long Night first made headlines in June 2018. Jane Goldman, the screenwriter of Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Decision and Kingsman: The Secret Service, was hired to develop the gritty prequel, which would take place in the hallways and halls of Casterly Rock.
Once again, a devastating wedding would have been the linchpin of a Game of Thrones story. A member of the Stark family was to be married to a member of the Casterly family. The series would also explore the origins of the White Walkers and unravel other Westeros mysteries
Despite big names, Bloodmoon didn’t have the luck of Game of Thrones and failed in the pilot phase
In addition to Watts, the cast included Naomi Ackie (Star Wars 9), Sheila Atim (The Woman King), Ivanno Jeremiah (Lockwood & Co.), Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd), Denise Gough (Andor), Alex Sharp (The Trial of the Chicago 7) and Toby Regbo (Mr. Nobody). So far, no pictures of them from the series have been leaked.
In itself, it’s nothing unusual for a broadcaster like HBO to order pilot episodes for new series and have them end up in the poison cupboard if the quality isn’t right. Game of Thrones is the best example: the pilot did not convince those responsible at the time and had to be completely reworked.
In contrast to Game of Thrones, the Bloodmoon pilot directed by S.J. Clarkson (Madame Web) was not lucky enough to make it to the next round. On the same day that HBO officially buried the prequel, the network announced the production of House of the Dragon, which is now heading towards the start of its 2nd season.
Get it now: House of the Dragon on Blu-ray, DVD and 4K disc .
