HBO boss dismisses ‘Game of Thrones’ backlash, talks prequel

The show's 32 Emmy nominations made for a 'nice validation'

BEVERLY HILLS —

HBO programming chief Casey Bloys on Wednesday brushed off the intense critical backlash directed at the final season of “Game of Thrones,” insisting that “it comes with the territory.”

Appearing at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, Bloys also informed reporters that the “Game of Thrones” prequel has wrapped shooting in Belfast.

As for the bashing that the eighth and final season of “Thrones” incurred, Bloys told reporters, “There are very, very few downsides to having a hugely popular show. But one I can think of is when you try to end it, many people have big opinions on how these characters’ stories should come to an end. I think it just comes with the territory.”

The “Game of Thrones” ending was so polarizing that a change.org petition was launched, urging HBO to remake the final season with “competent” writers. The petition drew more than 1.6 million supporters, but Bloys was unfazed, simply remarking “that it shows a lot of enthusiasm and passion for the show.”

Despite the backlash, “Game of Thrones” recently garnered a record-breaking 32 Emmy Award nominations, which Bloys described as “a nice validation.”

Regarding the prequel, Bloys had no fresh details to report. Footage, he said, is now in the editing process.

“It looks really good. The cast is amazing,” he said.