‘Game of Thrones’ prequel to have ‘Star Trek’ director; ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ stars

MANILA, Philippines — Taking place thousands of years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” the yet untitled prequel series chronicles the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour.  

And only one thing is for sure: from the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend…  it is not the story we think we know.

Created by Jane Goldman and George R.R. Martin, the prequel has a working title, “The Long Night,” and has SJ Clarkson as Pilot Director / Executive Producer.

Clarkson was recently chosen to become the first female director of the “Star Trek” franchise. The fourth “Star Wars” will reportedly be headlined by Chris Hemsworth.

Clarkson most recently directed and executive produced “CollateraL,” the BBC/Netflix four-part limited series starring Carey Mulligan and written by David Hare which premiered to much fanfare and acclaim in the UK.

Prior to that, SJ directed and executive produced the pilots for Marvel’s “The Defenders” and “Jessica Jones” that star Krysten Ritter and David Tennant, both for Netflix. 

HBO has previously announced that “King Kong” star Naomi Watts and Josh Whitehouse are among the series regulars, alongside Naomi Ackie, who will take on a leading role in “Star Wars: Episode IX,” directed by J.J.Abrams, joining returning cast members including Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver and John Boyega and new cast including Matt Smith, Keri Russell and Richard E. Grant.

Other series regulars are Denise Gough of “Angels in America;” Jamie Campbell Bower of the “Twilight” saga; West End star Sheila Atim; “Doctor Who’s” Ivanno Jeremiah; Georgie Henley, who played Lucy in the “Narnia” series;  Alex Sharp who starred opposite Nicole Kidman in “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” and Keanu Reeves in “To the Bone;” and Toby Regbo, who played the young Dumbledore in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” and “Francis” in “Reign.”

HBO is yet to announce a date for the prequel’s airing. — Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo