If Game of Thrones season 9 were to happen, it would need to borrow an idea that George R.R. Martin himself once considered. Because Game of Thrones’ ending was so controversial, and the show so huge generally, the idea of it being brought back and continuing in some way remains pertinent, even years after the series finale. Is it likely? No. But is it plausible? Yes. In a world where HBO has multiple Game of Thrones spinoffs planned and WB might make a movie set in Westeros, the possibility exists.
Nothing is sacred—just about everything is viable for a reboot, revival, remake, or re-imagining. If the powers-that-be decided to revisit Westeros with Game of Thrones season 9, it wouldn’t be a shock. However, for a successful return, it would need to incorporate one key plot device.
### GRRM’s Scrapped Time Jump Explained
When Martin was working on the follow-up to A Storm of Swords, he planned a five-year time jump to age up the younger characters for darker, more mature stories. However, he ultimately scrapped the idea due to failing to effectively move the story forward.
### Why A Time Jump Is The Only Way To Make Game Of Thrones Season 9 Work
Although Game of Thrones is past Martin’s time jump idea, a time jump could be beneficial for Season 9. It would allow for a more earned and believable new story, aid in character development, and provide room for new narratives. Given the state of the Seven Kingdoms post-Season 8, a time jump would allow for the necessary rebuilding and regeneration of power dynamics.
A larger time jump could renew core themes, introduce new characters, and offer a fresh perspective on the legacy of certain families. This approach would distance Season 9 from the previous season’s backlash and align with the generational saga nature of the series.
In essence, a time jump in Season 9 could breathe new life into the series, allowing the story to evolve significantly and cater to the ever-evolving dynamics of Westeros.