HBO has placed a first season order of nine episodes plus the pilot for the long-awaited Game of Thrones, based on the George R.R. Martin novels, according to Hollywood Reporter.  Production will begin in June, in Belfast.  Casting has long been underway, with Lena Headey one of the final pieces (see “Lena Headey in Game of Thrones” and “HBO’s Game of Throne Casting”). 

The series will premiere in Spring 2011.