While many fans are still trying to rid their mouth of the sour taste left by the show’s final season (I know I am), it looks like HBO is moving forward with a Game of Thrones prequel, which is rumored to take place 10,000 years before the story laid out in A Song of Ice and Fire. Of course, there’s still plenty up in the air, as the network has remained rather quiet on the specifics of their new show.
That being said, it’s not as if viewers have been left entirely in the dark. Developed under the codename ‘Blood Moon,’ HBO’s spinoff already boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Naomi Watts, Josh Whitehouse, Naomi Ackie, Denise Gough, Jamie Campbell Bower, Sheila Atim, Ivanno Jeremiah, Georgie Henley, Alex Sharp, and Toby Regbo. Recently, series creator George R. R. Martin shed some more light on the upcoming prequel, which may include familiar faces and names that longtime fans are bound to recognize.
As reported by Collider, Martin recently revealed direwolves would be making an appearance, alongside (woolly) mammoths. The former’s inclusion is especially noteworthy; those who have read the A Song of Ice and Fire books are probably annoyed with how Game of Thrones never really dove into the relationship between direwolves and humans.
Furthermore, Martin explained that although dragons probably won’t be making an appearance – the spinoff predates their existence – the White Walkers will definitely be featured (hopefully, we’ll get more background info on them).
“The Starks will definitely be there,” he said. And while much has been made about the fact the prequel predates dragons, that doesn’t mean there won’t be other creatures. “Obviously the White Walkers are here — or as they’re called in my books, The Others — and that will be an aspect of it,” Martin says. “There are things like direwolves and mammoths.”
Right now, there isn’t too much information on what other families and houses will be included, though there’s a good chance the Lannisters won’t be making the cut since the show is set before they came into existence. Still, we’re curious to see how the Game of Thrones prequel will take shape, and we’ll be sure to keep you apprised of any updates and casting information as we learn more.