The direwolf debate

HBO has a tough decision to make about the direwolves. In the book, a full grown direwolf is said to be as large as a pony. Obviously there are no wolves or dogs that grow that large in the real world. Using computer animation seems to be the only way to get across the size of these beasts. But in doing so you use up more of the budget and run the risk of it looking cheesy. Is the trade off, in the interest of adhereing to the book’s description, worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

1) CGI. This seems like the only feasible way to get an accurate portrayal of the direwolves. The advantage of using CGI is it makes the filming easier as you don’t have to deal with real animals on set and the challenges that presents. CGI animals can also be made to be more expressive (although I’m sure they wouldn’t do it in a cartoonish way), which can give the wolves more character. The disadvantages I’ve already mentioned: it is costlier and runs the risk of looking cheap or cheezy if not done well.

2) Real animals. Doing this keeps the series more realistic and less fantastical. It also is cheaper. The disadvantages are that you will not be able to accurately reflect the size of the animals. Also it can be hard to work with animals on set, especially when you add child actors to the mix. Getting the perfect shot could take a while. Of course, having an actual animal for the actors to interact with could produce better acting results.

3) Hybrid. This option includes using the best of both worlds. Use real animals when the direwolves are younger and smaller (basically the first season). Then switch to CGI as they outgrow the average dog/wolf. A nice advantage to this approach is that once they need to start using CGI, the series will have already been a success, so an increase in budget to get realistic looking CGI should be attainable. The big disadvantage I see is that they may be shooting themselves in the foot by featuring real animals at first, as that is the standard people will judge the CGI by in subsequent seasons. Using CGI from the outset may allow people to more easily suspend their disbelief.

Tough decision for sure and one that HBO will have to get right to get people interested in the show. Those who are anti-fantasy may be turned off by an obvious CGI fantasy element from the outset of the series. Since it seems HBO is going for a more realistic angle overall, real animals may be the route they take.

But what do you think? I updated the poll in the sidebar with this question. So vote there for your preferred option and discuss in the post here why you voted that way!

• Published on 07/02/2009 at 10:23 AM CDT
• Last updated on 10/03/2011 at 10:19 AM CDT