HBO Teases Game of Thrones Fans with 2 More Trailers

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys

HBO has given Game of Thrones fans what they’ve been waiting for. During Sunday’s True Blood pre-show HBO aired a variety of trailers and behind the scenes featurettes to celebrate and promote their 2010/2011 line-up. Game of Thrones got one of each.

Between the two trailers, fans can catch a glimpse of nearly all the major characters in the series. While there are a few costuming decisions and armor designs I question, the overall design looks great. I’m still pinching myself. This is really happening. Winter is actually coming.

In other news, Ian McNiece will no longer be playing Illyrio.  Do to scheduling conflicts Roger Allam will be taking over the role.

Casting Clues and Odds and Ends

Game of Thrones

It’s another busy week for Game of Thrones.  George RR Martin has been working diligently on A Dance With Dragons, but took some time out to give yet another set of casting clues. 

You’re too dumb to make this soup the way they’re making it in Belfast. Start with Becky, Tom, and Boss. Take away two fathoms. Now you want the second course. In the dark the breaker of rocks seeks the living stone. But take away the fat guy with six wives, and the babe with the bumbershoot as well, that salty wench. Out, out. What’s left tastes good, but just remember, there is no gamecock in aurochs stew. IMDB? What’s that? I’m Dumb Boy? Won’t help you here, no way, no how.

GRRM upped his game on this one, but still the detectives narrowed it down to Mark Stanley.  Martin confirmed the guess via his blog.  Fans believe Stanley is a student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, although this is not certain.  He will be playing Grenn. With so few parts left to cast, I will be sad to see the clues end.

Filming is already in progress and cast members are heading to Belfast.  Conan Stevens (Gregor Clegane) blogs that he is on his way for training and fittings, Luke McEwan tweets that he will be filming soon, and a picture of Sean Bean and Mark Addy out on the town has surfaced. 

Now how long until we get actors in costume?

George RR Martin Makes Us Dance

Charles Dance

No, no, no.  He’s not finished A Dance With Dragons (yet), but we’re going to be dancing all the same.  Charles Dance has landed the role of the Lannister patriarch, Tywin Lannister. Known for his roles in Labyrinth, and Bleak House, Dance’s name has been batted around for months, and landed on several casting polls for the much-anticipated show.   Fans have been eagerly awaiting a Tywin casting announcement. The oldest Lannister is the father of Cersei (Lena Headey), Jaime (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau), and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage); was hand of the King, and one of the most powerful men in Westeros.  Dance has some awfully big shoes to fill  and I can’t think of anyone better for the task.  

And playing catch-up, during my absence this week, fans have been given and solved a few more casting clues by the ever entertaining George RR Martin. Doreah will be played by uk soap star Roxanne McKee. Irri will be palyed by Amrita Acharia. Everyone’s favourite prostitute, Shae, will be played by Sibel Kekilli.  

 In sad news, Roy Dotrice has had to leave the project because of health concerns.   Julian Glover will now fill the role of Grand Maester Pycelle.  We all wish Roy Dotrice the best of health and a speedy recovery.  Who knows,  maybe there will be another role for him down the line. Heh Heh.

The Blackfish is Out: George RR Martin Confirms Brynden Tully Cut From Season One

It was bound to happen.  In a book as dense as A Game of Thrones, some things must be left behind, even in a 10 episode television series.  Even purists have to admit that bringing each and every character from GRRM’s masterpiece to life is…well…nearly impossible.  

George RR Martin explained the choice on his play saying

A few last words about a part that has NOT been cast. Since the release of the HBO fact sheet last week, I’ve gotten several emails wanting to know about a role that was not listed — another knight of the Vale, Ser Brynden “Blackfish” Tully, uncle to both Lady Lysa and her sister Catelyn. Some of you wanted to know if he’d been dropped.

Not dropped, no. But, alas, his appearance has been postponed. Even with such a huge project as ours, there are budgetary constraints that require some characters to be cut, combined… or deferred to later seasons. That’s what is happening with the Blackfish. The plan, I am told, is to delay the introduction of the Tullys (Lord Hoster and Ser Edmure as well as Ser Brynden) until the second season. Brynden’s part in the events of A GAME OF THRONES will be filled in part by Ser Vardis Egen, and in part by Ser Rodrik Cassel.

This will upset the purists among you, I know. I regret that. But some changes of this sort are necessary whenever a book as big as mine is adapted to television or film. You will get your Blackfish eventually (assuming we get that second season). Just not now.

I admit I’m a little upset.  The Blackfish has always been one of my favourite minor characters, but waiting until season 2 (if we get it) to see the Tullys makes some sense.  With everything that happens in King’s Landing, the Vale, and the Wall, it makes sense to cut some locations. 

Confirmed Character Cuts for Season One
Desmond (recently mentioned as background character without lines)
Brynden ‘Blackfish’ Tully
Hoster Tully
Edmure Tully

Harry Potter Actress Joins Game of Thrones

Natalia Tena

Again the WiC crew have it.  Natalia Tena will be playing wildling, Osha.  Natalia plays Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter franchise and is a great addition to the Game of Thrones cast.  While Osha is described as older in the novels, George RR Martin tells us not to worry.  He says

 When I saw that she was reading for Osha, my first thought was, “She’s great, but no way, she’s too young and too hot.” Then I saw her reading, and none of the other Oshas had a chance. Her charisma grabbed me by the throat and I could not take my eyes off her. David [Benioff] and Dan [Weiss] felt the same way. We’re all thrilled to have her.

With HBO’s extensive list, and George RR Martin’s clues/confirmations we are nearing a full cast.  In good time too, because filming starts in a couple of weeks and the Paint Hall is already buzzing with preparation. 

And Yet Another Game Of Thrones Casting Clue.

George RR Martin says:

Arthur and Morgana are familiar with this wildling wench.

In the books she has not met Theon’s sister (yet). Real life? Well…

Actress and character both made a splash.

(Oh, and I LOVED her reading. We all did. But that’s not a clue).

We seem to be looking for an Osha.  The sleuths over at Winter Is Coming have come up with Harry Potter’s Natalia Tena.  Are they right again?

HBO Announces the Rest (Almost) of Game of Thrones Cast

HBO’s official announcement for GAME OF THRONES

GAME OF THRONES

HBO Entertainment
Season one will total 10 episodes
Production is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and is will begin principal photography on July 26, 2010.

“Game of Thrones” has received funding from Northern Ireland Screen and will shoot in the Paint Hall studio, Belfast, as well as various locations in Northern Ireland. A second location for production will be Malta with assistance from the Malta Film Commission.

LOG LINE:

“Game of Thrones” is a new original HBO series based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling novels. In a world where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime, the Westeros crown comes with a price. Betrayal, lust, intrigue and supernatural forces shake the four corners of the Kingdom, from the scheming south and the savage eastern lands, to the frozen north and the ancient Wall that protects the realm from the darkness beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noble men vie for power in the bloody struggle for the Iron Throne.

SERIES CREDITS:

David Benioff Executive Producer
D.B. Weiss Executive Producer
Carolyn Strauss Co-Executive Producer
Guymon Casady Co-Executive Producer
Vince Gerardis Co-Executive Producer
Ralph Vicinanza Co-Executive Producer
George R.R. Martin Co-Executive Producer
Mark Huffam Producer
Frank Doelger Producer
Marco Pontecorvo Director of Photography
Alik Sakharov Director of Photography
Gemma Jackson Production Designer
Michele Clapton Costume Designer

The pilot was written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The writers of the series are: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss (seven episodes), Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson and George R.R. Martin (one episode each). “Game of Thrones” is based on the series of books “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin.

The pilot director was Tom McCarthy. Series directors include: Brian Kirk, Daniel Minahan and Alan Taylor. Other directors will be announced as they are confirmed.

SERIES REGULARS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon
Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy
Sean Bean as Eddard “Ned” Stark
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Ser Jamie Lannister
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark
Aidan Gillen as Littlefinger
Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon
Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont
Kit Harington as Jon Snow
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Bran Stark
Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen
Richard Madden as Rob Stark
Rory McCann as Sandor Clegane (Hound)
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark

FEATURED CAST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

John Bradley as Samwell Tarly
Ron Donachie as Ser Rodrik Cassel
Jerome Flynn as Bronn
Conleth Hill as Varys
Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo
Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin

GUEST CAST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Josef Altin as Pyp
Gethin Anthony as Renly Baratheon
Ciaran Bermingham as Mord
Esme Bianco as Ros
Susan Brown as Septa Mordane
Dominic Carter as Janos Slynt
Antonia Christophers as Mhaegen
Kate Dickie as Lysa Arryn
Roy Dotrice as Grand Maester Pycelle
Emun Elliott as Marillion
Lino Facioli as Robin Arryn
Jefferson Hall as Ser Hugh of the Vale
Derek Halligan as Alliser Thorne
Rhodri Hosking as Mycah
Margaret John as Old Nan
Finn Jones as Ser Loras Tyrell
Dermot Keaney as Gared
Francis Magee as Yoren
Joseph Mawle as Benjen Stark
Brendan McCormack as Ser Vardis Egan
Ian McElhinney as Ser Barristan Selmy
Luke McEwan as Rast
Kristian Nairn as Hodor
Rob Ostlere as Ser Waymar Royce
Eugene Simon as Lancel Lannister
Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel
John Standing as Jon Arryn
Conan Stevens as Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane
Peter Vaughan as Maester Aemon Targaryen
Miltos Yeromelou as Syrio Forel

And still there are more to cast.  We look forward to hearing news on Tywin, Shea, and the rest soon.

Casting a Thorne and a Dead Man

George RR Martin has puzzled us again, and this time the boards have been slower to figure out his answers.  Still the people at Winter-Is-Coming have come up with some names, and two roles have been confirmed by the tricksy Mr. Martin

DEREK HALLIGAN will play Ser Allister Thorne, master-at-arms for Castle Black. 

JOHN STANDING. will play Jon Arryn.  Our good lord is dead at the beginning of the books, but flashback make him a necessary part of the story.  This casting answers many question.  I wonder if this means we will need a Rhaegar and Lyanna? 

EDIT

Jeor Mormont is JAME COSMO.  Really, that’s all that needs to be said.  This guy is gold.

Along came a Spider ~ Varys Cast in Game of Thrones

CONLETH HILL

We have our spider. Mo Ryan of the Chicago Tribune announced yesterday that CONLETH HILL will be playing Varys, the master of whispers in HBO’s Game of Thrones.  Hill has won the Laurence Olivier Award twice and been nominated for a Tony.  He can transform himself into his characters, which makes him the perfect choice for Varys.  Recently he was seen in the films Perrier’s Bounty (Watch it!) and (Whatever Works).

RECASTING:  HBO has decided to reshoot the Prologue, which means scheduling conflicts.  A casting call has been put out for Will, which means Bronson Webb will be recast.  Mo Ryan also confirmed Jamie Cambell Bower’s involvement with STARZ Camelot will conflict with the filming.  He has been recast with ROB OSTLERE, a young talent, the Game of Thrones production has been looking at for some time.

Aidan Gillen is Littlefinger

Aidan Gillen

What a great way to end a monday.  The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Aidan Gillen has landed the role of Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish in HBO’s Game of Thrones.  Gillen is no stranger to HBO.  He played Tommy Carcetti on the critically acclaimed series, The Wire.  The Game of Thrones fan community has been championing Gillen (among others)  for months.  It seems, yet again, the fans have called it.  He joins an ever growing group of actors that could be found on fan top ten lists (and in the case of Peter Dinklage and Ian McNiece the very top).  David Benioff and Dan Weis were happy to consider fan suggestions during the pilot casting and  even spawned a casting subsite on the Westeros forum.  Either they or still listening, the fandom has a realistic approach to fan-casting, or both.  I tend to think both.  Congratulations to Aidan Gillen.  I’m sure he will do the mockingbird proud.