HBO picked up the rights to the fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire three years ago, the fantasy series from author George R. R. Martin.

This week HBO gave the official greenlight to Game of Thrones, based on A Song of Ice and Fire’s first novel.

Rumor has it that the series will be dark and grisly with less emphasis on the hardcore fantasy elements and more emphasis on hacking people’s arms off.

The cast is pretty strong now, with some familiar faces – Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings) will play Eddard Stark, Lena Headey (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) will play Queen Cersei, and Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) will play Tyrion Lannister. Thomas McCarthy (director of The Visitor, The Station Agent, co-writer of Up, and actor in Season Five of The Wire—homeboy is talented) will direct.

Production on the 10-episode season is due to begin in June, with a premiere date set for spring 2011.

Related posts:

1. ABC Have Set The Date For The Lost Finale
2. The Chances Of Heroes Having A Fifth Season Are “Very Good”
3. New Final Fantasy Game Supports Cross-Platform!
4. E3 News – Final Fantasy IV: The After Years Debut Trailer!
5. Final Fantasy XIII Coming March 2010!