Credit: HBO

A mere eight weeks after the Game of Thrones series wrapped up a controversial finale and the prequel to one of televisions most successful (and expensive) franchises is underway. In January, the cast of the newest instalment was announced and now following the commencement of production, more details have emerged surrounding the mysterious series.

In a new interview with George R.R. Martin, Entertainment Weekly dished up more information on the Jane Goldman pilot. Featuring actors, Marquis Rodriguez, John Simm, Richard McCabe, John Heffernan, and Dixie Egerickx, who will be joining Naomi Watts, Naomi Ackie, Toby Regbo, Ivanno Jeremiah, George Henley, Jamie Campbell Bower, Sheila Atim, Denise Gough, and Alex Sharp, according to the author the rumoured title, ‘The Long Night’ is not locked in.

“I heard a suggestion that it could be called The Longest Night, which is a variant I wouldn’t mind,” he told the publication. “That would be pretty good.”

According to HBO, the prequel is also slated to be set 5,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones though rather than the seven kingdoms of Westeros, “if you go back further then there are nine kingdoms, and 12 kingdoms, and eventually you get back to where there are a hundred kingdoms — petty kingdoms — and that’s the era we’re talking about here.”

And in regard to casting, Martin has praised the woman power of Naomi Watts, Miranda Richardson, Naromi Ackie and Denise Gough as a true ensemble. “For Game of Thrones, we never even nominated anybody for lead actress or lead actor until recently. It was always for supporting [categories] because the show is such an ensemble.” He continued, “I think that will be true for this show too. We don’t have leads so much as a large ensemble cast.”

While fans of the books continue to criticise the lack of writing coming from the acclaimed author, perhaps these new details will keep fanatics at ease for now.

Stay tuned for further developments.