Who loves Game of Thrones? – Almost everyone. The show is undeniably a complete success. It is a trending topic every week. So, I can understand why the creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss would want to create a new show. It makes sense – right? Especially now that it’s sadly coming to an end. HBO has given the green light to the pair for their new show called, Confederate, debuting in either late 2018 or 2019.
Before I knew anything about it, I was jumping up and down in my living room. Finally, a new show to look forward to – by the creators of Game Of Thrones! But, once doing some more digging about the new show, I felt… different. And, I know it was only a matter of time before they received backlash.
*Confederate *will take place in an alternate universe in which slavery is still legal. In the fictional universe, the Southern states successfully withdrew from the union. I mean, slavery shows/topics are always sensitive no matter what. But, considering Game of Thrones has been attacked for its representation of people of colour on many occasions, why would they? Also, more recently actor John Boyega, commented on their not being enough diversity on Game of Thrones, in an interview with GQ. Therefore, it’s not a topic that has “died out” it’s still very much on peoples mind. So, to announce such a concept and also greenlight it, I’m very sure HBO knew they would be slammed.
The show has 'promised' to show both sides of the divide on Confederate characters will include: slave hunters, journalists, freedom fighters, politicians and abolitionists. But the key issue with this concept is, *Confederate *is not set in a fantasy world like Game of Thrones… this based on real-life events that people are still sensitive about in 2017.
Game of Thrones is well known for its explicitly violent scenes and although we can’t quite judge a show that hasn’t even debuted yet… it's fair to assume that there will be some upsetting scenes in there. And if you think I'm being too sensitive about it - well consider this... Slavery is a part of history that should never be forgotten but considering the representation of people of colour in Game of Thrones, Benioff and Weiss should be leaving ‘Slavery being legalised’ alone.
In short, they just don't feel like the right people to tackle such a tricky and sensitive subject.
Check out the reactions from furious twitter users below:
Production will begin after the final season of Game Of Thrones and creators Benioff and Weiss will be collaborating with Nichelle Spellman from The Good Wife and Malcom Spellman from Empire.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.