The Game of Thrones Movie Should Follow This George R.R. Martin Story

With the recent news that Warner Bros. is developing an official Game of Thrones movie, it’s time for the creators to increase the size, scale, and cinematic scope of the landmark George R.R. Martin fantasy universe. One of the surest ways to do so is to adapt a popular storyline from the source novels that was deemed too elaborate to film for the hit HBO TV series. Another is to attract viewers by casting a popular movie star with a historical fantasy movie experience, giving the big-screen spectacle a bona fide draw.

While in early development with few plot details, the filmmakers will presumably expand the Westeros universe by introducing a new story rather than repeating an old TV storyline. To that end, the filmmakers would be wise to translate the “Doom of Valyria,” one of the most cinematic sequences yet to be adapted. Even more ideal, Anya Taylor-Joy is the only actor with enough star wattage and acting gravitas to bring the story to life.

Why Doom of Valyria Should Be Adapted in the Game of Thrones Movie

When Warner Bros. announced plans to make a Game of Thrones movie, instant online fan reaction immediately called for the “Doom of Valyria” to be adapted to the big screen. “Doom of Valyria” refers to an ancient apocalyptic event that occurred thousands of years before the events seen in Game of Thrones. The cryptic cataclysm involved a nighttime of raging storms, tidal waves, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other severe weather events that altered the landscape interminably.

The devastating storms ravaged the city of Valyria and wiped out the Valyrian Freehold. Only a few survivors remained, including the Targaryens and the House Velaruon. Akin to how Mount Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii in 79AD, the apocalyptic event set the stage for a new civilization to rise. While Valyria was abandoned as an accursed demon-filled land too terrifying to approach, Aenar Targaryen took his family and five dragons to Dragonstone to start anew.

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As an event preceding those depicted in Game of Thrones, adapting Doom of Valyria makes too much sense to omit in the upcoming movie. The storyline wouldn’t work as well on the TV show unless it were a single season. However, given the increased budget and big-screen spectacle the TV show is known for, translating the Doom of Valyrian’s mysterious weather event is tailor-made for a cinematic marvel. If nothing else, the preceding storyline would dovetail perfectly into the pilot episode and seamlessly continue the narrative.

Anya Taylor-Joy Is Perfect to Bring The Doom of Valyria to Life

Speaking of tailor-made, the upcoming Game of Thrones movie was made for Anya Taylor-Joy to earn her first Academy Award. The magnetic and supremely talented Queen’s Gambit breakout has plenty of period-drama experience with such movies as The Witch, Peaky Blinders, The Northman, Emma, and more. Whether playing a supporting character or a bona fide movie franchise lead (a la Furiosa), Taylor-Joy has the commanding gravitas to bring the Doom of Valyria to life.

On X, at least one user lobbied for Taylor-Joy to star in the new Game of Thrones movie on the official @Westerosies account. Their reasoning cited Taylor-Joy’s Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon’s ardent fandom and repeated ties to Warner Bros. The sentiment squares with a Redditor who suggested Taylor-Joy play a Targaryen in 2022. While promoting Furiosa with Chris Hemsworth, Taylor-Joy told BuzzFeed Celeb in May 2024 that she was “very anxiously awaiting” Season 2 of House of the Dragon.

As for her Warner Bros. ties, Taylor-Joy recently starred in the studio’s hit big-scale blockbuster Dune: Part Two. She has also worked with the studio on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, making her A-list casting a no-brainer in the Game of Thrones movie. Until more details are known, Taylor-Joy can be seen in the upcoming horror film The Gorge and the action comedy Sacrifice. Game of Thrones is streaming on Max.

Game of Thrones is available to stream on Max