Game of Thrones showrunners’ huge Netflix deal explained

They’ve been adored and simultaneously hated over the Game of Thrones series but now David Benioff and Dan Weiss have signed a film and TV deal with Netflix.

David Benioff and Dan Weiss did a wonderful, often stunning job overall as Game of Thrones showrunners. It will, or should, go down in history as the greatest triumph in television history at the time of writing. It was not their fault that budget and time constraints ensured a swift or rushed final season.

As showrunners for HBO‘s masterpiece, the duo worked closely with A Song of Ice and Fire creator George R.R. Martin. Martin tested their knowledge, perception and intuition with regards to his blessing and collaboration. Furthermore the trio developed and shared ideas for the storylines and ending.

Therefore both Benioff and Weiss are hot commodities and valued highly within the entertainment media industry – and rightly so! Consequently, anything they devise, produce or create should be well-funded and exceptional in quality.

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Before the Game of Thrones showrunners had major success adapting A Song of Ice and Fire, Benioff wrote the incredible ensemble movie directed by Spike Lee, 25th Hour. In addition, he has written for acclaimed TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Prior to his involvement with GoT, Weiss had a novel published and also has Philadelphia writing credits. In fact the pair both have director credits for Thrones  – including the finale episode.

Huge Netflix deal for Game of Thrones showrunners

Earlier this week it was announced – somewhat predictably if you consider their collaborative pedigree – that Netflix has signed an enormous deal with the duo. Digital Spy believes Benioff and Weiss have an “insurmountable challenge” in future comparisons with the success as well as seminal prowess of Thrones. But I’m sure they are relishing the challenge to generate exquisite film and TV!

“Netflix has built something astounding and unprecedented, and we’re honored they invited us to join them,” said David Benioff and Dan Weiss in a statement, according to Deadline.

This is a significant signing – excuse the sports metaphor – for Netflix, which is already established as arguably the leading streaming service – as Deadline explains: “Benioff & Weiss were being courted by six studios for an overall global deal to write, produce and direct new series and films, we can reveal that they have signed an exclusive deal with Netflix. The deal for Benioff & Weiss, which we hear is for five years and is worth as much as $300 million”

Unsurprisingly the list of media companies that didn’t “win” the contract following meetings with the duo, reads like a who’s who of giants: HBO/WarnerMedia, Disney, Comcast, Amazon and Apple. Another “water cooler” series is the main goal for the former Game of Thrones showrunners at Netflix.