Before ‘Game of Thrones’ There Was This 44-Year-Old Dark Fantasy Gem

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  • Fans Noticed Similarities Between ‘Dragonslayer’ and ‘Game of Thrones’
  • Should You Watch ‘Dragonslayer’?

George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” commonly known as “Game of Thrones,” has exploded into a cultural sensation and one of the most cherished fantasy series in contemporary times. The initial novel, selling over 45 million copies within the U.S., paved the way for the HBO series that would captivate an average of 9.3 million viewers per episode during its premiere season. However, the enduring success of “Game of Thrones” can be attributed to its influential predecessors, such as the legendary works of J.R.R. Tolkien and the dark fantasy realm of Conan, created by Robert E. Howard. On-screen, early productions like the 1963 film “Jason and the Argonauts” laid the groundwork for generations of films that championed the fantasy genre.

Despite being largely overlooked, the film “Dragonslayer” has generally gone unnoticed, initially bombing at the box office but later gaining some recognition. Remarkably, the discussion surrounding “Dragonslayer” bears a striking resemblance to that of “Game of Thrones.”

The similarities between these two works primarily lie in their dark, complex narratives and the presence of fantastical elements, such as dragons. Both stories are set in medieval worlds filled with intrigue, magic, and political machinations, offering a rich tapestry of characters and events. This shared thematic ground could indeed make “Dragonslayer” and “Game of Thrones” excellent companion pieces for those who enjoy delving into complex and immersive fantasy narratives.

Before ‘Game of Thrones’ There Was ‘Dragonslayer’

In the imaginary kingdom of Urland during medieval times, there resides a 400-year-old dragon named Vermithrax Pejorative. He wields political power over the land by means of a pact with the populace, who are obliged to offer two virgin sacrifices annually. A band of villagers, headed by Valerian (Caitlin Clarke), disguised as a woman, enlists the aid of the wizard Ulrich to put an end to these killings. However, before he could assist, Ulrich met an untimely death. This leaves his apprentice, Galen Bradwarden (Peter MacNicol), with the task of destroying the dragon using magical artifacts bestowed upon him, to liberate Valerian and her people from this vicious cycle.

The film titled “Dragonslaye” has become a rare gem in the sword and sorcery genre, initially struggling to make an impact in cinemas due to mediocre box office performance ($14 million against a $18 million budget). However, with the rise of fantasy-themed TV series like “Game of Thrones” and “Witcher”, it found a second life. Despite its commercial failure and not being immediately associated with top fantasy films, “Dragonslaye” gained a devoted following for its innovative world-building and advanced practical effects that were ahead of their time.

Matthew Robbins initially faced challenges in establishing himself as a director, with “Dragonslayer” marking his major breakthrough. This was followed by some less impactful projects. However, his career flourished in the fantasy genre as a writer, earning recognition from Guillermo Del Toro who enlisted his skills for projects like “Mimic”, “Crimson Peak”, and “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”. “Dragonslayer” was intended to be a stepping stone for actor Peter MacNicol in big-screen ventures, but he found significant success later on television shows such as “Ally McBeal” as John Cage and “Numb3rs” as Dr. Larry Fleinhardt. Co-star Caitlin Clarke is primarily remembered for her portrayal of Valerian in “Dragonslayer”.

Fans Noticed Similarities Between ‘Dragonslayer’ and ‘Game of Thrones’

Fans of fantasy series online might swiftly spot parallels between “Dragonslayer” and “Game of Thrones”, as one Reddit user remarked on a discussion about how “The kingdom’s set resembles WINTERFELL from the TV show so strikingly!” Another user commented on the dragons’ similar design in the movie. Additional viewers pointed out elements closer to the book, such as names like “Tyrian” and “Tyrion.” Both narratives delve into political machinations, exploring dangerous terrains, and personal struggles. Many of these commonalities can be found across numerous fantasy stories. However, George R.R. Martin’s appreciation for the film supports the similarities and why fans appreciate both.

Dragonslayer outshines many of Disney’s live-action films from that era, as it offers a surprisingly dark narrative and throws in several unexpected plot developments.” – George R.R. Martin, in conversation with The Daily Beast

It’s clear that the TV series written by George R.R. Martin are deeply rooted in his early fascination with fantasy films and books, such as Dragonslayer. In the same interview, Martin expressed that Dragonslayer is his favorite fantasy movie, closely followed by 2002’s Reign of Fire. He particularly admired the design of Vermithrax Pejorative, considering it one of the best ever put on screen. While comparing Dragonslayer to George R.R. Martin’s future work might be an overreach for his fans, its impact makes it a fascinating and enlightening watch.

Should You Watch ‘Dragonslayer’?

In the context of its time, Dragonslayer is a remarkable and often misjudged film; the imposing figure of the fierce dragon Vermithrax Pejorative adds to its spectacle. Yet, as visual effects have advanced and live-action fantasy television has added layers of depth to the sword and sorcery genre, the 1981 Matthew Robinson film might not hold up against contemporary standards.

The movie “Dragonslayer” continues to be noteworthy, and its resemblances noticed by “Game of Thrones” enthusiasts have sparked interest for those willing to appreciate it in the context of its original release. You can stream this classic film on platforms like Hoopla or Kanopy.

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2025-02-03 07:02