You may have noticed that we’re big fans of HBO‘s “Game of Thrones.” It might have looked like some kind of swords and sorcery geekfest, but in fact, it turned out to be a rich, complex drama worthy of the best of the cable network’s output, with an impeccable cast (including the Emmy-nominated Peter Dinklage, and some of the best child performances in recent memory). It’s also been a solid-gold hit, and shows every sign of its cult growing as it moves into its currently-filming second season.
The show has already added some impressive new names, including Stephen Dillane, Liam Cunningham and Carice Van Houten, to its second season, and now there’s one more reason to tune in for the movie fan, as The Hollywood Reporter bring news that genre director Neil Marshall, the man behind cult hits like “Dog Soldiers” and “The Descent” (as well as the less beloved “Doomsday” and “Centurion“), will direct an episode of the show.
Marshall (who, fun fact, was the original director on “Drive,” back when Hugh Jackman was going to star) had a few projects on his slate, including the Sam Raimi spontaneous-combustion film “Burst” and a foodie horror film entitled “Underground,” but they haven’t materialized, so this can only be a good move for him, and his blend of low-budget gore is a pretty good fit for the show, plus he’ll get to play with a better caliber of actor than he’s generally used to. No offense to Rhona Mitra or anything.
According to the blog of author George R.R. Martin, Marshall will direct the penultimate episode “Blackwater,” one penned by Martin himself. It apparently revolves around the titular Battle of Blackwater, but we can’t tell you anymore, because we’re desperately trying to avoid any spoilers. Filming’s currently underway in Belfast, with TV hands like David Nutter, Alan Taylor, David Petrarca and Alik Sakharov also directing episodes, and it should hit HBO in the Spring of next year.