Don't expect a 'Game of Thrones' do-over, says HBO chief

Passionate fans of the show have been petitioning for a remake of the final season

Emilia Clarke in 'Game of Thrones'. Courtesy OSN 

The clamor from Game of Thrones fans for a do-over of the drama's final season has been in vain.

HBO programming chief Casey Bloys said Wednesday there was no serious consideration to remaking the story that some viewers and critics called disappointing.

There are few downsides to having a hugely popular show like Game of Thrones, Bloys said, but one is that fans have strong opinions on what would be a satisfying conclusion.

Bloys said during a TV critics’ meeting that it comes with the territory, adding that he appreciates fans’ passion for the saga based on George RR Martin’s novels.

Emmy voters proved unswayed by petitioners demanding a remake: They gave Game of Thrones a record-breaking 32 nominations earlier this month. The series also hit record highs for HBO.

HBO will want to keep the fan fervor alive for the prequel to Game of Thrones that's in the works. The first episode completed taping in Ireland and the dailies look "really good," Bloys said. The planned series stars Naomi Watts and is set thousands of years before the original.

Asked whether negative reaction to the Game of Thrones conclusion will shape the prequel, Bloys replied, "Not at all."

Stars defend the end 

The Game of Thrones cast leapt to the defence of its much-maligned final season in front of a boisterous crowd at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday July 19, blaming the backlash on negative media coverage.

The HBO fantasy epic's conclusion enraged fans around the world, and organisers of the pop culture convention reminded attendees before the retrospective panel to make the cast "feel welcome."

While the cast drew a rapturous reception, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister, was booed after describing his character's death in the arms of his sister and lover Cersei as "perfect."

"It made sense to me," said the actor, before being interrupted by a heckler. "This show has brought so many people together, watching it, loving it. So obviously when it comes to an end it's going to piss you off no matter what... just don't call people names."