GAME OF THRONES Prequel HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Gets Series Order from HBO

When you prequel HBO's Game of Thrones, you win or you die.

Deadline has word that after deciding to not go forward with the Game of Thrones prequel starring Naomi Watts, HBO has given a straight-to-series order for House of the Dragon, another prequel based on George R.R. Martin's novel Fire & Blood.

Announced at WarnerMedia’s HBO Max investors presentation, HBO has ordered ten episodes for House of the Dragon, which is set 300 years before Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen.

Game of Thrones veteran Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal will serve as showrunners and executive producers, along with Game of Thrones co-executive producer Martin and Vince Gerardis,  Sapochnik will direct the pilot and additional episodes.

HBO Programming President Casey Bloys remarked, "The Game of Thrones universe is so rich with stories.  We look forward to exploring the origins of House Targaryen and the earlier days of Westeros along with Miguel, Ryan and George."

According to the article, House of the Dragon was one of four Game of Thrones spinoffs in the works at various stages for HBO.  Martin and Condal have been working on the project since fall 2018, using material originally explored by Bryan Cogman in one of five Game of Thrones prequel scripts commissioned by HBO two years ago.

Fire & Blood, published in November 2018, is the first of a two-book series detailing the history of House Targaryen.  The second is currently expected within the next year or so, although Martin is notorious for delays in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.

GAME OF THRONES Leads 2019 Emmy Nominations with Record of 32

The Game is over, but the long night of the Emmy Awards remains.

Deadline has details on the final season of HBO's Game of Thrones setting a new record total of 32 nominations for the 2019 Emmy Awards, an increase of 10 from last year, including acting nominations for Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Alfie Allen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Gwendoline Christie, and Carice van Houten.

FX's American Horror Story: Apocalypse earned 5 nominations, while CBS All Access' Star Trek: Discovery beamed up 4 for its second season.  Two Amazon Prime Video series, Good Omens and The Man in the High Castle, followed with 3 each.

Other recognized geek-favorite shows include Netflix's The Umbrella Academy and Black Mirror, FX's What We Do in the Shadows, Disney XD's Star Wars Resistance, Fox's The Simpsons and The Orville, and CBS All Access' The Twilight Zone.

You can read the full list of nominations HERE, but this is the breakdown for the shows listed above...

GAME OF THRONES (32 Nominations)

Outstanding Drama Series

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series -- Kit Harington as Jon Snow

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series -- Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jamie Lannister

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Maisie Williams as Arya Stark

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series -- Carice van Houten as Melisandre -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- David Benioff & D.B. Weiss -- "The Iron Throne"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- David Nutter -- "The Last of the Starks"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- Miguel Sapochnik -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series -- David Benioff & D.B. Weiss -- "The Iron Throne"

Outstanding Main Title Design

Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes -- "The Bells"

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "The Bells"
Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (One Hour) -- "The Iron Throne"

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) -- "The Bells"

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "The Iron Throne"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "Winterfell"

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) -- Ramin Djawadi -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special

(Original Dramatic Score) -- Hannah Peel -- "Game of Thrones: The Last Watch"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "The Long Night"

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within A Scripted

Program -- "Fight For The Living: Beyond The Wall Virtual Reality Experience"

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALYPSE (5 Nominations)

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series -- Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon -- "Return to Murder House"
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes -- "Forbidden Fruit"
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "Forbidden Fruit"

Outstanding Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "Forbidden Fruit"

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or Special -- "Apocalypse Then"

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (4 Nominations)

Outstanding Main Title Design

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2"

Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2"

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "If Memory Serves"

GOOD OMENS (3 Nominations)

Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes -- "Hard Times"

Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Series, Movie Or Special

(Original Dramatic Score) -- David Arnold -- "In the Beginning"

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music -- David Arnold

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE (3 Nominations)

Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (One Hour) -- "Jahr Null"

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) -- "Now More Than Ever, We Care About You"

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Jahr Null"

BLACK MIRROR (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Television Movie -- "Bandersnatch"

Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within A Scripted

Program -- "Bandersnatch"

THE SIMPSONS (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "Mad About the Toy"

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance -- "From Russia Without Love" -- Hank Azaria as Moe Syzslak, Carl Carlson, Duffman, and Kirk Van Houten

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "The White Violin"

Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Contemporary Program (One

Hour Or More) -- "We Only See Each Other At Weddings And Funerals"

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour) -- "Manhattan Night Club"

Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And

Animation -- "Werewolf Feud"

CASTLE ROCK (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music -- Thomas Newman

GOTHAM (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Legend of the Dark Knight: I Am Bane"

THE ORVILLE (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Identity Part II"

STAR WARS RESISTANCE (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Children's Program

TEEN TITANS GO! (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Short-Form Animated Program -- "Nostalgia Is Not a Substitute for an Actual Story"

THE TICK (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination For A Comedy Series Or Variety Program

THE TWILIGHT ZONE (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series -- Kumail Nanjiani as Samir Wassan -- "The Comedian"

The 71sr Primetime Emmy Awards is scheduled to air Sunday, September 22nd on FOX.

Your 2019 Geek Movie and TV Calendar

Once again, the new year brings us closer to The Films and TV Shows You've Been Dying to See for Like Forever.  If you enjoy sci-fi, fantasy and comic book based entertainment as I do, you already have several must-see flicks and television programs in the pipeline for 2019.  With that in mind, I thought I'd go ahead and give a helpful chronological rundown of which geek movie and TV goodness arrives when.  Some of these TV shows and films will be worth the long wait, others you wouldn't watch even if they were on Netflix, but each have their audiences and key target demographics.  Start planning your work vacation/sick/personal days accordingly.

JANUARY

1 - Doctor Who: Resolution, The Gifted (TV)

3 - Gotham, Star Trek Short Treks: Escape Artist (TV)

4 - Young Justice: Outsiders (TV)

6 - The Simpsons (TV)
13 - True Detective (TV)

14 - The Passage (TV)
15 - The Flash (TV)
16 - Deadly Class, Riverdale (TV)

17 - Star Trek: Discovery (TV)

18 - Glass (Movie), The Punisher (TV)

20 - Supergirl (TV)

21 - Arrow, Black Lightning (TV)

23 - The Magicians (TV)

FEBRUARY

10 - The Walking Dead (TV)

14 - Alita: Battle Angel (Movie)

15 - Doom Patrol, The Umbrella Academy (TV)

17 - Last Week Tonight (TV)

MARCH

March 2019? - Krypton (TV)

8 - Captain Marvel (Movie)

10 - American Gods (TV)

APRIL

April 2019? - Game of Thrones, iZombie, Legends of Tomorrow, Legion, Lost in Space (TV)

5 - Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (TV), Shazam! (Movie)

12 - Hellboy (Movie)

26 - Avengers: Endgame (Movie)

MAY

10 - Swamp Thing (TV)

17 - John Wick 3: Parabellum (Movie)

31 - Godzilla: King of the Monsters (Movie)

JUNE

June 2019? - Preacher (TV)

7 - Dark Phoenix (Movie)

14 - Men in Black International (Movie)

21 - Toy Story 4

JULY

July 2019? - Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Castle Rock, Wynonna Earp (TV)

4 - Stranger Things (TV)
5 - Spider-Man: Far from Home

26 - Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Movie)

AUGUST

2 - The New Mutants (Movie)

9 - Stargirl (TV)

SEPTEMBER

September 2019? - The Simpsons (TV)

6 - IT Chapter Two (Movie)

OCTOBER

October 2019? - The Flash, The Gifted, Titans, The Walking Dead (TV)

4 - Joker (Movie)

11 - Harley Quinn (TV), Zombieland 2 (Movie)

NOVEMBER

November 2019? - Star Trek: Picard

1 - Untitled Terminator Film (Movie)

8 - Kingsman 3 (Movie)

DECEMBER

20 - Star Wars: Episode IX (Movie)

SOMETIME IN 2019 - The Boys, Good Omens, Jessica Jones, Mindhunter, Pennyworth, Watchmen (TV) 

Naomi Watts to Lead GAME OF THRONES Prequel THE LONG NIGHT

The night is long and full of prequels.

Deadline is reporting that after lengthy negotiations, actress Naomi Watts has signed on as the lead for The Long Night, HBO's pilot for a proposed prequel series to Game of Thrones.

According to the article, The Long Night is from writer and Jane Goldman and A Song of Ice and Fire creator and author George R.R. Martin.  The pilot is written by showrunner Goldman, based on a story by her and Martin, which reportedly "takes place thousands of years before the events of Game of Thrones.  It chronicles the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour.  And only one thing is for sure: from the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend…it’s not the story we think we know."

Watts' character has not been revealed, but the article claims she will play "a charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret."

Watts, 50, is an English actress best known as Janey-E Jones in the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, as Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn in David Lynch's film Mullholland Drive, and as Rachel Keller in The Ring and The Ring Two.  In addition, Watts has appeared in the films Inland Empire, Tank Girl, King Kong (2005), Eastern Promises, J. Edgar, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), The Divergent Series: Insurgent, The Divergent Series: Allegiant, and The Sea of Trees.  Watts has also received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress, for the 2003 film 21 Grams and for the 2012 film The Impossible.

Martin apparently confirmed the prequel's title, The Long Night, via a post from his official Twitter account:

Casting is now underway for THE LONG NIGHT, the first of the GAME OF THRONES successor series to ordered to film. HBO has just announced the first cast member: NAOMI WATTS is coming on board as one of our stars. https://t.co/n0XkxsJG03 pic.twitter.com/uNF5mjPNte

— George RR Martin (@GRRMspeaking) October 31, 2018

Goldman will serve as showrunner and will executive produce alongside Martin, as well as fellow Game of Thrones co-executive producer Vince Gerardis, and Damages and Bloodline co-creator Daniel Zelman.  Former BBC Studios executive James Farrell and Jim Danger Gray (Orange Is the New Black, Hannibal) are executive producers and Chris Symes (The Alienist) is a co-executive producer.

GAME OF THRONES Leads 2018 Emmy Nominations with 22

When you play against Game of Thrones, you win or you die.

After sitting out last year, HBO's Game of Thrones returned as strong as ever, leading with a total of 22 nominations for the 2018 Emmy Awards, including acting nominations for Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Dame Diana Rigg.

HBO's science fiction western thriller Westworld followed right behind with 21, including acting nominations for Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, and Jimmi Simpson.

Netflix's fan-favorite series Stranger Things was down from last year, with 12 for its second season and more acting nominations for David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown.

Showtime's revival of Twin Peaks was shut out of the major categories for some inexplicable reason, but earned 9 nominations, including co-creators Mark Frost and David Lynch.  Netflix's sci-fi anthology Black Mirror earned 8 nominations, while FX's American Horror Story: Cult earned 7 nominations.

Other recognized geek-favorite shows include USA Network's Mr. Robot, Disney XD's Star Wars Rebels, Netflix's Altered Carbon, Cartoon Network's Rick and Morty, Fox's The Simpsons, and CBS All Access' Star Trek: Discovery.

In addition to Kyle MacLachlan being snubbed for Twin Peaks, some notable oversights included FX's Legion and Netflix's Lost in Space, both of which only earned a single nomination.

You can read the full list of nominations HERE, but this is the breakdown for the shows listed above...

GAME OF THRONES (22 Nominations)

Outstanding Drama Series

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jamie Lannister

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series -- Diana Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- Alan Taylor -- "Beyond the Wall"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- Jeremy Podeswa -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series -- David Benioff & D.B. Weiss -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) -- Ramin Djawadi -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "The Spoils of War"

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Beyond the Wall"

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) -- "Dragonstone"

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "The Dragon and the Wolf"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "The Spoils of War"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "Beyond the Wall"

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Beyond the Wall"

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes -- "Beyond the Wall"

WESTWORLD (21 Nominations)

Outstanding Drama Series

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series -- Ed Harris as The Man in Black

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series -- Jeffrey Wright as Bernard Lowe

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series -- Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Thandie Newton as Maeve

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series -- Jimmi Simpson as William

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) -- Ramin Djawadi -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Main Title Design
Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "The Passenger"

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) -- "The Riddle of the Sphinx"

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "The Riddle of the Sphinx"

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media within a Scripted Program -- "Chaos Takes Control Interactive Experience"

Outstanding Music Supervision -- "Akane No Mai"

Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes -- "Akane No Mai"

STRANGER THINGS (12 Nominations)

Outstanding Drama Series

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- David Harbour as Jim Hopper

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- The Duffer Brothers -- "Chapter Nine: The Gate"

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series -- The Duffer Brothers -- "Chapter Nine: The Gate"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer"

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Chapter Nine: The Gate"

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) -- "Chapter One: MADMAX"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "Chapter Nine: The Gate"

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer"

Outstanding Music Supervision -- "Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak"

TWIN PEAKS (9 Nominations)

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special -- David Lynch

Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special -- David Lynch & Mark Frost

Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie -- "Part 8"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special -- "Part 8"

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series or Movie -- "Part 8"

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie -- "Part 8"

Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie (Non-Prosthetic)

BLACK MIRROR (8 Nominations)

Outstanding Television Movie -- "USS Callister"

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie - Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly -- "USS Callister"

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie -- Letitia Wright as Nish -- "Black Museum"

Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special -- William Bridges & Charlie Brooker

Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie -- "USS Callister"

Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) -- Daniel Pemberton -- "USS Callister"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special -- "USS Callister"

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series or Movie -- "USS Callister"

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: CULT (7 Nominations)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie - Sarah Paulson as Ally Mayfair-Richards

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie -- Adina Porter as Beverly HopeOutstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special -- "Great Again"

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)

Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie (Non-Prosthetic)

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or Special

MR. ROBOT (3 Nominations)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "eps3.4_runtime-error.r00"

Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role -- "eps3.4_runtime-error.r00"

Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media within a Scripted Program -- "Ecoin"

STAR WARS REBELS (3 Nominations)

Outstanding Children's Program

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) -- Kevin Kiner -- "Family Reunion -- And Farewell"

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation -- "A World Between Worlds"

ALTERED CARBON (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Main Title Design

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Out of the Past"

RICK AND MORTY (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "Pickle Rick"

Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media within a Scripted Program -- "Virtual Rick-ality"

THE SIMPSONS (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "Gone Boy"

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance -- Dan Castellanetta as Homer Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Groundskeeper Willie, and Sideshow Mel --

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "What's Past is Prologue

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "Will You Take My Hand?"

COUNTERPART (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Main Title Design

THE DEFENDERS (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music -- John Paesano

GOTHAM (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role -- "That's Entertainment"

JESSICA JONES (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) -- Sean Callery -- "AKA Playland"

LEGION (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) -- "Chapter 9"

LOST IN SPACE (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Danger, Will Robinson"

ONCE UPON A TIME (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) -- Mark Isham, Cindy O'Connor & Michael Simon -- "Leaving Storybrooke"

ORPHAN BLACK (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series -- Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning, Helena, Alison Hendrix, Cosima Neihaus, and Rachel

THE PUNISHER (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

SOUTH PARK (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "Put It Down"

THE TICK (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music -- Chris Bacon

THE WALKING DEAD (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series -- Red Machete

The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards is scheduled to air Sunday, September 17th on NBC.

David Benioff & D.B. Weiss to Write & Produce New STAR WARS Trilogy

The Force is coming.  May Winter be with you.

The official Star Wars site has announced that Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will write and produce a new trilogy of Star Wars films.  They will begin working on the new trilogy following the completion of Game of Thrones' eighth and final season.

According to the announcement, these new films will be separate from both the 9-film Skywalker saga and the new Star Wars trilogy announced last November, which will by Rian Johnson, writer-director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

"David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today," said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm.  "Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting."

"In the summer of 1977, we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since," remarked Benioff and Weiss in a joint statement.  "We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete."

No release dates have been given for Benioff and Weiss' trilogy.  The next Star Wars film will be Ron Howard's Solo: A Star Wars Story, to be released on May 25, 2018, followed by J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode IX on December 20, 2019.

GAME OF THRONES Leads 2016 Emmy Nominations with 23

Winter finally came...and so did the Emmy noms.

HBO's fantasy drama series Game of Thrones once again leads the pack with a total of 23 nominations for the 2016 Emmy Awards, including acting nominations for Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, and Maisie Williams.

Fan-favorite Tatiana Maslany finally received a long-overdue nomination for BBC America's Orphan Black, although that was the show's sole nomination.  Netflix's Daredevil and Jessica Jones scored two nominations each, although Jessica Jones stars Krysten Ritter and David Tennant were sadly overlooked.

FX's American Horror Story earned 8 nominations, while USA's Mr. Robot, Showtime's Penny Dreadful, and BBC's Sherlock each earned 6 nominations.

Other recognized geek-favorite shows include Fox's Gotham, The Simpsons and Family Guy, FX's Archer, Comedy Central's South Park, AMC's The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead, and NBC's Hannibal.  

You can read the full list of nominations HERE, but this is the breakdown for the shows listed above...

GAME OF THRONES (23 Nominations)

Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- Kit Harington as Jon Snow
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Emilia Clarke as Danerys Targaryen
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -- Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series -- Max von Sydow as The Three-Eyed Raven
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series -- David Benioff and D.B. Weiss -- "Battle of the Bastards"
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- Jack Bender -- "The Door"
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- Miguel Sapochnik -- "Battle of the Bastards"
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series -- "The Door"
Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "Battle of the Bastards"
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) -- "Blood of My Blood, The Broken Man, No One"
Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series -- "Home"
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "The Door"
Outstanding Interactive Program
Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "Battle of the Bastards"
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "The Door"
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "Oathbreaker"
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series -- "Battle of the Bastards"
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "Battle of the Bastards"
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie
Outstanding Costumes for a Period/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Movie -- "The Winds of Winter"

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL (8 Nominations)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie -- Sarah Paulson as Hypodermic Sally/Billie Dean Howard
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie -- Kathy Bates as Iris
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special -- "Checking In"
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Fantasy Program (One Hour or More)
Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special
Outstanding Costumes for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series or Movie -- "Chutes and Ladders"

MR. ROBOT (6 Nominations)

Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series -- Rami Malek as Elliot
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series -- Sam Esmail -- "eps1.0_ hellofriend. mov"
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series -- Mac Quayle -- "eps1.0_ hellofriend. mov"
Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) -- "eps1.5_br4ve-trave1er.asf"

PENNY DREADFUL (6 Nominations)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series -- Abel Korzeniowski -- "And They Were Enemies"
Outstanding Special Visual Effects -- "And They Were Enemies"
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) -- "Fresh Hell, Evil Spirits in Heavenly Places, And Hell Itself My Only Foe"
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "Glorious Horrors"
Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "Glorious Horrors"
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "And Hell Itself My Only Foe)

SHERLOCK (6 Nominations)

Outstanding Television Movie -- "The Abominable Bride"
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie - Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes -- "The Abominable Bride"
Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie -- "The Abominable Bride"
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special -- "The Abominable Bride"
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie -- "The Abominable Bride"
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role -- "The Abominable Bride"

GOTHAM (3 Nominations)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series -- "Azrael"
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series -- "Azrael"
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

SOUTH PARK (3 Nominations)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "You're Not Yelping"
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance -- Matt Stone as Craig Tucker, Tweek, and Thomas Tucker -- "Tweek x Craig"
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance -- Trey Parker as Eric Cartman and PC Principal -- "Stunning and Brave"

DAREDEVIL (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series -- "New York's Finest"
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

FEAR THE WALKING DEAD (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series -- "Flight 462"
Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series -- Michelle Ang -- "Flight 462"

JESSICA JONES (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Main Title Design
Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music -- Sean P. Callery

THE SIMPSONS (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "Halloween of Horror"
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation -- "Halloween of Horror"

THE WALKING DEAD (2 Nominations)

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special -- "No Way Out"
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role -- "No Way Out"

ARCHER (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Animated Program -- "The Figgis Agency"

FAMILY GUY (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance -- Seth MacFarlane as Peter Griffin, Stewie Griffin, Brian Griffin, Glenn Quagmire, Dr. Hartman, Tom Tucker, Mr. Spacely -- "Pilling Them Softly"

HANNIBAL (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role -- "Primavera"

ORPHAN BLACK (1 Nomination)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series -- Tatiana Maslany as Sarah, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Rachel, M.K., and Krystal



The 68th Primetime Emmy Awards is scheduled to air Sunday, September 18th on ABC.

IRON FIST Casts Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing

From a Sand Snake to a Daughter of the Dragon.

Entertainment Weekly reports that the upcoming Netflix series Iron Fist has cast Jessica Henwick as Marvel Comics martial artist Colleen Wing.

According to the article, Colleen Wing will be the series' female lead and is described as "A martial arts expert running her own dojo, Colleen will serve as an invaluable ally to Iron Fist, aka Danny Rand (Finn Jones), as he returns to his life in New York."

"I’m very excited to have Jessica as our Colleen Wing," said Executive Producer and Showrunner, Scott Buck.  "She’s shown us that she can bring both a sense of quiet strength as well as an engaging vulnerability to the character."

"Jessica brings both a youthful vitality mixed with a strong sense of authority crucial to the character," said Executive Producer/Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb.  "And as anyone who’s seen her in Game of Thrones can attest, she can throw down with the best of them, making her the perfect Colleen Wing."

Henwick, 23, is an English actress best known as Nymeria Sand on the HBO series Game of Thrones, which also featured Finn Jones as Ser Loras Tyrell.  She recently appeared in the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens as X-Wing pilot Jessika Pava, and has appeared in the television series Fortitude, Silk, The Thick of It, and Spirit Warriors.

Created in 1974 by Doug Moench and Larry Hama, Colleen Wing first appeared in Marvel Premiere #19 as the daughter of Professor Lee Wing, a teacher of Asian history and culture at New York's Columbia University, and an unnamed Japanese woman, whose ancestors were samurai and daimyo.  Colleen grew up in the northern regions of Japan, raised by her grandfather Kanji because Colleen's mother was killed very early in her childhood.  Her grandfather taught her the ways of the samurai, in which she later became very skilled.

Professor Wing learned from a monk who had been to the other-dimensional realm of K'un-L'un that a young warrior, Iron Fist, would come from that land to seek vengeance on his father's killer, who was now based in New York.  Professor Wing calculated when Iron Fist would come to New York and sent Colleen to meet him.  Professor Wing and Colleen befriended Iron Fist, and Colleen has acted as his ally in many of his adventures.

Years later, Colleen went back to New York City to visit her father. She was caught in a gun battle by the local Manhattan police and some thugs.  Luckily, she was rescued by officer Misty Knight, who eventually became her best friend.  Later, Knight's right arm was severely injured by a bomb explosion and was amputated.  Colleen encouraged Knight to rise above her depression and return to an active role in life.  Knight's right arm was replaced with a bionic steel arm.  As a detective, Colleen Wing and Knight formed a partnership as private investigators and called their firm Nightwing Restorations, Ltd.  Due to Wing's samurai-style training and both partners' expertise in Asian martial arts, they were called "The Daughters of the Dragon."

Colleen teamed with Misty in opposing agents of the criminal Emil Vachon in Hong Kong, until she was captured by Vachon, who turned her into a heroin addict.  She was rescued by Misty Knight, overcame her addiction, and took vengeance on Vachon.  Colleen soon fought Davos, the second Steel Serpent, and met Spider-Man.  She later aided the X-Men and Sunfire in battling Moses Magnum in Japan.  Accompanying the X-Men to Canada, she made romantic overtures towards Cyclops, whose girlfriend Jean Grey was presumed dead at the time.  She was held prisoner by Arcade soon after, until the X-Men freed her.

Following Daredevil's takeover of Hell's Kitchen during the Shadowland storyline, Colleen, Misty, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Shang-Chi confronted him in attempt to stop him without violence.  After a commotion happens elsewhere in his castle, he attacked the group, believing they were responsible.  Days after the fight, Colleen was contacted by Daredevil, offering information about her mother.  Upon visiting him again, he revealed to her that her mother actually led a resurrected Hand group of swordswomen called "The Nail." Colleen's mother and the Nail were eventually assassinated by one of The Hand's enemies. Daredevil asked her to lead a new incarnation of the Nail consisting of Black Lotus, Cherry Blossom, Makro, and Yuki.  Colleen later betrayed the Nail and had to defend herself against them.

Iron Fist is expected to air on Netflix sometime in 2017.

Bran Stark Returns in GAME OF THRONES Season 6 Red Band Trailer

At long last, winter is coming...back.

HBO debuted the long-awaited trailer for Game of Thrones Season 6, based on the popular fantasy saga "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin.  Season 6 promises to adapt material from Martin's upcoming sixth novel, The Winds of Winter, along with some elements from the fourth, A Feast for Crows, and the fifth, A Dance with Dragons.

The one minute, forty second trailer opens at Castle Black, showing us the lifeless body of Jon Snow (Kit Harington), who was murdered by the men of the Night's Watch at the end of Season 5.  A male voice tries to convince us that "He's gone."

As a cover of the Chris Isaak song "Wicked Game" by James Vincent McMorrow begins to play, we see Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) returning home to King's Landing to tell his sister Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) that their daughter Myrcella Baratheon is dead.

"We're the only ones who matter," Jaime reassures her, "and everything they've taken from us, we're going to take back and more."

We then see the red priestess, Melisandre (Carice van Houten) having a crisis of faith.  "The great victory I saw in the flames," she says to Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham), "all of it was a lie."

Next, we see Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) on the hunt for Daenerys Targaryean (Emilia Clarke), now a prisoner of a huge Dothraki tribe.

"Every one of us is poor and powerless," says The High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce), "yet we can overthrow an empire."

"You're in the great game now," remarks Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), "and the great game is terrifying."

We see a confrontation between Lancel Lannister (Eugene Simon) and his cousin Cersei, who is accompanied by the resurrected The Mountain.  "Order your man to step aside of there will be violence," Lancel says to Cersei.

"I choose violence," Cersei replies defiantly.

Next, we see a number of fleeting images, including a Targaryen knight with two swords fighting Stark soldiers in a desert that hints at the Tower of Joy showdown and perhaps the resurrection of Jon Snow. 

The most intriguing image, however, is the return of Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright), last seen at the end of Season 4, who appears to be standing as he faces off against the Night's King.

This time, it's Davos who gets the final teasing line, remarking "I've never been much of a fighter.  Apologies for what you're about to see."

If you'd like to view the trailer, you can check it out below thanks to JoBlo TV on YouTube...




Game of Thrones returns to HBO for Season 6 on Sunday, April 24, 2016.

IRON FIST Casts Finn Jones as Danny Rand

From the Iron Throne to becoming like unto a thing of iron!

Entertainment Weekly has revealed that the upcoming Netflix series Iron Fist has cast Finn Jones in the lead role of Daniel "Danny" Rand, better known as Marvel Comics character the immortal Iron Fist!  Scott Buck will serve as showrunner on the series.  

Iron Fist will be the fourth Netflix adaptation of a Marvel Comics character, after Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage.  The four character are expected to team up in the miniseries The Defenders, following the release of Iron Fist.

Jones, 27, is an English actor best known as Ser Loras Tyrell on the HBO series Game of Thrones, and has appeared as Santiago Jones (grandson of Doctor Who character Jo Grant) on The Sarah Jane Adventures, as Jamie on the soap opera Hollyoaks, and Barrow in the 2014 version of Sleeping Beauty.

Created in 1974 by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane, Iron Fist first appeared in Marvel Premiere #15 as Danny Rand, the son of Wendell Rand, who discovered the mystical city of K'un-L'un as a young boy.  During his time in K'un L'un, Wendell saved the life of the city's ruler, Lord Tuan, and was adopted as Tuan's son.  However, Wendell eventually left K'un L'un and became a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States.  He married socialite Heather Duncan and together, they had a son named Daniel.

Wendell later organized an expedition to again seek out K'un L'un, taking his wife Heather, his business partner Harold Meachum, and nine-year-old Danny. During the journey up the mountain, Danny slipped off the path, causing his tie-rope to take his mother and father with him.  Meachum, who also loved Heather, forced Wendell to plunge to his death but offered to rescue Heather and Danny, although Heather refused his help.  Heather and Danny came across a makeshift bridge that appeared out of nowhere and were attacked by a pack of wolves.  Heather threw herself on the wolves to save Danny and was killed, even as archers from K'un L'un attempted to save her. The archers took the grieving Danny to see Yü-Ti, the mysterious hooded ruler of K'un L'un.  When Danny expressed his desire for vengeance, Yü-Ti sent him to Lei Kung, the Thunderer, who taught him the martial arts.

Daniel proved to be the most gifted of Lei Kung's students, conditioning his fists by plunging them into buckets of sand, gravel, and rock to toughen them.  At 19, Daniel was given the chance to attain the power of the Iron Fist by fighting and defeating the dragon Shou-Lao the Undying, who guarded the molten heart that had been torn from its body.  During the battle, Danny threw himself against the scar of Shou-Lao, which burned a dragon tattoo into his chest.  Having killed Shou-Lao, Danny entered its cave and plunged his fists into a brazier containing the creature's molten heart, emerging with the power of the Iron Fist.  It was later revealed that Danny is part of a long lineage of Iron Fists.

When K'un L'un reappeared on Earth after 10 years, Daniel left to find his father's killer. Returning to New York, Daniel Rand, dressed in the ceremonial garb of the Iron Fist, sought out Harold Meachum, now head of Meachum Industries.  After overcoming a number of attempts on his life, he confronted Meachum in his office, only to find the man legless, from an amputation carried out when he was caught in heavy snow and his legs became frostbitten after abandoning Danny and his mother.

Meachum accepted his fate and told Iron Fist to kill him.  Overcome with pity, Iron Fist walked away, but Meachum was murdered by a mysterious ninja, and his daughter Joy blamed Iron Fist for the death.  Eventually, Iron Fist cleared his name and began a career as a superhero, aided by his friends Colleen Wing and Misty Knight, falling in love with the latter.

While working undercover, Misty Knight infiltrated the organization of crime lord John Bushmaster.  When Bushmaster discovered Knight's treachery, he kidnapped Claire Temple and Noah Burstein, close associates of Luke Cage, better known as Power Man, and held them hostage to force Cage to eliminate Knight.  Danny helped Luke and the Daughters of the Dragon (Knight and Wing) battle Bushmaster, rescued Temple and Burstein, and obtained evidence that proved Luke's innocence of prior drug charges. Afterwards, Iron Fist and Power Man become partners, forming Heroes for Hire, Inc.

Iron Fist is expected to premiere on Netflix sometime in 2017.

Wizard World Columbus 2015: Day Two Photos

Wizard World Comic Con Columbus 2015 was all kinds of busy today at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, with William Shatner, Mike Tyson, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Emily Kinney, and others signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Sadly, David Ramsey was a no-show.


Even with a pretty flimsy celebrity guest roster and the lack of major comics creators, there was still a surprisingly heavy Saturday attendance.  I did some more bargain hunting, picked up a great Constantine t-shirt, and of course, got a lot of great cosplay photos.

Here are some of my photos from Day Two...

The Batman v Superman Batman armor starts off Day Two

Emily Kinney (Beth from Walking Dead, The Bug-Eyed Bandit on The Flash)

Genderbending Marty McFly is all dressed for 2015

Nebula from Guardians of the Galaxy is probably hunting Dave Bautista and Michael Rooker

See?  Melissandre brought Jon Snow back from the dead for Game of Thrones Season 6

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend Day Three this year, but if you'd like to see more pics from Wizard World Columbus, I've set up an album on my Facebook page HERE.  See you next year!

GAME OF THRONES Creators Confirm TV Show to Spoil Unpublished Novels

It's not much of a secret that George R.R. Martin, creator and writer of the epic fantasy novel series "A Song of Ice and Fire," has been a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to finishing his seven-book saga.  The fifth book, A Dance with Dragons, was released in 2011 and the sixth, The Winds of Winter, was recently confirmed by Martin's publisher as not seeing print until 2016 at the earliest.

So, it's not much of a surprise that Variety provided confirmation that the HBO television adaptation, Game of Thrones, will start spoiling Martin's last two unpublished books starting with Season 6.

Show creators David Benioff and Dan Weiss spoke at the Oxford Union over the weekend and addressed the issue of Game of Thrones reaching the finish line first.  "Luckily," remarked Benioff, "we’ve been talking about this with George for a long time, ever since we saw this could happen, and we know where things are heading.  And so we’ll eventually, basically, meet up at pretty much the same place where George is going.  There might be a few deviations along the route, but we’re heading towards the same destination.  I kind of wish that there were some things we didn’t have to spoil, but we’re kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.  The show must go on...and that’s what we’re going to do."

The article does mention that Martin has cancelled appearances at several conventions, which often contributed to his procrastination, so that he can finish The Winds of Winter, possibly as early as this summer.  However, as his fans know all too well by now, it won't happen 'til it happens.

And even if Martin does manage to get The Winds of Winter out before Season 6 begins airing on HBO, the odds of seeing the final book, A Dream of Spring, before the final Game of Thrones episode airs are about the same as being struck by lightning.  Twice.  

As for what this might do to sales of the final book whenever it does get released, Benioff was pretty optimistic, saying "I think the thing that’s kind of fun for George is the idea that he can still have surprises for people even once they’ve watched the show through to the conclusion.  There are certain things that are going to happen in the books that are different in the show, and I think people who love the show and want more—want to know more about the characters, want to know more about the different characters who might not have made the cut for the show—will be able to turn to the books."