The newest TV show from Game of Thrones’ showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Confederate, has been officially canceled by HBO.
Confederate was to take place in an alternate reality where the South’s secession from the Union was successful. So, slavery was never abolished and had “evolved into a modern institution,” according to the original HBO press release. The show would have covered the build-up to a third Civil War. Characters on both sides of the conflict and their stories would have been the focus of the show.
Confederate has been drenched in controversy since its announcement, with some claiming that the show brought attention to the painful history of slavery for the enjoyment of others. The idea that two white men would write a show about slavery also rubbed some the wrong way.
HBO, as well as writers Benioff and D.B. Weiss, came to the show’s defense, although they admitted they could have handled the announcement in a better way. HBO claimed they had faith in the talent involved in the project. The company also argued that the project was “in its infancy, so we hope that people will reserve judgment until there is something to see.”
It looks like something changed, however, because HBO president Casey Bloys has confirmed to TVLine that Confederate will not be moving forward. The show is now officially canceled.
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have both had an eventful past few months as the pair had announced in October that they were no longer developing a whole new trilogy of Star Wars films. It seems that to see the latest work from the Game of Thrones’ showrunners means waiting for their developing projects on Netflix.
If you find yourself missing Game of Thrones, check out The Witcher, Netflix’s new adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s excellent books. It’s certainly a completely unique show, but it will scratch that fantasy itch.
