“Game of Thrones” Was Almost On Vertical Screens

In an eye-opening revelation, “Game of Thrones,” HBO’s landmark series known for its epic storytelling and sprawling fantasy landscapes, was once at the center of an unconventional proposal that could have dramatically altered the way viewers experienced the Seven Kingdoms. According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, executives from AT&T, the former owner of HBO’s parent company WarnerMedia, had inquired whether the show could be adapted to a vertical format, optimized for mobile phone viewing.

The suggestion was part of a broader strategy to cater to the growing trend of mobile consumption, with AT&T executives considering the idea of reshaping the show into a format that would be more accessible to viewers on the go. This strategy included discussions on creating “snackable” mini-episodes of “Game of Thrones,” aiming to capture the attention of audiences seeking shorter, more digestible content.

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners of “Game of Thrones,” shared insights into the challenges they faced during the series’ production, highlighting the impact of corporate decisions on creative processes. The duo described the period of AT&T’s ownership over WarnerMedia as marked by uncertainty, with Weiss noting that “dysfunction kills more projects than anything else,” whether stemming from interpersonal or institutional sources.

Benioff further expressed the desire for stability in their creative endeavors, emphasizing the importance of being able to focus on their work without the looming threat of corporate acquisitions or shifts in strategy.

Additionally, Benioff and Weiss revealed an ambitious pitch that never came to fruition: concluding “Game of Thrones” with three theatrical films instead of the final two seasons that aired. This idea, however, was quickly shelined by HBO executives, who reminded them of the network’s commitment to delivering content for the “Home Box Office.”