Dinklage is the perfect choice for the role of Tyrion. If the other roles are cast as perfectly as this one, this series will be amazing. For those that want to follow the news of this series more closely, check out this blog: http://winter-is-coming.blogspot.com/ They are doing a great job keeping up-to-date on the project.

And as far as the series being the "greatest fantasy series ever", I think it is too early to decide that. But I don't think you need to have just one anyway, many different fantasy series are great for different reasons.

Also I completely disagree with the notion that Martin's books are derivative. One of the great things about this series is how it shuns a lot of the typical fantasy cliches and is willing to portray a more realistic fantasy world. Should make for some fantastic television.

What happened to Dinklage playing Mongo the Magnificent?

It's a great series of books -- it doesn't have to be compared to anything else or put into competition -- it stands on its own as a well-written character drama. Martin has an extensive TV background, and the books have been written in such a way that a media adaptation was almost inevitable. The British/HBO method of a specific number of episodes for a "season" has always made the most sense, especially given the many plot threads and characters.

Honestly, if The Tudors can be popular, this should blow the roof off as it picks up on the soap opera elements of the doings of royalty while also having a certain amount of fantasy to keep things interesting. (and I like The Tudors, but having to follow actual history -- even in the loose way that The Tudors does -- limits the full extent that it can go).

And yes, Dinklage is perfect for Tyrion, the dwarf son who is the standout character in the series. This could possibly be the real breakout role for Dinklage, as Tyrion will allow him to show his real range. I've been excited about this pilot since it was announced that it was actually going to happen, but now I'm almost giddy.

@Schwack: A large number of readers (and the numbers required for a bestseller aren't that big) is a lot different than "best fantasy series ever written". Is Martin popular?yes. Is there a significantly large group of people that consider it the "best fantasy series ever written"? No. To call it a consensus is extreme hyperbole.

This is perfect casting. Ever since seeing Dinklage in Threshold he's always been the person I pictured in my mind when reading these great novels.

This guy is a fantastic actor. I've seen The Station Agent several times, and loved it. Can't wait for his new series.

If by consensus you mean "this is the favorite of a small and vocal group of fantasy reader", then yes it must be the consensus favorite.

It is just as derivative as the majority of fantasy written in the last 50 years or so. It does have the distinction of being slightly more realistic and character driven than most, but it offers nothing really new.

I do think it will adapt well to an HBO series, and I do look forward to seeing it on the small screen. Cable tv series offer a far better opportunity to visually present a novel than film does.

This is the consensus best fantasy series ever written, including LoTR.

It doesn't have a lot of magic and monters (although there is a little). It's more like a Medeval version of Deadwood or the Sopranos. Very violent and brutal, perfect for HBO.

The character played by Dinklage is one of the all time great fantasy roles.