Peter Dinklage Set to Play HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’
Posted by Paul Sileo (paul@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 6, 2009
Oh, man. Oh, man. Oh, man. It’s been a long road, but finally, we have some big news about the pilot for HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” And what wonderful news it is! “Game of Thrones,” the adaptation of the first book of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, is being written and developed by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff (25th Hour, Troy, The Kite Runner, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and until now, all we’ve heard is that production starts in Ireland this fall. But, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, we finally have some casting news. In a move that is sure to please a ton of fans, Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent, Death at a Funeral) is tapped to play Tyrion Lannister, the dwarf brother of the Queen. Also, in a bit of surprising news, Tom McCarthy (The Visitor, The Station Agent), will be directing the pilot.
According to the Reporter:
Based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling “Songs of Fire and Ice” novels, “Thrones” is described as an epic struggle for power set in a vast and violent fantasy kingdom. Dinklage will play Tyrion, the Queen’s brother who is treated as an outsider because of his size.
I am a huge fan of these books, and when I heard a television series was being developed for HBO, I damn near died. Of course, there is the chance that it won’t be picked up, but I don’t even want to think about that. Dinklage has always been the fan-favorite for Tyrion, and it’s really nice to see that Wiess and Benioff managed to get him onboard. The surprising news here is Tom McCarthy coming in to direct the pilot. While he doesn’t have any television, fantasy, or action experience, the man can direct a nice dramatic character study. Both The Station Agent and The Visitor were wonderful films, and, for those who have read the books, it’s obvious that Martin’s style is just as much about plot and character as it is about action. These are both wonderful moves, and I can’t wait to hear more about the production as more casting is finalized and shooting begins!
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