2019 is here, which means we’re back to Game of Thrones news being go-go-go. However, in a rather nice change of pace, some of the newest news does not involve David Benioff and Dan Weiss’s masterpiece, but rather the new prequel set during the long night. Variety reported that Naomi Ackie has joined as a series regular. Other than that, we have no information. Will this new Star Wars star be alongside Naomi Watts and her scheming, socialite ways?
Frankly, this whole project has been enormously confusing to me from the start, though that could be because I’m still not sold on the Long Night as the best time period in which to set another series in this universe. The one thing that does give me pause is that the ‘world of ice and fire’ (for lack of a better term) is not exactly one known for its stellar portrayal of race, and its adaptation, even less so. While I’m thrilled that there is going to be diversity among this new cast, I’ve also spent however many years cringing at how that’s been handled in the franchise to date. Hopefully this is something showrunner Jane Goldman is aware of, and any concern is unnecessary. But if Naomi Ackie ends up being a slaver with a cock-merchant connection, I’m out.
In other news, HBO released a promotional video as part of the Golden Globes, and it included a “teaser” of Game of Thrones Season 8 that contained about 5 seconds of actual footage. I’ll take it over the CGI fire and ice colliding or Cheryl’s minty-fresh breath, but I’m going to raise a strong eyebrow at the 15-minute videos breaking down all aspects! It’s Dany in her stupid shaved rabbit coat next to Jon, and a slightly hesitant (yet perfectly polite) Sansa says, “Winterfell is yours, Your Grace.” Oh wow, that ambitious b-tch completely supporting her dolt brother’s decisions yet again. Let’s write our hot-takes about the inevitable cat fight that will ensue.
Actually who am I kidding; D&D are writing this, so a cat fight is most definitely coming.
The one interesting thing is that the seem to acknowledge that due to Jon kneeling away his kingship, he’s just some dude now, and Sansa has the legal power as Lady of Winterfell. Of course, they could have just also thought this was a nice thing for her to say, or a good trailer line. There’s also sure to be extreme significance in Dany’s choice of a red undershirt, so I look forward to Michele Clapton’s word salad explanation. Oh wait…it’s because she’s embracing being a Targ. Mystery solved.
Is there a word for being burnt out on something that hasn’t started yet?
Let me know your thoughts, more so on Ackie’s casting and how that prequel is shaping up than Sansa delivering the most innocuous trailer line to date. Otherwise, I’m sure I’ll be back here with more Thrones news in 2.4 days or less!
