‘Game of Thrones’ Sets, Locations in Northern Ireland to Become Tourist Attractions
By Stewart Clarke
LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – “Game of Thrones” may be nearing its end, but key locations are primed to live on and fans will soon be able to visit Westeros under plans being developed by HBO to convert the hit show’s Northern Ireland sets and filming locations into tourist attractions.
Exactly what will be kept and made accessible has not been decided. is looking at letting fans into locations including Winterfell, Castle Black, and Kings Landing. It is also considering running a tour of Linen Mill Studios to showcase subject matter from the series.
HBO promised to “open up the archives” as part of the “ Legacy” attractions, which it said will be “on a scale and scope bigger than anything the public has ever seen.” In addition to the sets themselves, there will be costumes, props, weapons, models, and other production materials. These will be complemented by digital and interactive content.
Jeff Peters, VP of licensing and retail for HBO, said that the attractions will “celebrate the work of the ‘Game of Thrones’ creative team and crew by preserving these locations and inviting fans to visit Northern Ireland and explore Westeros in person.”
HBO has already sought to exploit its hit series off-screen with a wide range of merchandise and live experiences, including a touring exhibition and a live concert.
“We look forward to opening the gates and sharing the excitement of stepping inside these amazing sets with ‘Game of Thrones’ fans from around the world,” Peters said of the Northern Ireland attractions. “The opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland’s pivotal role in the life and legacy of the show and share its culture, beauty and warmth is also a huge inspiration behind these legacy projects.”
HBO will reveal more after an exploratory process. It has set a tentative goal of opening the attractions in 2019.
The U.K. is already home to Warner Bros.’ highly successful “The Making of Harry Potter” studio tour outside London.
