Peter Dinklage plays 'Game of Thrones' for HBO

HBO's fantasy pilot "Game of Thrones" has found one of its stars in Peter Dinklage and a director in Tom McCarthy, who directed Dinklage in "The Station Agent."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dinklage has signed to play a character named Tyrion in the pilot, which is based on author George R.R. Martin's "Song of Fire and Ice" novels ("Game of Thrones" is the title of the first book). Considered an outsider by many of the other characters in the series, the astute but flawed Tyrion is a favorite among fans of the books, and several chapters are told from his point of view.

Dinklage will add the pilot to an already very busy schedule that includes several indie projects, Neil LaBute's "Death at a Funeral" and the comedy "I Love You Too," opposite "Chuck" star Yvonne Strahovski.

The pilot also marks a reunion for Dinklage and McCarthy, who will take his first shot at directing for TV -- as well as directing a large-scale epic. His two feature films, "The Station Agent" and the Independent Spirit Award-winning "The Visitor," have been smaller, character-based pieces. (McCarthy is also an actor who counts "The Wire" and "Michael Clayton" among his credits.)

"Game of Thrones" is scheduled to film over the summer in Northern Ireland, the HR says. David Benioff ("Wolverine") and D.B. Weiss wrote the pilot script and will executive produce. Former HBO Entertainment president Carolyn Strauss is is among the co-executive producers.

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