Warner Bros. recently announced a movie about Aegon's Conquest, bringing the Game of Thrones franchise to theaters for the first time. It's an exciting prospect—seeing Balerion the Black Dread soar across the silver screen is a dream for fans. But while Aegon's unification of the Seven Kingdoms has its moments, the world of Westeros is packed with richer, more cinematic tales. Here are five stories that would make even better movies.
The Doom of Valyria
Everyone knows Game of Thrones fans love dragons. The original series gave us three, and House of the Dragon delivered dozens. But imagine thousands. That was the Valyrian Freehold at its peak—a civilization built on dragon fire and magic, destroyed by its own arrogance. The Doom, a cataclysmic eruption of the Fourteen Flames, wiped out the Freehold in a single day. A movie could capture the sheer scale of Valyria's might and its fall, something only a blockbuster budget can do justice. While Aegon's Conquest might start with the Doom, a full film on Valyria would be far more epic.
The Long Night
The original series promised a world-ending conflict, but the Long Night ended with a whimper—a single battle and an anti-climactic stab. The first Long Night, however, lasted a generation. It saw the alliance of the First Men and the Children of the Forest, led by the Last Hero, against the White Walkers. Bran the Builder then raised the Wall. This mythic war, with its ancient heroes and true stakes, would finally deliver the epic showdown fans craved. A movie could explore the horror and heroism that Game of Thrones only teased, making it a perfect big-screen spectacle.
The Coming of the Andals
Westeros has seen many invasions, but the Coming of the Andals reshaped its entire culture. The Andals arrived from Essos, preaching the Faith of the Seven and waging war across the continent. This period is a straightforward war epic, with massive battles like the Battle of the Seven Stars. A film could focus on the chaos and conquest, with no single protagonist—just the clash of armies. Given how well Game of Thrones handled battles, a bigger budget and cinematic scale could make this a thrilling, gritty war movie.
Bloodraven's Story
Few characters in Westerosi history are as mysterious as Brynden Rivers, aka Bloodraven. A Great Bastard of King Aegon IV, he was an albino with a gift for sorcery and a ruthless streak. His life spans intrigue, war, and eventually becoming the Three-Eyed Raven. A movie could delve into his rise as Hand of the King, his exile to the Wall, and his transformation into a mystical figure. It's a dark, complex tale that blends political drama with fantasy, perfect for a psychological thriller like the best psychological thrillers.
The Dance of the Dragons
While House of the Dragon is covering this civil war, a movie could offer a condensed, explosive version. The Targaryen succession war saw dragons fighting dragons, with battles like the Battle of the Gullet and the Storming of the Dragonpit. A film could focus on the key moments—betrayals, dragon duels, and the tragic fall of a dynasty. It's a story of ambition and fire that would look stunning on the big screen, rivaling any fantasy epic. For fans who love the worst fantasy movies, this would be a redemption.
Aegon's Conquest has its appeal, but these stories offer deeper lore, bigger stakes, and more cinematic potential. Warner Bros. should consider these before diving into the Conqueror's tale.
