US cable network HBO is to start filming its new medieval fantasy series A Game of Thrones in Belfast in June.
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HBO comes to Belfast
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'It's a coup' - Williams
A Game of Thrones is the first novel in a series of seven books entitled A Song of Ice and Fire, by acclaimed writer George RR Martin.
The series revolves around the fictional Seven Kingdoms and the adventures of Lord Stark of Winterfell and his children.
In 2009, a pilot episode was filmed at locations around the city, including the Paint Hall in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, where Hollywood Blockbuster City of Ember was shot in 2008.
Filming has also taken place in Scotland and Morocco.
An additional nine episodes starring Sean Bean as Eddard Stark, the honorable Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Alfie Allen, the brother of pop star Lily Allen, have now been commissioned by HBO.
The broadcaster has been behind a number of acclaimed productions including Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, Band Of Brothers, the Sopranos and the Wire.
Filming for the nine-part series is expected to last until the end of the year, with the show going to air next spring.
Hundreds of Northern Ireland-based cast and crew are set to work on the production alongside local producer Mark Huffam.
Rich Hill, chairman of Northern Ireland Screen, which worked with HBO and Invest NI to bring the project to the region, said
"This is a real coup for Northern Ireland and further cements our reputation as a leading centre for film and television production, as we continue driving global growth in one of the most powerful and vibrant industries in the world".
It is thought the new series could generate £20m of investment for the Northern Ireland economy.
First Minister Peter Robinson welcomed the news that filming would return to the area.
"Securing a project of this size and scale by a worldwide brand such as HBO is a major coup for Northern Ireland," he said.
"This announcement is also a major endorsement of our local talent and of the calibre of people that we can provide to potential investors" he added.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the announcement by "major player in TV production is further evidence of what we have to offer."
Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Arts Minister Nelson McCausland also hailed the investment.
The makers hope each novel in the series will produce a season's worth of episodes.
© UTV News