No, an Arya Stark sequel is not happening

MANILA, Philippines – By the end of the Game of Thrones season 8 finale, we see Arya Stark, Night Kingslayer and hero of the Battle of Winterfell, setting sail for the lands beyond Westeros in search of a new adventure – or more evil beings to kill. (READ: Here’s what happened to the Starks in ‘The Iron Throne’)

It was, as most of the endings in the episode were, a moment that left fans to speculate about what happens next for the fan favorite. (READ: It’s official. Arya is the Filipinos’ favorite Stark (or is she?))

And while A Girl’s adventures west of Westeros and beyond would no doubt make for amazing television, an HBO exec was quick to shoot down the idea of that happening ever.

“Nope, nope, nope,” was what HBO programming president Casey Bloys told The Hollywood Reporter, when asked about whether they are exploring the idea of a sequel based on Arya’s journey of Westeros.

“Part of it is, I do want this show — this Game of Thrones, Dan and David’s show — to be its own thing. I don’t want to take characters from this world that they did beautifully and put them off into another world with someone else creating it. I want to let it be the artistic piece they’ve got,” Bloys said.

“George has a massive, massive world; there are so many ways in. That’s why we’re trying to do things that feel distinct – and to not try and redo the same show,” he added. “That’s probably one of the reasons why, right now, a sequel or picking up any of the other characters doesn’t make sense for us.”

Bloys was referring to George RR Martin, who wrote the A Song of Ice and Fire novels that the show is based on.

He did say “right now,” which doesn’t 100% eliminate the possibility of an Arya spinoff in the future. We can hope.

What HBO is confirmed to be doing is a prequel that goes way into the history of Westeros, back to the Age of Heroes and the Long Night – when the Wall was first built. The pilot is set to film in June, and stars Naomi Watts.

Aside from that, the entertainment company is reportedly also working on 3 other “successor shows” that are set in the ASOIAF world – though as Bloys said, none of them will be sequels.

This means that the Game of Thrones season 8 finale, which aired on May 20 (May 19, US time), is most likely the last fans will see of their beloved characters. (IN PHOTOS: More stills from the ‘Game of Thrones’ season 8 finale)

The episode, which has largely divided viewers, with many expressing their disappointment at the rushed narrative, still became the most watched episode of any HBO show ever. – Rappler.com