HBO has scrapped its much-hyped Game of Thrones prequel series starring Hollywood actress Naomi Watts.

The news comes as the US studio confirmed it is moving forward with a different prequel – set to feature a hell of a lot more dragon.

The binned series had already filmed a pilot episode in Northern Ireland and was set thousands of years before the original.

Announced with the working title, ‘The Long Night’ it was set during Westeros’ Age of Heroes and was set to reveal the “true origin of the White Walkers.”

#HouseOfTheDragon, a #GameofThrones prequel is coming to @HBO.

The series is co-created by @GRRMSpeaking and Ryan Condal. Miguel Sapochnik will partner with Condal as showrunner and will direct the pilot and additional episodes. Condal will be writing the series. pic.twitter.com/9ttMzElgXm

— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) October 29, 2019

Hours after cancelling the series, HBO confirmed that it had ordered a full series of a different prequel entitled House of the Dragon.

Based on the ‘Fire and Blood’ book released by George RR Martin last year, it will follow the Targaryen family’s rise to power in Westeros.

The book follows the family over multiple generations with Volume One containing 150 years of history.

Emmy-winning director Miguel Sapochnik will direct the pilot and a number of other while Colony creator Ryan Condal will write the script.

Sapochnik directed some of the most famous Game of Throne episodes – including “Battle of the Bastards,” “Hardhome” and “The Long Night.”