George R.R. Martin talks Game of Thrones prequel

Author George R.R. Martin has revealed further details about the anticipated Game of Thrones prequel, which is yet to be given an official title.

While The Long Night remains Martin’s preferred title, there is another similar possibility being considered. “I heard a suggestion that it could be called The Longest Night, which is a variant I wouldn’t mind,” he tells Entertainment Weekly. “That would be pretty good.”

The prequel predates the rise of the Lannister family, Martin says. But there is another family currently residing in the future Lannister homestead.

“The Lannisters aren’t there yet, but Castlery Rock is certainly there; it’s like the Rock of Gibraltar,” he says. “It’s actually occupied by the Casterlys — for whom it’s still named after in the time of Game of Thrones.” The Casterlys were supposedly swindled from their homestead by Lann the Clever — who founded House Lannister — though it’s unclear if this tale will be told in the prequel.

“The Starks will definitely be there,” he noted. And while much has been made about the fact the prequel predates dragons, that doesn’t mean there won’t be other creatures. “Obviously the White Walkers are here — or as they’re called in my books, The Others — and that will be an aspect of it,” Martin says. “There are things like direwolves and mammoths.”

You can read more of his interview here.