'Game of Thrones' prequel casts Paddy Considine

The Game of Thrones (GoT) prequel series House of the Dragon at HBO has found its first cast member: English actor Paddy Considine reported Variety.

Variety has learned that Considine has signed on to star in the series in the role of King Viserys I, who chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal. A warm, kind and decent man, Viserys only wishes to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy. But good men do not necessarily make for great kings.
Fans of the lore created by George RR Martin will recall that Viserys I ruled over Westeros around 100 years after Aegon’s Conquest. His children, Rhaenyra and Aegon II, would ultimately fight a civil war over his throne that became known as the Dance of Dragons.

Considine is no stranger to HBO audiences, having recently starred in The Outsider and currently starring in The Third Day at the premium cabler. His other TV roles include Peaky Blinders, Informer and The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.” On the film side, his roles include Hot Fuzz, The Death of Stalin, Cinderella Man and The Bourne Ultimatum.
House of the Dragon is set a few hundred years prior to the events of GoT and tells the story of House Targaryen. It is expected to air sometime in 2022.

HBO has given the show a 10-episode order, with casting having begun over the summer. Martin co-created the series with Ryan Condal, with the show having been based on Martin’s book Fire & Blood. Miguel Sapochnik and Condal will serve as co-showrunners and executive producers along with Martin. Sapochnik will also direct the pilot and additional episodes. He previously directed six episodes of GoT, including Hardhome, Battle of the Bastards and Winds of Winter.
HBO previously scrapped a GoT prequel pilot starring Naomi Watts.

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