"Game of Thrones" star Kit Harington is coming back to HBO way earlier than the rest of the North as he stars in the miniseries "Gunpowder."
Cable channel HBO has announced that it will air the three-part thriller produced by BBC One. "Gunpowder" is based on the 17th-century true story about Guy Fawkes Day, an annual event celebrated in the United Kingdom every Nov. 5.
Also known as Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes Day commemorates the discovery of a plot to blow up the House of Parliament in London in 1605.
Harington plays the role of Robert Catesby, a devout Catholic who was the center of the conspiracy against the government. At that time, Protestants were running England and were openly prosecuting Catholics. Despite this, Catesby refused to denounce his religion, which brought him "to the edge of financial, social and psychological ruin."
Apart from being the main protagonist, Harington is also a co-executive producer of the show. It is one that is particularly personal for the actor, being a descendant of Catesby himself.
"Three years ago, Daniel West and I conceived and began developing 'Gunpowder' with Kudos and Ronan Bennett," said Harington in an official statement. "We are now thrilled to share this unique story with the U.S. audience. I can't think of a better place to do that than my home at HBO."
The pay cable, for its part, said it is "delighted" to give Harington a stage to showcase a project that is really close to his heart.
"Kit's passion for and belief in 'Gunpowder' are evident in every frame of the miniseries," said Kary Antholis, HBO miniseries and Cinemax programming president.
Apart from Harington, "Gunpowder" also stars Peter Mullan, Mark Gatiss and Liv Tyler. It will premiere on Dec. 18, 10 p.m. EST, with the next episodes airing on the following nights at the same time.
