Game Of Thrones prequel announced on new HBO streaming service

A Game Of Thrones prequel series has been announced but there is no word on when it will be released in the UK.

The series will debut on HBO’s upcoming streaming service in the US, which launches in May next year, where it will cost $14.99 (£11.65) a month.

The series – called House Of The Dragon – will begin with 10 episodes and focuses on the House of Targaryen 300 years before the original series.

It was co-created by George RR Martin, whose books the original series is based on.

Speaking when the spin-off was announced, HBO said it would feature “the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour”.

British actress Emilia Clarke played the role of Daenerys Targaryen in eight seasons of Game Of Thrones but casting for the prequel has not been announced.

The news comes after it was reported that HBO’s first prequel of Game of Thrones, starring Naomi Watts, was no longer happening.

Game Of Thrones ran on Sky Atlantic in the UK and came to an end earlier this year after eight seasons.

US cable network HBO will be hoping the prequel gives it an advantage as it enters an increasingly competitive market.

Disney and Apple are due to launch streaming services in the coming months to challenge dominant player Netflix.