Naomi Watts Cast as Lead in ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel
The currently-untitled prequel series to Game of Thrones will star a big-name actress as development on the show moves forward.
Variety has broke a major scoop with Jane Goldman’s Game of Thrones prequel finding its lead in the form of Academy Award-nominated actress Naomi Watts. Full details on her character are being kept under wraps, but one small sentence hinting at her character has come out, per Variety‘s sources: in their words, she’s “a charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret.”
Goldman’s project, which is being developed with the blessing of the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series (which includes the novels A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons) author himself, George R. R. Martin. It is one of five Game of Thrones spin-offs being developed at HBO, with the plan being to fully flesh out the setting that inhabitants of Westeros and Essos call home over the course of several years. The spin-off that is currently moving forward has the following premise:
“Taking place thousands of years before the events of Game of Thrones, [the spin-off] 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.”
The series, along with the other four planned prequels, will not involve any of the original show’s cast, opting to instead build upon the lore of the setting and its many eras. It’s been confirmed that the Tales of Dunk and Egg series will not be adapted, nor will the backstory behind Robert’s Rebellion that directly precedes the events of Game of Thrones.
The untitled Game of Thrones prequel is in development at HBO. Other projects set in the same fictional universe are also in varying stages of development.
Grant Davis is a freelance writer who has covered entertainment news for more than seven years. His articles have frequently appeared in Star Wars News Net as well as as other entertainment-related websites. As someone who grew up on Star Wars and comic book movies, he’s completely thrilled with the current era of genre entertainment.
