Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and Dan B Weiss have signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Netflix to write, produce and direct new series and films for the streaming giant. "We remember the same shots from the same '80s movies [as Netflix executives]; we love the same books; we're excited about the same storytelling possibilities. Netflix has built something astounding and unprecedented, and we're honoured they invited us to join them," Benioff and Weiss said in a statement. “We've had a beautiful run with HBO for more than a decade and we're grateful to everyone there for always making us feel at home,” they added.
As the duo’s contract with HBO came to an end, with the last season of Game of Thrones airing in April this year, they were approached by several studios including Warner Media, HBO’s forthcoming digital platform, Amazon and Disney. Netflix won the bidding war that is rumoured to have resulted in a nine-figure contract. If true, it puts the deal on par with those signed by top creators such as Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy.
"We are thrilled to welcome master storytellers David Benioff and Dan Weiss to Netflix. They are a creative force and have delighted audiences worldwide with their epic storytelling. We can't wait to see what their imaginations will bring to our members," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.
Weiss and Benioff have also been signed on by Disney and Lucasfilm to write and produce a new series of Star Wars films.
(With inputs from PTI)
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