Author George R.R. Martin reveals new information about the Game of Thrones prequel series, unofficially known as The Long Night. In a recent interview, the franchise creator discussed specific story details, most notably that House Stark will be included, along with House Lannister, albeit with a small caveat.
Martin’s Game of Thrones book series is collectively known as A Song of Ice and Fire. He released the first installment in 1996 (A Game of Thrones), and has subsequently released four more novels, with two more yet to be released. For HBO, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss adapted Martin’s fantasy series into an acclaimed television show featuring an ensemble cast including Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Lena Headey, and many more performers who landed life-changing roles. Game of Thrones originally premiered in 2011 and concluded its eight-season run in May. Last October, Martin confirmed that the prequel series would be titled The Long Night, though a Game of Thrones season 8 episode later received the same title. The prequel series’ main cast includes Naomi Watts (The Loudest Voice), Miranda Richardson (Good Omens), and Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia).
Per EW, Martin recently revealed five bits of crucial information about the Game of Thrones prequel series, which will take place 5,000 years before the events depicted in the HBO series. Westeros will reportedly be divided in 100 “petty kingdoms,” rather than the seven depicted in Game of Thrones. In addition, Martin confirmed that Starks and direwolves will be part of the storyline, along with “things like… mammoths.” Crucially, the prequel series will not feature any Lannisters – at least not to begin with – though Casterly Rock, the family’s home, will be integrated. Since House Lannister technically doesn’t exist in the prequel series’ focal time period, House Casterly will occupy the “Rock of Gibraltar.”
Martin also suggested that there won’t be central leads in the Game of Thrones prequel series, but rather “a large ensemble cast.” Finally, he addressed the still-unofficial title, which likely won’t be “The Long Night” or “Bloodmoon.” Martin reportedly prefers “The Longest Night,” and states “That would be pretty good.” The EW report ends by noting that Martin is only working on one project at the moment: The Winds of Winter, the sixth franchise installment for A Song of Ice and Fire.
Given the popularity of Game of Thrones, it seems likely that the prequel series will be picked up by HBO. But there are a couple important things to consider. Instead of Benioff and Weiss serving as showrunners, Jane Goldman will be overseeing the pilot. Also, the series’ future depends on the quality of the pilot, of course. As many fans already know, the original unaired Game of Thrones pilot nearly destroyed the series before it began. Since there’s an adaption precedent in place, though, Goldman will surely deliver the goods with the Game of Thrones prequel series, currently known as The Long Night.
