Game of Thrones prequel series to begin filming in Belfast later this year

Paint Hall studios will be busy with the series from October

(HBO)

Game of Thrones’ eighth (and final) season may have only just wrapped, but the folks over at HBO are already planning when the upcoming spin-off will start filming.

Tentatively known as The Long Night (according to George RR Martin), the network has already commissioned a pilot episode from writer Jane Goldman – of Kingsman: The Secret Service, X-Men: First Class, and The Woman in Black fame.

The Belfast Telegraph now reports that the series will begin filming this October at Belfast’s Paint Hall studios in the city’s Titanic Quarter. Staff have already been briefed on the situation, being told their next project will see the series go back 1,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones.

The publication also reports that Disney are heading to the same location to film the upcoming Star Wars spin-off movie based on the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, while filming will reportedly commence April 2019, recent reports have indicated that all none-main saga Star Wars movies may have been put on hold due to Solo: A Star Wars Story making less than previously expected at the box-office.

Staff at Paint Hall are optimistic about Game of Thrones return, telling the publication: ”This is fantastic news for everyone at the studio – from the cast and the crew, right down to the riggers and the catering staff.” The studio acted as the main stage for much of Game of Thrones, while other areas in Northern Ireland have also been used as sets.

The main Game of Thrones series wrapped filming last week, Maisie Williams posting a bloody photo online to celebrate. Meanwhile, Martin recently revealed details about the upcoming series, confirming the series will feature none of the same cast members as the original series.