While the world gears up for the final episodes of Game Of Thrones, the prequel series in development looks to be taking shape. We already know that Naomi Watts will lead the series as “a charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret”, while Josh Whitehouse (Poldark) is also on board in a key role. But now more news has surfaced, including who will be helming the much-anticipated pilot.
Marvel Netflix Alum S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones) is on board to direct the pilot episode of the as-yet-untitled prequel. She will also executive produce alongside showrunner Jane Goldman, who has also penned the pilot episode with original author of the Game Of Thrones books, George R.R. Martin.
This may mean that Star Trek 4, which Clarkson was attached to direct, will be delayed or move on without her, but for Game Of Thrones it’s a coup to have Clarkson, Goldman and Watts all on board, as it seems the show is learning from its past mistakes of the handling of female stories on the show.
In addition to Clarkson coming on board, a hefty supporting cast has been announced. It includes Naomi Ackie (Star Wars: Episode IX), Denise Gough (Angels In America), Jamie Campbell Bower (Twilight), Sheila Atim (Harlots), Ivanno Jeremiah (Humans), Georgie Henley (The Chronicles Of Narnia), Alex Sharp (How To Talk To Girls At Parties), and Toby Regbo (Reign).
All of the above have signed on to be series regulars, though no character details are available yet.
The prequel series is set to take place thousands of years before the events of the original show, and has been described as chronicling “the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour”. The prequel is aiming to shed light on the horrifying secret history of Westeros, as well as the true origin of the white walkers.
So Game Of Thrones fans can start salivating at the prequel’s potential, which may lean more into the fantasy roots of Martin’s original novels. Meanwhile, HBO CEO Richard Piepler told fans that Thrones season 8 is “a spectacle. The guys have done six movies. The reaction I had while watching them was, ‘I’m watching a movie'”.
“They’ve exceeded the bar”, he said of showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who will have no involvement in the prequel series. “I’ve watched them twice without any CGI and I’m in awe. Everybody’s in for an extraordinary treat of storytelling and of magical, magical production”.
The show comes to an end this year when season 8 arrives in April.
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