HBO has given a pilot order to fantasy project "Game of Thrones."

The program is based on George R.R. Martin's bestselling series of novels "A Song of Fire & Ice" and executive produced by David Benioff ("Troy") and D.B. Weiss ("Halo"). The title "Game of Thrones" is from the first novel in the series.

If greenlit, "Thrones" would represent the rarest of TV genres: a full-fledged fantasy series.

Though broadcasters have embraced sci-fi-tinged shows in recent years following the success of ABC's "Lost" and NBC's "Heroes," and supernatural themes have been given a spin by CW's "Supernatural" and HBO's own "True Blood," high fantasy is nearly nonexistent in primetime TV history -- and "Thrones" is an unabashed member of the genre. The books have swords, dragons, magic, the works.

"Fantasy is the most successful genre in terms of feature films given the incredible popularity of "Lord of the Rings" and Harry Potter movies," Benioff said. "High fantasy has never been done on TV before and if anybody can do it, it's HBO. They've taken tired genres and reinvented them -- mobsters in "The Sopranos" and Westerns with "Deadwood."

The cost of producing a fantasy series is usually a big factor that deters networks. The producers note "Thrones" is written as a character drama and major battles often take place off stage.

"It's not a story with a million orcs charging across the plains," Weiss said. "The most expensive effects are creature effects and there's not much of that."

Martin plans seven books in the series. The producers intend for each season to span one novel.

But before the series can get on the air, the producers first have to slay a more formidable threat than any dragon: pilot competitors. HBO has 10 other pilots in contention for series orders. Though the network declines to project how many shows will receive an order since HBO doesn't need to fill a specific number of time-periods like broadcasters, at least six are expected to get a pickup.

Also, the success of "True Blood" may work in "Thrones'" favor. HBO has always sought to defy any sort of specific genre branding for their network, emphasizing that each project is judged on its own merits. Yet given how the vampire drama continues to gain viewers, and how Showtime's swords-and-monarchy historical drama "The Tudors" has performed strongly, it's not unreasonable to believe the network may see "Thrones" as a good fit.

Previous fantasy titles on TV are few and far between. ABC's "Pushing Daisies" might qualify as a member of the genre, though its fantastical elements are wrapped in a modern day crime procedural. ABC Family's "Kyle XY" could fit. Some would consider the WB's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fantasy, though supernatural drama is probably a more appropriate term. Former syndicated program "Xena Warrior Princess," however, is firmly in the genre. NBC's upcoming "Kings" also qualifies.

Some thoughts: I suspect a fair number of viewers are going to love this idea -- a high fantasy series with a grown-up budget and no content restrictions? Not even the hugely popular movie franchises cited by the producers have offered such a prospect, because no studio greenlights a fantasy budget without the promise of a PG-13 rating. Combined with "True Blood," this also suggests an interesting, AintItCoolNews-targeted direction for the network. Less edgy-PBS, more R-rated Comic Con.

The producers intend for each season to span one novel.

The script is posted online. It seems very faithful to the novel, scene by scene except the dialogue is a little more modern. It starts from the invasion to Ned beheading a criminal in front of his sons and ends with Bran being thrown off the ledge. Im guessing 13 episodes a season based on each book so George Martin will have to finish the novels in 4 years.

http://termopilas.tales-tra.com/users/p ... script.pdf

Read dozen or so pages...indeed, very very faithful. Fills me with excitement.

It was either going to be Peter Dinklage or Warwick Davis. Adrian Paul also said he wanted to land a role in the show. I probably say either Ned Stark or possibly in season 2 as Stannis

Adrian Paul has the look to play a bunch of characters actually - Ned (with a beard), Stannis (shaved head?), or as is for Renly or The Viper.

Renly was young though. He was in his early or mid 20s I think. The novel always mentioned how he looked so much like Robert Baratheon 15 years ago. I agree that he could play the prince Martell but that character died pretty quick

Yeah Renly was very young. He does look like what I pictured Martell to look like but yeah it would be a small role.

Who do you think would be good for Jaime and Cersei? Both are very important casting.

With Ned they could go for a bigger star considering they could be used to help sell the show and then they wouldnt have to have a long contract.

Diane Krueger for Cersei. I dont know if she has a no nudity clause in her contract. If shes played by an american, I think either Tricia Helfer or Laura Harris but I think she will most likely be played by a european. Jaime is a hard one to cast. I would have said Kevin McKidd but I dont picture him with long hair. If it was 10-15 years ago, Liam Neeson and Brendan Gleason would have made a great Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon. Eric Bana and Ralph Fiennes in my opinion would make a good Ned Stark

Diane Krueger for Cersei. I dont know if she has a no nudity clause in her contract. If shes played by an american, I think either Tricia Helfer or Laura Harris but I think she will most likely be played by a european. Jaime is a hard one to cast. I would have said Kevin McKidd but I dont picture him with long hair. If it was 10-15 years ago, Liam Neeson and Brendan Gleason would have made a great Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon. Eric Bana and Ralph Fiennes in my opinion would make a good Ned Stark