Back in June, HBO ordered a pilot for a new Game of Thrones prequel series led by Jane Goldman and George R.R. Martin. Here is a quick synopsis for the upcoming HBO prequel series:
“Taking place thousands of years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” Goldman’s series 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.”
Today, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin has confirmed that the series will be titled The Long Night.
The Long Night is often referred to in Game of Thrones lore as a Winter that lasted a generation, bringing with it the first appearance of the White Walkers. In the first season of Game of Thrones, Old Nan spoke about this tale to a newly crippled Bran Stark. Here is the quote from the episode (Thanks to DenofGeek for digging up this quote):
“Oh my sweet summer child, what do you know about fear? Fear is for the winter, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep. Fear is for the Long Night when the sun hides for years, and children and live and die, all in darkness. That is the time for fear, my little lord—when the White Walkers move through the woods. Thousands of years ago, there came a night that lasted a generation. Kings frozen to death in their castles, the same as the shepherds in their huts, and women smothered their babies rather than see them starve, and wept. And felt the tears freeze on their cheeks.
… In that darkness, the White Walkers came for the first time. They swept through cities and kingdoms, riding their dead horses, hunting with their packs of pale spiders as big as hounds.”
Along with the title announcement, Deadline has revealed that Josh Whitehouse (Poldark) has been cast for The Long Night in a key role. Whitehouse will join Naomi Watts (King Kong) as the only confirmed members of the main cast.
Filming for The Long Night begins early next year.
What are your thoughts on the title and casting announcements? What other Game of Thrones prequels do you want to see? Let us know in the comments below!
