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HBO President of Programming, Casey Bloys, led the network’s Television Critics Association summer press day with new insight about the Game of Thrones prequel, which just completed shooting in Belfast, Ireland.
Bloys confirmed that although the final season of its flagship series received mixed reviews, the untitled prequel has not been affected by critical response.
“The shooting has wrapped, it looks really good, the cast was amazing,” Bloys said.
Questions were also raised about the fan-led petition to reshoot the final season of Game of Thrones, which Bloys declares has not been “seriously considered.”
“There are very few downsides to having a hugely popular show and one I can think of is that many people have big opinions on how it should end and how they should see any characters’ stories come through,” he said.
“I can’t imagine another network would [be tempted either]. But who knows?” he added.
Bloys also addressed questions about a potential third season of Big Little Lies, which premiered its second season finale on Sunday with its highest ratings to date. Although there is currently no plan for a third season, Bloys is applying a “never say never” mentality for the future.
“To me, there’s no obvious place to go, no obvious story,” he said. “I would certainly be open to it because I love working with all of them.”
Here’s more of what we learned at TCA day two:
Insecure Season 4 Will Comprise 10 Episodes
Issa Rae revealed that season four of the hit comedy-drama is currently being written and will begin shooting in September. The season will comprise 10 episodes unlike the first three seasons, which only contained eight episodes each.
His Dark Materials Will Adapt One Book Per Season
Writer and executive producer Jack Thorne confirmed that the series, adapted from Philip Pullman’s novel trilogy, will largely adapt one book per season. However, certain elements from later books have been pulled into season one to help adapt the story for television.
The panel, composed of Thorne, executive producer Jane Tranter and stars Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda and James McAvoy, also addressed the 2007 film that received controversy due to its perception of religion.
Tranter says they aren’t concerned about alienating religious audiences because unlike the film, they have more episodes to better capture Pullman’s story.
“[The novels] are similar to “1984” by George Orwell….it’s not criticizing church, it’s criticizing oppression,” Keen added.
The Righteous Gemstones Hopes For More Seasons
Unlike many of Danny McBride’s other projects, The Righteous Gemstones was written with more seasons in mind.
“With this the idea was trying to create the world that was bigger and needed a little more time….we would like it to go one for a little bit,” he said.
McBride also clarified a notion that the series, which is based on a fictional family of corrupt televangelists, is meant to make fun of religion.
“The goal isn’t to be a takedown of anything,” he said. “When Hollywood takes on religion, they make the mistake of lampooning one’s beliefs.”
Alan Moore Has No Involvement in the New Watchmen Adaptation
Watchmen writer and executive producer Damon Lindelof admitted that Alan Moore, creator of the titular graphic novel, is “not thrilled” about the new project. However, Lindelof appreciated the task of embodying Moore’s “punk rock, rebellious spirit,” he said.
“I’m channeling the spirit of Alan Moore to say, ‘Fuck you, I’m doing it anyway,’ Lindelof joked.
The series, set in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, will premiere in October.