Despite the immense popularity of "Game of Thrones," D.B. Weiss and David Benioff were not spared from criticisms after they announced their next project with HBO. The upcoming series, titled "Confederate," tells the story of modern day slavery.
HBO confirms new series created by 'Game of Thrones' creators
According to its synopsis, the new HBO series will feature people coming from both sides of the Mason-Dixon Demilitarized Zone. In a joint statement, Weiss and Benioff said they initially planned of making it a feature film before their experience on "Game of Thrones" has convinced them to work together with HBO for the project.
For the upcoming series, the two will serve as the writers, showrunners, and executive producers with Nichelle Tramble Spellman, Malcolm Spellman, Carolyn Strauss and Bernadette Caulfield. It is worth noting that the Spellman couple are both African-American.
ET Online cited that the production for "Confederate" is expected to kick off after the final "Game of Thrones" season concludes in 2018. Weiss and Benioff assured that the new series will be different from the fan favorite fantasy drama.
The internet reacts to HBO's 'Confederate' series
Their announcement was met fierce criticisms from both fans and detractors of the two "Game of Thrones" creators, who admitted that they knew these reactions were coming.
Most critics questioned HBO for accepting the proposal from Weiss and Benioff.
It is exhausting to think of how many people at @HBO said yes to letting two white men envision modern day slavery. And offensive. https://t.co/xsxWJ6FHUv
— roxane gay (@rgay) July 19, 2017
On Sunday, the public outcry against "Confederate" continued as April Reign led an online protest by using the hashtag #NoConfederate to call out HBO to withdraw their deal with Weiss and Benioff.
The social media influencer, who initiated #OscarsSoWhite, also asked her followers to do the same and expressed their opposition to the proposed project.
In fact, the campaign against "Confederate" trended on Twitter a few hours before the third episode of "Game of Thrones" season 7 aired on the East Coast.
We know we have the power to make change. Let's show @hbo how many people are against #Confederate. Please join us Sunday w/ #NoConfederate.
— April (@ReignOfApril) July 28, 2017
She explained that the online protest aims to stop HBO from investing in the series.
"We believe the time to speak up is now, before the show has been written or cast," she wrote. Several users have also expressed their reasons for opposing the new show.
Some of them argued that they deserve better from the cable network, while others thought the proposed series is offensive to the black community.
The enslavement of a group of people is not entertainment, @HBO. It is supporting and watching torture. #NoConfederate
— Genial Black Man (@trecoolx) July 31, 2017
We're offended and not interested @HBO. #NoConfederate
— ThatsSoZen (@ThatsSoZen) July 31, 2017
If @HBO can't see the harm this show would do just based off the racist replies to #NoConfederate, they have no business producing the show.
— Shaun Chavis (@ShaunChavis) July 31, 2017
After learning about the online outcry, HBO reassured the public that the producers will handle the subject with "care and sensitivity." The network also asked the critics to reserve their opinions until they can see progress for the series.
