A significant portion of Game of Thrones fans have been rallying on social media, calling for actor Henry Cavill to join the cast of the prequel series reportedly being discussed at HBO. Countering those fans are others who are pleading with HBO not to cast Cavill.Some fans argue there is a resemblance between Cavill and Aegon the Conquerer, who George R.R. Martin’s books describe as tall, broad-shouldered and powerful, as well charismatic and commanding. Opponents of the fan casting argue that Cavill’s large and muscular frame does not match the typically slimmer physique of the average Targaryen.

if you fuckers cast henry cavil as aegon I i’m going to go insane. he’s bittersteel. he IS aegor rivers. idc. https://t.co/C8j8ZUgzTs — mandowhore 🛸 (@ufowifey) April 4, 2023

Yes, we need this show!!!! And Henry Cavil as Aegon!!!!!!!!! @hbomax https://t.co/2L0BwCLRXg — Jorge Ramirez-Martinez (@jorgeiswriting) April 3, 2023

I have no problem with Henry Cavil but Targaryen men weren’t big and mascular and also Aegon was younger when he started the conquest with his sisters-wifes — Sunshine_Dreamer🐬🌺🌸 (@MandellaMary) April 4, 2023

The conversation around Game of Thrones was sparked by a recent report suggesting HBO executives are currently discussing a Game of Thrones prequel centered on Aegon’s Conquest. No official announcements have yet been made and these discussions are supposedly in the early stages. In addition, HBO may produce a feature film to be released first, which would then lead into the prequel series.

Currently, the only Game of Thrones spinoff series to have aired is House of the Dragon, which featured Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, who is Aegon the Conquerer’s great-great-grandson. The series concluded its first season back in October 2022 and largely enjoyed a positive reception from both fans and critics, with many lauding it for the performance of its cast, production value and faithfulness to Martin’s source material.

Cavill is known among fans as being an enthusiastic lover of nerd culture, including certain fantasy worlds. It was for this reason that he made headlines in late 2022 after officially leaving both Netflix’s The Witcher and the DC Extended Universe. Cavill’s next projects include Guy Ritchie’s upcoming spy film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and an announced Warhammer 40K series in development at Amazon Studios.

All eight Game of Thrones seasons — as well as the first season of House of the Dragon — are available to stream on HBO Max.