The final season of Game of Thrones is coming in 2019, but the fun is apparently just getting started on the epic's first prequel spinoff project. We already know it will take place thousands of years before the events of GoT, and some casting information from the project has now surfaced which may provide some clues with its details. Here's what the casting notices revealed, and what it could all mean for the prequel.
The prequel is searching for five series regulars, according to a casting call reported on by Watchersonthewall.com. The notice asks for two men to play characters in their 50s, with one to be a black man, and the other to be a genuine Scandinavian, Germanic, or Eastern European actor. Another male regular is being sought out with that latter heritage description, but to play a character in his 30s.
Meanwhile, two Caucasian actresses are being called for, with one in her 20s and the other in her 30s. The in-development prequel is also casting a role for a Caucasian male, aged late-30s to mid-40s.
One or more entries seen here are believed to be based on a previously leaked casting call that was also lined with diverse characters. Such multi-racial character descriptions have led to speculation that the prequel will spend all or some of its screen time time in Essos, which is where Qarth, The Free Cities, and the Valyrian Penisula are located. If that's not the case (even though the synopsis teased the "mysteries of the East"), it shows the prequel will initially feature a more sundry cast than Game of Thrones.
Other points of interest within this casting roundup are the possible characters specifically geared towards Scandinavian, Germanic, or Eastern European actors. Performers from that region aren't rare in Game of Thrones, with Kristofer Hivju and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau both being notable examples. But with their characters being from wildly different parts of Westeros, it's hard to say with certainty where these aforementioned new characters will be settled, or if they'll be of any relation to Tormund or Jaime.
One of these castings could very well be a Stark from the past, or maybe a more extended look at the wildlings in their native elements? Perhaps even a Valyrian living in Valyria!
Granted, this story is supposed to uncover the truth behind the origin of White Walkers and all that, but it would be a shame if the series excluded the advanced Valyrian civilization. It would be great to see the kingdom in all its glory, given their society prospered for thousands of years before meeting its doom in 114 BC.
Another tidbit outside of the specific role information is that this casting process reportedly started on Wednesday, October 24, and will conclude on Saturday, November 17. This would indicate the prequel is looking to have some parts cast by the end of 2018, likely so it the pilot's production can really take off in 2019. Filming was reportedly scheduled to begin in October, although the fact that parts are still being cast could mean just location shots have been handled so far.
We don't know when or if the Game of Thrones prequel will arrive, but we do know the final Season 8 will air on HBO in 2019. For more information on shows that will be on television before that, be sure to visit our fall premiere guide.
