'Aegon's Conquest': Release Date, Plot & Everything You Need to Know About 'House of the Dragon' Spinoff

For the first time, the Game of Thrones universe is coming to the big screen: Warner Bros. has officially confirmed the development of a movie titled Aegon's Conquest, which will serve as a prequel to the original HBO show and House of the Dragon.

The movie will focus on the legendary Aegon I Targaryen, the ruler who united Westeros 300 years before the events depicted in Game of Thrones.

Unlike other fantasy blockbusters, it's expected to have a notably grittier tone. Aegon's story is not merely that of a heroic ruler but also a chronicle of a bloody conquest, the destruction of dynasties, and the forced unification of realms.

When Will 'Aegon's Conquest' Be Released?

Aegon's Conquest is in the early stages of production, and neither the director nor the cast has been announced. During the Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon, the project was included in the 2027 and Beyond release slate, so an exact release date is unknown.

Aegon's Conquest is expected to hit theaters no earlier than 2027. Additionally, HBO is developing another project centered on Aegon Targaryen simultaneously, though its status also remains unclear.

Beau Willimon, the showrunner of House of Cards and a writer for Andor and the second season of Severance, will write the screenplay.

What Will 'Aegon's Conquest' Be About?

The story will center on Aegon I Targaryen – known as Aegon the Conqueror – and his two sisters, who were also his wives: Visenya and Rhaenys. Together with their three dragons, Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion, they launched a war to unite the Seven Kingdoms.

The Iron Throne, the Red Keep, and King's Landing – the capital of Westeros and primary setting for the political intrigue of Game of Thrones – came into existence in the wake of these events.

The movie will depict the Targaryen invasion and explain the reasons behind their conquest of Westeros. George R. R. Martin's books mention a prophecy that says the Targaryens must unite the continent to protect the world from the White Walkers in the future.

This prophecy was partially explored in House of the Dragon and is expected to be further fleshed out. Fans can look forward to a dark tale featuring epic battles, the fall of great houses, and a brutal struggle for power.

Who Is Aegon I Targaryen?

Aegon I Targaryen was the first king of the Targaryen dynasty to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Born on Dragonstone to Aerion Targaryen and Valaena Velaryon, he was the first king of the Targaryen dynasty.

Following a tradition that the Targaryens maintained for centuries to preserve the purity of their bloodline, Aegon married both of his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys. Aegon fathered two sons, Aenys and Maegor, who also later ruled Westeros.

Riding the legendary dragon Balerion and wielding the sword Blackfyre, Aegon united six of the seven kingdoms. He had the Iron Throne forged from the swords of his defeated enemies and founded the city of King's Landing, which soon became the capital.