Starks, Direwolves, and White Walkers are confirmed for HBO's 'Game of Thrones' prequel series
Before we get too excited, HBO execs will need to give the pilot episode two thumbs up before it’s given a full season run.
With production officially underway on the set of Game of Thrones untitled prequel series, George R.R. Martin dropped "five new facts" including three new story details that are sure to whet the appetites of prequel hopefuls.
HBO’s prequel series will chronicle Westeros’ descent from the ‘golden Age of Heroes’ five thousand years before the Seven Kingdoms even existed. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Martin, a co-showrunner along with Jane Goldman, revealed Westeros will be a divided continent consisting of not seven, nine, or even twelve kingdoms, but roughly ONE HUNDRED “petty” kingdoms as Martin describes it.
Martin also revealed the prequel series will introduce "mammoth" creatures and will feature the return of “Direwolves” and “White Walkers” or The Others as they’re referred to in the books. Martin also confirmed the Starks “will definitely be there” but the Lannister’s won’t be, at least not yet:
❝The Lannisters aren’t there yet, but Casterly Rock is certainly there; it’s like the Rock of Gibralter…actually occupied by the Casterlys❞ who were eventually ousted by members of House Lannister. Shocker.
Additionally, Martin confirmed the prequel series will be led by an ensemble cast and will be told as a “true” ensemble series - similar to Game of Thrones. Martin also confirmed “The Long Night” is still his preferred titled but there’s a possibility the show could be called “The Longest Night”.
Director SJ Clarkson is filming the pilot episode with two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts headlining as a character described as a “charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret.” Joining Watts are actors who, if all goes accordingly, will eventually become household names including Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth),Denise Gough (Monday), Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald), Sheila Atim (Harlots), Ivanno Jeremiah (Humans), Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia films), Alex Sharp (How to Talk to Girls at Parties), Toby Regbo (The Last Kingdom, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald), and Miranda Richardson.
At this juncture, it’s difficult to gauge whether or not fans actually want to see a GoT prequel series. But admittedly, there’s no denying the possibilities with Martin and Goldman steering this ship. Stay tuned.
