I’ve already posted a couple articles on the casting of the pilot, so you can read those here and here.

A Song of Ice and Fire is considered by many, including myself, to be one of the best fantasy series of modern day. However, it is also a very long series. In addition, the series is quite a ways off from being completed. So the decision to begin reading the novels could be particularly tough for some people. However, with a television series, many people will be able to get a good taste of the setting and plot of the novels, without dedicating the time to reading them. Which could in turn lead them back to the novels, once they know it’s something they are interested in.

The fact is, ASoIaF is not your typical fantasy series. The Hollywood Reporter did a good job of summarizing one of the main differences in their recent article:

Unlike many fantasy novels, the “Thrones” series largely avoids relying on magical elements and instead goes for brutal realism — think “Sopranos” with swords.

Martin’s view of fantasy in the novels up to this point has largely involved the setting itself. Yes, magic once existed in the world, and may very well exist again at some point. But the focus is more on political intrigue, knights and soldiers, and kingdoms rising from chaos.

Game of Thrones, which shares the same title as the first novel in the series (minus the preceding article “A”) will find quite possibly the perfect fit on HBO. The novels are way too violent for a network TV spot similar to “Legend of the Seeker“. Sex is also something that makes it’s way into the novels when appropriate for the story. Neither of those will be an issue for a show airing on HBO. If anything, it could help the show out with HBO’s audience.

The series is shaping up to be a good one. As of the pilot we have a fantastic list of stars including Sean Bean, Lena Headey, and Peter Dinklage. Add in a few rising actors and some fresh faces, and this series has the potential to really take off.

Ten episodes for the first season could work out pretty well. The first novel could be cut down quite a bit. Hopefully future seasons would warrant the normal HBO length of 13 episodes, however. It could be pretty difficult to cut down some of the later books. Currently there are four books, with the 5th book looking likely to come out sometime this year. Given HBO’s history with shows, it’s unlikely that the show would even make it to that point. However, should it reach the 5th season, there will probably be a 6th book waiting for it. The first three books came in two year gaps. Assuming A Dance with Dragons is released this year, that would mean that both of his last two books saw a gap of 5 years before they came out.

Game of Thrones is set to begin production this June, and should air in Spring of 2011.

So who have we got so far?

Eddard “Ned” Stark – Sean Bean

Catelyn Stark – Jennifer Ehle

Robb Stark – Richard Madden

Sansa Stark – Sophie Turner

Arya Stark – Maisie Williams

Robert Baratheon – Mark Addy

Jamie Lannister – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Lena Headey – Cersei Lannister (Added 9/01/09)

Tyrion Lannister – Peter Dinklage

Daenerys Targaryen – Tamzin Merchant

Theon Greyjoy – Alfie Allen

Jon Snow – Kit Harington

Joffrey Baratheon – Jack Gleeson

Viserys Targaryen – Harry Lloyd

Sandor Clegane (The Hound) – Rory McCann

Added on 9/02/09

• Lena Headey cast as Cersei Lannister
• New Picture for Sophie Turner
• New Picture for Maisie Williams (Maisie has been spelled Maizie and Maisie by George RR Martin, so no idea on correct spelling)

Added on 9/24/09

• Rory McCann was added as Sandor Clegane (The Hound)

Actor Peter Dinklage has been cast as Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s A Game of Thrones.

Tyrion, (a POV character from the start of the series) is Tywin’s third child, a misshapen dwarf nicknamed “The Imp” and “The Halfman”. As a fan-favorite character, he is the personal favorite of the series’ author George R. R. Martin as well. Though Tyrion shares his father’s talent for political maneuvering, he receives little respect from Tywin because of his deformity, sharp tongue, penchant for whoring, and the death of his mother during his birth. He is capable of cruelty to his enemies, but also has great sympathy for fellow outcasts and the mistreated.

The series will be written by David Benioff (The 25th Hour and X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and D.B. Weiss (writer of the ill-fated Halo adaptation).

Still no word on when it will go into production, or when it could possibly air.