Yesterday, it was revealed by HBO via Variety that Aussie actress Naomi Watts (King Kong, The Impossible, The Ring, Birdman) would be the first addition to the cast of Jane Goldman’s prequel/spin-off Game of Thrones series. It’s been long believed that the series will be called The Long Night, and creator/author George R.R. Martin has confirmed this title on his official blog.
Omega Underground had confirmed the title would be used back in September.
THE LONG NIGHT CASTING
Casting is now underway for THE LONG NIGHT, the first of the GAME OF THRONES successor series to ordered to film.
HBO has just announced the first cast member: NAOMI WATTS is coming on board as one of our stars.
I could not be more excited. Welcome to Westeros, Naomi.
Jane Goldman scripted the LONG NIGHT pilot and will be running the show. She and her team are busy in London right now, neck deep in casting, and I expect some more names will be announced soon.
Casting is underway as prep has already begun with a production start expected to begin this February in Belfast, Ireland.
Taking place thousands of years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” Goldman’s project chronicles the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour. And only one thing is for sure: from the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend–it’s not the story we think we know.
HBO has five Game of Thrones series in development and The Long Night is the first one to get made.
SOURCE: GEORGE R.R. MARTIN