HBO gives the green light to a TV series based on the fantasy series by George RR Martin. Hurrah!
A Game Of Thrones is the first book in the seven-part A Song Of Ice And Fire series, of which four have so far been been published and the fifth, A Dance With Dragons , is imminent. The story is set in the mythical land of Westeros, where the noble Stark family becomes caught up in high court intrigue when patriarch Eddard becomes the king’s new right-hand man. More earthy and gritty than a lot of fantasy, the series lends itself to a TV adaptation which could be something along the lines of “ The Sopranos with swords”. Apparently, if the show is a success, then HBO plans to adapt each book into a separate season (though presumably they won’t rename the show each year with the name of the relevant book).
The first season is scheduled to premiere in the States next spring. HBO has initially ordered nine episodes plus the pilot. Production will begin in Belfast this June.
The show will star the legend that is Sean Bean as Eddard, and co-stars Peter Dinklage, Mark Addy, Harry Lloyd , Jack Gleeson, Jennifer Ehle, Lena Headey and Kit Harrington.
