While we wait for the official announcement, let’s continue to speculate on future castings. This time we’ll turn our attention to the head of the Lannister family, Tywin. Tywin’s role in the first season is relatively small, however it does expand in subsequent seasons. Even so, his role never gets too large. This seems like a good role for an experienced and somewhat well-known actor to come in and really shine. Let’s take a look at a few of the possibilities.
Patrick Stewart – A man who needs no introduction, Sir Patrick has appeared in countless films, television shows and stage productions. Most notable among them, Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men trilogy. Looks-wise I think he is a good fit. Another plus is he would bring with him a decent sized fan base. Fans of Star Trek and X-Men are definitely the types of folks that could become huge fans of the show and having Captain Picard/Prof. Xavier in the cast will give them a reason to watch. One potential issue though is that Stewart has the tendency to gravitate toward “good guy” roles, so he might not see Tywin as a good fit.
Bill Nighy – Another easily recognizable actor, he doesn’t however have quite the name recognition of Stewart. Still Nighy has appeared in dozens of popular films over the past decade, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Underworld and soon-to-be popping up in the film series that seems to have employed all the best British actors over the past few years, Harry Potter. Nighy doesn’t quite have the look I imagined for Tywin, but the actors they cast for Jaime and Cersei weren’t a perfect fit either and that seemed to work out just fine. They’d have to see what he looks like bald first, but I think they could make it work.
Charles Dance – Although not as well known as the previous two gentlemen (at least not in the States), Dance is still an experienced actor. The bulk of his acting work has come in television. Perhaps his best role was as Mr. Tulkinghorn on the BBC drama Bleak House for which he received an Emmy nomination. He also has a Belfast connection, having worked on Your Highness, which of course filmed in the Paint Hall just prior to Game of Thrones. Whereas the role of Tywin may be a little off-type for Stewart, it is right in Dance’s wheelhouse as he tends to play the powerful villain type. Looks-wise, I think he is perfect. He has that steely gaze that just screams Tywin to me.
Alan Dale – The only non-Brit on this list, Dale was born in New Zealand and started his acting career there and in Australia. He starred on the Australian show Neighbours for 8 years and after leaving there decided to move to the States. Since then he has appeared on quite a few popular US TV shows, including The O.C., Ugly Betty, Lost and HBO’s own, Entourage. He looks most like how I imagined Tywin to look, just slap some mutton chops on him and he would be perfect. Despite not being British he most likely does belong to British Equity (an important element to getting cast it seems) as he starred in the West End production, Spamalot. We’ll see if that is enough to get him cast.
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192 Comments
Clancy Brown
TrademarkTMQuote Reply
Dance is an awesome choice. He would be perfect for Tywin.
CountQuote Reply
FIRST!
and Charles Dance all the way!
JuhanQuote Reply
Alan Dale, that's my vote. Love the guy.
@DigitalMourningQuote Reply
If I have to choose between the four above, I would chose Charles Dance.____But, Rutger Hauer would be also fine.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Ed Harris
K26dpQuote Reply
Alan Dale IS Tywin. No one else comes close.
Chi17Quote Reply
captain picard!
in all seriousness though, i like dance for this role.
nicoleQuote Reply
for me, I always imagined Tywin Lannister as someone like Jeff Bridges in Iron Man, so I go for Jeff Bridges as another possibility…
JavierQuote Reply
I know he's not British, but I still picture Kurtwood Smith. GRRM endorses it!
@esc_keyQuote Reply
I'm a fan of Patrick Stewart but in a few of his roles he gets dangerously close to self-parody. Of the people you listed I prefer Dance. He looks great and has the acting chops to do the role. I've only seen Dale in Lost so I can only picture him as Widmore.
@ddaimyoQuote Reply
I actually like either of the lesser-known guys for Tywin. I adore both Stewart and Nighy as actors, but neither of them fits my mental image of Tywin very well – Stewart for presence/voice, Nighy for looks. Dale I've seen in a few things and I think he could pull it off. Dance sure has the right look, at least.
@bluecanaryQuote Reply
Clancy Brown would be awesome, but I think I'd always hear Mr. Crabs whenever he spoke.
David MooreQuote Reply
Clancy Brown is my perfect Tywin. He is who I've always pictured as the character.
Steven ScottQuote Reply
Still standing by RUTGER HAUER for Tywin. Just give him the hair-do and all set.
http://blog.nj.com/ledgerentertainment/large_2RUT…
…ryan
Ryan DunnQuote Reply
from the looks, Dale is almost exactly what I pictured the character like. Vote on him
StuQuote Reply
In my opinion, the best match for the role of Tywin is Alan Dale. This is based solely on looks as I haven't seem him act yet…
@ipopicQuote Reply
That's weird, I imagined him as Jeff Bridges in Iron Man as well. I don't think it's likely to happen though, and I think Charles Dance is probably a better fit overall.
LynonQuote Reply
Joining the folks calling for Alan Dale. He just fits what I've always pictured.
And the bio should note more heavily his role on Lost. Plays a very rich and powerful man who knows how to use that might to get what he wants.
AdamQuote Reply
I was just going to post a suggestion for Ruther Hauer…guess i'm not the only one who think he might be a good fit :) He has the look , the evil stare and the acting ability and history.
about others
Patrick Stewart – Brilliant actor, but misses a thing I always pictured Tywin has. A look of contempt for all those around him. Something both Bill Nighy and especially Alan Dale have. I don't know the 4th guy so I won't comment on him. Bill Nighty tends to shine more in comedic parts.
Overall those 3 and Ruther would make an amazing Tywin IMHO.
Hubert KornalskiQuote Reply
I love Alan Dale, but that might be because I'm a LOST-aholic. I never pictured him as Tywin before this…but now I can't get it out of my head. Great call!!
@AjanelewisQuote Reply
Great choice Winter, but none are being considered by HBO. At least not seriously. Here's a hint for everyone — this actor has been on HBO before and this part wouldn't be much be much a stretch for him.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
Dale would be awesome. There has to be a role for Ian McShane somewhere in this series though.
VanLongQuote Reply
Yea you can't really go wrong with any of these actors. Hauer's a good choice too.
dizzy34Quote Reply
is Hauer out too?
nicoleQuote Reply
Alan Dale, 'nuff said
Warlock of QarthQuote Reply
Alan Dale. Definitely how I imagined Tywin. Of course any of these actors would work.
@nickdenningQuote Reply
Any of them would be fine, but I have always wanted to see Patrick Stewart in the series.
ECUdanQuote Reply
Ed Harris was the guy I thought about, but I like Alan Dale the most out of your choices.
@seanachieQuote Reply
Always a Charles Dance supporter here. On top of many reasons, his height (Imdb lists him as 6'3'') would be a splendid contrast against Tyrion.
But didn't mind Alan Dale or Bill Nighy though.
CaedesQuote Reply
Ian McShane for Davos? :)
Hubert KornalskiQuote Reply
Charles Dance was one of the first and most evident casting choice for me when I assembled my dream cast list a long time ago. He is the perfect Tywin, a terrific, very charismatic actor, and he can scare me sh*tless just with his gaze. :) He and the John Simm/Littlefinger pairings are the two which I'm rooting for the most. Well, okay, maybe I would make do with Stewart or Ed Harris. (Interestingly, while I know he is much older than the role, when reading the books I often pictured Patrick Stewart as Stannis.:)
@gaines_Quote Reply
Charles Dance. Alan Dale would be an interesting choice as well. As much as I like Patrick Stewart as an actor, I don't think he has the inherent ruthlessness / complete self-absorption that Tywin needs.
QueenBeeQuote Reply
Alan Dale would fit the role really well I think.
@sallyarmstrongQuote Reply
I would like to see Rutger Hauer or David Bowie in this role. I have to say I'm kind of sick of seeing Alan Dale in the rich a**hole role.
@wabawangaQuote Reply
Alan Dale definitely. Stewart is maybe too famous and too trustworthy looking. If Alan could play his character from the OC and LOST, I think that'd be perfect. Narcissistic, cunning, and regal to a T.
JasonQuote Reply
I'm not familiar with Dance, but he looks perfect for the role.
ToddQuote Reply
what about Sting? he has the look and is a pretty good actor.
http://www.propertyinvesting.net/cgi-script/csNew…
nicoleQuote Reply
If Ian McShane is up for this role, I would be very pleased indeed. He’s played the two of the best villains in recent TV, and made them both somehow enjoyable to watch. How perfect for the head of the Lannister clan and the father of two villains you can’t help but root for?
plemingQuote Reply
I imagined Nighy while reading, until Tywin first got a proper description, then I imagined Dale all the way but would back Dance for the role too
LegionQuote Reply
Kurtwood Smith would be excellent. I picture Tywin as an older Clarence Boddicker :)
DanQuote Reply
Thinking about it, Clarence didn’t seem particularly fond of whores either – ‘Bitches leave!’.
DanQuote Reply
You right, Sting has got the proper look.
Tough, never thought of him, till now.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Aaaah my post disappeared again when I logged in! Stupid #%$%#! I'll have to try to reconstruct then.
Alan Dale would be perfect! I've only seen him in LOST, but his character there is so much like Tywin in both presence and that stare of contempt. Just look at that picture above, it litterally screams Tywin IMO. His voice fits perfectly as well.
Charles Dance looks like he would fit too, without me having any knowledge of his acting. I think Patrick Stewart would be great too, if he could manage to stop looking so nice.
@sunvincibleQuote Reply
Ian McShane
shadallionQuote Reply
Man, why are people rejecting Nighy for his looks? Nighy would be terrific–he's the best actor of the four listed, intimidating and believably uptight without looking like a brawler (which is the problem with McShane). Everything else is just superficial stuff that shouldn't matter. And may I add that I find it kind of ridiculous that Patrick Stewart is always the go-to fanboy choice for bald characters, no matter how ill-suited he is otherwise? Reducing an actor to their superficial appearance shows pretty limited thinking.
PranksterQuote Reply
Out of those? I'd choose Charles Dance. I don't recall seeing him in anything, but watching the photo, his face seems perfect to me, look-wise.
Patrick Stewart… I just don't see Tywin in him at all and have the feeling that he's suggested here because he fits the bill of an well-known, elderly and bald actor.
Bill Nighy… Nah. He has the needed coldness, but I don't see the hardness that also accompanies good ol' Tywin.
Alan Dale is the opposite of Nighy. He looks hard and tough, but almost to the point of being a bit thuggish and down to earth. Tywin needs to have cold elegance as well as toughness.
RinzoQuote Reply
Ian McShane is an awesome actor, I love him – but he’s not Tywin.
DanQuote Reply
Patrick Stewart is my pick for Syrio.
Critical_GeekQuote Reply
Another great list WiC
Patrick Stewart-Wouldn't be against it, but I've always pictured Tywin a little bigger than Patrick Stewart, a little more intimidating.
Bill Nighy-This had never crossed my mind until now, and I like it. Nighy is great and could give Tywin that presence.
Charles Dance-I'm not too familiar with this guy but he's got the looks.
Alan Dale-Since Lost, Dale's Widmore is pretty much how I picture Tywin.
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
Okay I'll bite :)
I'll say Ciaran Hinds.
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
What is the age range we're looking for? Is Terrence Stamp too old?
NymeriaQuote Reply
Dan…IF Ian MacShane was cast as Tywin, and was in character, would you dare tell him to his face he was wrong for the role? *s*
TPFKA Thoros of MyrQuote Reply
Ok Michael I'll bite. Assuming you aren't getting your information from under a bridge, I'm guessing by the hints you may be refering to McShane. If so, I hope you are right. He has been my personal fave for Tywin since before the pilot was greenlit.
Out of the choices Winter gives I'd have to go with Dale. I can definately see him as Tywin. Remember, the book virtually paints Twyin as a lion in man's clothing. Dale looks the most…lionish (leonine???) out of the group.
Stewart is great, but he looks much more the raptor than the big cat. Besides, He IS my Syrio. I can't read the books without seeing Patrick as the water dancer.
Lord Ned's HeadQuote Reply
As to Tywin being against type for Stewart I saw him to do an awsome Mcbeth in the west end 2 years ago. Not exactly a good guy.
kallorQuote Reply
I'm not really picky about the casting unless it is someone I am really vested in, and while I like Tywin, he was not one of my favorites. Any of these actors could do a great job, along with others not officially mentioned like Ian McShane, Rutger Hauer, and Ed Harris. They could pull one of those 7 names out of a hat and the role would still be in great hands.
John Doman from The Wire (Major Rawls) could also do a good job. Whether Michael tells the truth or not, with HBO it is always important to look to their other shows, because they do repeat a lot of people.
Tyler MetcalfeQuote Reply
I know he's not British, but since we're being fanciful – I'd love Christopher Walken for the part. I guess Dance would do it for me as well though.
ramatimiQuote Reply
Alan Dale, no hesitation. Every time I saw him playing Charles Widmore on Lost, before there was even a rumor of an ASOIAF TV series, I kept telling myself : this *is* Tywin Lannister.
FrankyQuote Reply
Charles Dance is my perfect Tywin.
ButterbumpsQuote Reply
Alan Dale!
Brian BaldingerQuote Reply
Doman is american, I think if it wolud be an american actor it would be an exception. (like Dinklage – everyones favorite and Momoa – perhaps they could not find better Khal).
But, we can still dreaming of our choices, at least for now.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Hmm…out of those four, I couldn't really say. I love Stewart and Nighy, but I'm not sure how I feel about either of them playing Tywin. The other two I'm not familiar with, but they both look like possible good choices.
Personally I've always loved the idea of Kenneth Branagh for Tywin, ever since he stole my girlish heart with his spectacular performance in Hamlet :)
http://www.stephanenormandin.com/heros/fichiers/b…
p.s. First post! :]
KangaQuote Reply
Ian McShane is the villain in the fourth PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN movie, which is shooting in a few months and will remove him from the equation, for 2010-11 anyway.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Seconded. Or maybe Selmy.
pualoQuote Reply
Ian McShane or Dance.
trolQuote Reply
I like the thought of Jeff Bridges in Obadiah Stane mode as Tywin myself.
Never seen Dance before, but the dude looks pretty spot-on.
Jonathan LeardQuote Reply
Assuming the Sourcenator is being accurate, I'm going to go for:
Kenneth Cranham – highly experienced British character actor. An excellent, very reliable performer. HBO connection: he played Pompey Magnus magnificently in the first season of ROME. The episode where Pompey is fleeing after being defeated by Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus and runs into Pullo and Vorenus is one of the best episodes of the series, mostly sold by Cranham's multi-facted performance. If he was Tywin, I would be very happy indeed.
Brian Cox – Another very experienced British (Scottish, actually) actor. High-profile as well, with recent (ish) major roles in the likes of TROY, THE BOURNE SUPREMACY and X-MEN 2. HBO connection: appeared in DEADWOOD. A very good actor and could do the role justice, but he does have a slight tendency to oveact if not reigned in by a good director. His Agamemnon in TROY was entertaining but did chew up the scenery. He could be very solid in GoT as Tywin, but I think I'd prefer Cranham.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
But Macbeth is a *much* different character than Tywin. Macbeth is sort of lost & swept along on tides that he cannot control. He's not really all that strong a character, being so heavily influenced by his wife and going bonkers throughout the play. Tywin would NEVER let a woman control his actions to that extent, and wouldn't lose control enough to go insane either.
QueenBeeQuote Reply
While McShane could easily capture the character of Tywin I really can’t see him being bald with blonde sideburns or just blonde (if they decided to let Tywin have hair).
Out of the others listed I think Charles Dance would be the best choice.
MormegilQuote Reply
As I say elsewhere, I wouldn't rule out Malcolm McDowell or Ciaran Hinds, but with Ian McShane doing the new PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN movie, that really for me narrows it down to Brian Cox (from DEADWOOD) or the extremely good and undernoticed Kenneth Cranham (from ROME).
It's more of an outside chance, but maybe Tom Wilkinson (from JOHN ADAMS)?
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
I like Christopher Plummer for this role.
To the scifi crowd he is probably best known at General Kang in Star Trek 6 the Undiscovered Country.
Valyrian SteelQuote Reply
I was going to add Kenneth Cranham to my post too but my post disappeared for awhile and I just now found it.
He was really good in Rome.
It really all depends how old they're going with Tywin.
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
Brian Cox is a bit fat to be Tywin. Cox would make a splendid "Old Bear" Mormont, though.
Dennis BrennanQuote Reply
As for the 4 choices WiC has presented – I'm not really sold on any of them really. I like Stewart, but I don't see Tywin when I look at him. I'm not familiar with Dance or Dale, but Dale has the right look. As for Nighy, he's not someone that I ever would have thought of for the part, but it's a very intriguing suggestion.
As for some of the other suggestions being thrown out…
Brian Cox – Simply not a fan of
Kenneth Cranham – Great actor, but doesn't look right; could live with his casting though
Ian McShane – I absolutely hate the idea; too thuggish looking
Christopher Plummer – 20 years ago, sure – he's way too old now (80)
So, in summary, I guess my vote goes to Nighy or Cranham. 'Tis a shame Plummer is too old, he really would have been a great choice.
meggyoQuote Reply
i ALWAYS think of ed harris as tywin
EMPQuote Reply
Jeff Bridges in Ironman is how I picture him as well, but it will never happen. Pacard would have been cool about 10 years ago. I think he looks to old now.
JasonQuote Reply
Bill Nighy all the way! I'm a fan of all these choices though.
RerQuote Reply
I'm guessing Michael's clue is referring to someone from Rome, which featured plenty of Brits of the right age. Ciaran Hinds, maybe?
PranksterQuote Reply
Hmm Can't see Christopher Walken as Tywin but he's make a hell of a Roose Bolton.
Lord Ned's HeadQuote Reply
Taking Michael’s suggestion of an HBO alum, I submit Terry Kinney (Mcmanus) and J.K. Simmons (Schillinger) from “Oz.”
OdysseusQuote Reply
Oh yeah I almost forgot. I'ts now March! WHERE'S THE ANNOUNCEMENT HBO??? WHAT THE HELL IS THE HOLDUP????? ;P
Lord Ned's HeadQuote Reply
kallor- I agree that Stewart has has plenty of experience with not-so-nice guys, Shylock and Mackers to name a couple!
BlueQuote Reply
Ian MacShane.
If Lena Headey can go blond, he can go blond or bald too.
texdionisQuote Reply
oh, I like this idea. He has a vague likeness to Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. For some reason I really want to see rockstar or someone big in the 80s in this role. I have no idea why.
@wabawangaQuote Reply
Ok, he is not bald but Ian McShane made a great tyrant in Kings and he would be my #! pick for Papa Lannister.
Romulo DevilokiQuote Reply
Patrick Stewart is always how I pictured Tywin.
Darth QuixoteQuote Reply
Taking Michael's hints purely for game value (rather than outright truth, to avoid the old arguments) I'd like to think Tywin may come from Rome or John Adams, given how many people have shown up from shows/movies cast by Nina Gold already. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with either project to suggest who it might be.
Still, I'd agree that one could infer McShane from the hints.
@sgnpQuote Reply
Um, if they haven't greenlit the project yet why have they started "seriously" considering ANYONE for the role? Especially if they "aren't in love" with the pilot.
go falconsQuote Reply
I'm gonna chime in with all the Charles Dancers. I used to be a Stewart-as-Tywin fan but I've come to realize he's probably a bit old, and maybe too nice-looking.
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
Dance is perfect for the role and would definitely get my vote. Dale is good but having seen him play similar roles many times before, it would just bore me.
Josh.JQuote Reply
You need someone old enough to believably be Dinklage's father. That rules alot of these suggestions out.
CommodoreQuote Reply
I think Tywin might look somewhat different on screen than he is described in the books. He has a tough look to pull off on the screen from his book description. I think they will focus on getting a good actor to play the role rather than focus on the exact look.
Ryan EQuote Reply
Anyone who's not familiar with Dance, I just recently rediscovered he's got a major role in Alien 3. Pretty amazing in it.
@sgnpQuote Reply
Always pictured Barristan as Patrick Stewart!
Ryan EQuote Reply
Dale for Tywin Lannister. This leaves Nighy free to play Balon Greyjoy… a role he's perfect for.
BrianQuote Reply
Nighy as Balon, now that is an intriguing idea…I could definitely see that. :)
KangaQuote Reply
Naw, man. Sean Connery will always be my unreasonable fantasy pick for Ser Barristan Selmy.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
If Michael Hogan's available, I'd love to see him as Lord Tywin.
@klyngsterQuote Reply
Thank you!
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
It's called covering your bases. This isn't the Sopranos. It's a big, big show with an ensemble cast that only gets bigger. Casting is a big process.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
New hint: this actor acted alongside a man that many really, really want to be in the series aswell…
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
i think all of these actors are fantastic! nighy and dance are pretty much who i pictured but i trust casting at this point. i am SOOO excited about the next round of casting. agh!
the idea of ian mcshane as tywin makes the air on my arms stand-up. he is one of my favorite actors.
educatedponyQuote Reply
Dale would be my first pick as his work in Lost has been excellent but Stewart looks more how I imagined Tywin.
Jarred MelanconQuote Reply
Stewart as Syrio is a great idea! For Tywin, he's too slight.
thegourmezQuote Reply
Of the 4 listed by Winter, I'd go with Dance. I finally recently saw Bleak House and he was just amazing in it. He's such a powerful, fearsome presence – he perfectly commands the screen the way that I imagined Tywinn to control every moment he is in.
Now, if Michael's info is true, I think we're looking at a few possibilities, most already mentioned. The one that hasn't been, and would seem way outside the box, and I don't think I've ever heard him do an English accent, is Powers Boothe, who played Cy Tolliver in "Deadwood." Boothe would have the physical power and screen presence the role requires, the big question for me is can he do the accent. I think I've only ever heard him do his own Texas drawl.
BrudeQuote Reply
I've been on the Alan Dale bandwagon for a while. I think he is perfect for Tywin and being a Lost fan I know he can play that type of character. Plus he is presumably much more affordable than Stewart (and who really wants to see Picard play such an sob?) the only other actor i'd stand fully behind like Dale is Michael Hogan or Saul Tigh from Battlestar. I think he would also make a great Tigh, but my choice is still Dale.
Matt FinkQuote Reply
Daniel Benzali would be perfect to play Tywin. Right look, right age, and DB has played overbearing characters before.
nightwisp1956Quote Reply
I'd love Charles Dance to play Tywin, he's so deserving of major stardom.
ThomasQuote Reply
I could see him for Stannis, even though I know Stannis is only supposed to be around 35-40 I've always pictured him older.
dysfunctionQuote Reply
For Stannis I;d like to see Tom Hardy. For his Red Priestess Marina Annasina a former olympic Ice Dancer would fit the bill.
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
Patrick Stewart all the way as Lord Tywin and make it so!
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
Yes, Jeff Bridges. Let's have some Yanks! He may be very hard to get after the Oscars,
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
Tge guy who played George Washington in John Adams would be good as Tywin.
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
Jeff Bridges as Barristan!
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
I could second that.
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
Another outside the box character would be Kevin Costner as Lord Tywin.
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
I don't see any harm in trying to figure out who Michael's talking about, whether or not you think his information is accurate. I mean, if we're all bored and waiting.
All of my thoughts go to Deadwood and the Wire, but that's simply because I haven't seen Rome or John Adams. Several different people have been listed that could fit as a man that many "really ,really want," but might it be a hint that the Tywin actor is one that's *less* popular than another actor from an HBO series that's been mentioned here?
Some may not think it's worth the effort, as with GRRM we for sure would have a payoff at the end, but if we're interested for sure, I suggest we consolidate Michael's hints and think about who could match all of them.
1) This actor has been on HBO before
2) This part wouldn't be much be much a stretch for him.
3) Acted alongside a man that many really, really want to be in the series as well.
4) Not any of WIC's choices.
Again, folks, I'm not suggesting that the person we're getting has been cast. Even in Michael's version of events the actor's simply a favorite who will probably be tapped for the role if the series gets picked up.
Micheal, some questions:
1) Are 1-4 above accurate?
2) Is there anything you've said that I've missed, or any other hints?
3) I'm guessing that if we guess the actor about whom you're thinking, you won't actually tell us, correct?
@sgnpQuote Reply
I always liked Ed Harris for the part.
N/AQuote Reply
Sting is the perfect Mance actually… Well perhaps not perfect, but he could pull it off oh so well…
Patrick L EllisQuote Reply
I've heard a lot of people say they really, really want Garret Dillahunt to be in the series in some capacity. I think this bodes well for McShane or someone else from Deadwood.
Mosquito WenziQuote Reply
Much has to happen for this actor — heck, any actor — to be on the show. And yes, one through four is accurate. I'll hand out another clue: he has worked for a long time as an actor and some would say he hasn't been given his due yet.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
Can you at least tell us the character everyone wanted to see the unnamed costar cast as?
chi17Quote Reply
It's Tywin. Was I not clear on that or am I misunderstanding you?
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
You said he acted with someone who many people wanted to see in the series as well. Which character did everyone want the other actor to play?
chi17Quote Reply
His name would be the tell, unfortunately. And that would ruin the mystery. So, here's another clue: this actor has worked with some very esteemed directors, one in particular that would stand out on anyone's resume.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
Dance was Buckingham in Henry VIII with Ray Winston, and it was great: he could be surely a nice Tywin, but I think he should be a better Roose Bolton ;-)
riendo70Quote Reply
I go with Alan Dale, he's always a great villain, and he just got the look.
Niccolò CarliQuote Reply
Yeah ! Colonel Saul Tigh for Tywin ! I third that !!!
NeroQuote Reply
David Morse? Very fine actor. American though, and I believe the Sourcenator's info was that the actor is British. If we're using that criteria, that rules out Morse.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Well we have a 'troll' indicator finally. If the series is picked up and the actor cast as Tywin is none of the above and has a clear link in the manner that Michael has mentioned then Michael will become a lot more trusted. On the other hand if there is no link or it is one of the four or we find Tywin was not discussed until next month then Michael is exposed and can be ignored (if it is the second case then no doubt a new id will appear claiming the same sort of things…)
Joss AttridgeQuote Reply
Alan Dale. He has a hard face and cold eyes … perfect as Tywin.
LoisQuote Reply
I have learned from other sources that Michael's information is apparently somewhat inaccurate. Cannot say more than that, unfortunately.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Trust me, it's not. I assure you on that matter. I will be the first to break the news if the pilot is greenlit or not. And the actor is Ciarian Hinds. He's worked with Spielberg, the actor that everyone wanted was Kevin McKidd (some say Littlefinger or Stannis, but I prefer Stannis) and many say that he should have been more honored for his excellent turn in Munich. Oh, and the show was Rome and the character being Julius Caesar — which isn't too far from Tywin attitude-wise, I suppose.
Just to clarify: he has not been cast. No one aside from the actual cast has been — well — cast. He's being considered. So are others, but him more seriously because of his relationship with HBO.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
I fail to see how lending out credible information can label me as a troll. I came here to simply share what I know. Not to cause a ruckus. If I'm not welcomed, then so be it.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
It is not outside the bounds of possibility that Hinds is a back-up or second choice if the primary choice proves unavailable, and your source may have picked up on that.
However, he is absolutely not the #1 choice of the production team, and I won't be posting clues as to who that person is, especially since if the series is picked up casting will have to resume immediately and we should have the final word in a few weeks regardless.
Hinds would be spectacularly good in the role, but the #1 preference would be a (slightly) stronger fit for it.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Hinds, eh? Seems like it'd be a good choice.
NinepennyQuote Reply
We obviously have different sources, which is absolutely fine, so we'll end this at hearing differing things. I only have my word and I standby what I've said. I have the utmost trust in my source.
Michael SourcenatorQuote Reply
If the clues from Michael are true, then it's really difficult to predict considering this days technology, makeup etc. Personally, I am not seeing McShane as a Tywin. I wouldn't be surprised if they would choose Jeffrey Jones, Powers Boothe or Brad Dourif.
nskQuote Reply
I'm hoping for Charles Dance.
@JacMac30Quote Reply
I think Charles Dance fits best out of these, however, one negative thing about him is that a lot of the time he smiles with his eyes, and even though it is a superior type of smile (like he finds everyone around him amusing in their inferiority), Tywin is meant to very rarely smile. I'm sure he could sort this out though.
LynonQuote Reply
Personally, I absolutely *hate* how all of this is boiling down to "my source" this and "his source" that. I would not go so far to say that I am jealous of certain people basically co-opting the thread, but I have certainly been doing a lot of eye-rolling and tongue-holding. I would call it irritation. Something rubs me a very wrong way about it.
I am trying to be as respectful as I can about this, truly. However, I *really* tire of the "I know something you don't know" game. It ruins all of the fun and anticipation that, I feel, is really the whole point of these posts.. It's like trying to pick a fantasy football team out at the beginning of the season and then having someone tell you "nooo…I just happen to know how these guys are going to wind up at the end of the season, and I gotta tell you, you're totally off-track with some of your picks. Here's a hint…one of your picks winds up tearing his ACL three weeks into the season…" It just totally goes against the spirit of it all. I want there to be mystery, I want there to be anticipation, I want there to be lighthearted exchanges about people that would totally not be on the casting crew's radar….without someone popping in and saying "Well, actually, I know better than you. But I can't tell you any more than that." I'm not saying this person or people should leave, but I think they should step back and try to understand the meaning and spirit of all this.
At best, we are being told things that we will know in a few weeks' or months' time…and at worst, we are being preyed upon to fuel ego. When put in those terms, the question of whether to trust or not seems pretty clear to me. I know some of you feel differently, but that's my two cents on the whole matter.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I love Bill Nighy, and I think he'd be great in this role, though I had always picked him for Roose Bolton. But they're both rather small roles – I wish there was a bigger role to fit him into.
Stewart can clearly play a leader that commands obedience just by his presence, and I think he can also do the cold insensitivity well.
AaronQuote Reply
He has not always played the futuristic paladin Picard, sSo Huzzah for Patrick Stewart as Lord Tywin. From the Lion overlooking Casterly Rock.
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
Kenneth Branagh? Yes. Saw him as Iago in Othello.
@alicelouise58Quote Reply
It would be an extended cameo, though. Not sure if Nighy would go for it. My vote for Balon Greyjoy is Keith Allen ;-)
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
I've read these books with Charles Dance in mind as Tywin, so of course I'm hoping he'll be cast as the head of the Lannisters! He is PERFECT in every way for that role.
@gappybubbleQuote Reply
I see where you are coming from on this, but when people turn up making claims, it is important to substantiate those claims if possible to know if the person is lying or if they are for real. To this end, I investigated Michael's claims and, whilst he was correct in that some consideration of possible future casting has taken place (to be fair we knew this a while back when certain actors' agents reported having spoken to HBO already about roles from later in Season/Book 1, like Aiden Gillen's), he was incorrect with regard to what actor was being discussed. That is certainly worth bringing to the blog readership's attention.
As for my personal credibility, I have no issues. I have been a moderator on the Westeros.org forum for five years, have run my own successful blog for four and been involved in the GRRM fanbase for some time now. Hopefully my own credibility in this area has been proven many times over, especially compared to an anonymous internet source.
All of that is not to say that Michael is a troll or a liar, only that his information appears to have been corrupted in some form this time around. His basic claim – HBO are looking at potential actors to play Tywin (among other Season 1 roles) – is after all correct. He just got the actor who is their #1 choice incorrect.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Exactly my point. If your information is credible then you are not a troll. As you have now nailed your colours to the mast with a verifyable (after the event) comment then if your information is not credible then you are a troll.
Hence the word 'indicator'
Joss AttridgeQuote Reply
Adam, I really appreciate your candor. I won't lie – when I wrote the previous post, it was with Michael in mind. I have had absolutely no problems with you chiming in from time to time. I just don't get the impression that you feel self-important or "special" like I get from Michael. Just something rubs me seriously the wrong way about that guy – more than just cautious skepticism.
Plus, I think that you understand very well the whole "fun" part of it. :)
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Adam,
I know you are longtime fan, so my question would not be one of troll-indicator question.
I am courious to know, if you can tell, of course, whe they started to look at potential actors for the Season 1?
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
They haven't, at least not officially. They apparently cannot cast or even audition people for roles later in Season 1 until they get the greenlight.
However, they do have all the actors' auditions on file from the pilot casting sessions. Remember GRRM saying that they're musing over casting two of the actresses who auditioned for Dany in other roles in the series just because they were really good, just not right for Dany? Or Conan Stevens auditioning for Drogo although he was realistically expecting not to get it and hoped to be remembered for Gregor? The Tywin situation appears to be akin to that.
The other ongoing situation is that other actors and their representatives have contacted HBO directly to ask to audition once the greenlight comes, as appears to be the case with Aiden Gillen and his agent.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Than you, very much!
That seems reasonnable and logic.
Lately, I was thinking to myself, that they have not got apparentls too much time for the auditions (as they had for the pilot).
I presume of course that start of the fiming would be end of june.
Of course, if it would start of the filming (fingers crossed it would).
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
I'm going to give another vote for Patrick Stewart. Doubters of his ability to play an evil bastard should watch some I, Claudius. Admittedly its more than 30 years old at this point and Patrick Stewart had hair in the show (which is so weird looking, but cool). But he plays the Praetorian Prefect Sejanus brilliantly, and he's evil as sin.
FrankQuote Reply
Alan Dale is exactly as I had imagined Tywin. O.O
Danny H AlcojorQuote Reply
Bill Nighy is who I picture when I think of Balon Greyjoy, or maybe getting John Noble (LOTR: Return of the King, he was the Gondor stewert) to play Greyjoy
Drew DunhamQuote Reply
oh ya, i voted for Stewart, i think that would be a great choice
Drew DunhamQuote Reply
I always imagined Patrick Stewart would make a great Stannis.
hurgaQuote Reply
The fact that Ed Harris wasn't in the original post blew my mind. Not that he's likely, but if we're throwing Patrick Stewart out there, then come on!
@ChryseeHinshawQuote Reply
Its called having an inflated ego, like you said its about 'hey guys I have something you don't!' attitude. It rubs me the wrong way as well. Its like he (Michael) acts as if he is now something of an authority on all this. If he would just stick to giving info and not going into every thread claiming so and so is wrong I think I could tolerate him a lot more. I also have no problem with Whitehead and am inclined to believe him a lot more as he isn't shooting everyone down.
Shogo10Quote Reply
Patrick Stewart?!! As Tywin? Are you fucking serious?
My vote goes for Alan Dale.
asdaadadasadadQuote Reply
My vote goes to Alan Dale. I love Patrick Stewart and I think he'd be great for the part, but I really want to see him as Ser Barristan Selmy so… ;-)
Kenneth ØsterQuote Reply
I still think that Malcolm Mcdowell would be great in this role.
amirQuote Reply
There's a guy called Tomas Arana who always had the look of Tywin for me – plus he is 6 ft. I don't know if he could pull it off with regards to the acting chops, though, since I've only seen him in minor parts like in the Bourne Supremacy and Gladiator.
JamesQuote Reply
Didn't realise he was born in Belfast. Talk about perfect.
JamesQuote Reply
Michael Hogan anyone? Check this photo for example http://www.imdb.com/media/rm438867456/nm0389581
DRCQuote Reply
Michael Ironside
RossQuote Reply
I'm surprised no one has mentioned William Hurt. He is 1)blonde and bald 2) a great actor 3) a big name, but not an unrealistic one
http://l.yimg.com/eb/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pi…
ClayQuote Reply
You got it wrong :) Patrick Stewart is not Tywin – he's Stannis Baratheon! Maybe a bit too old for the role, but looks-wise I think he's perfect for that part.
Bill Nighy wouldn't fit. I just can't see him as this character. He may do a good vampire (Underworld), but he's mostly a comedic actor.
From the four, it's either Charles Dance (looks the role), or Alan Dale (can look the role with some help).
But I think Rutger Hauer could be a good choice, even though he may be too old for the role. I'd have to see it, and from what I know he'd have to lose some weight. Tywin doesn't have a big tummy!
Sting is a very interesting suggestion, but I'm unsure about his acting credentials. Plus, he'd also have to lose weight. I like the guy a lot, I'm just not sure if he's a good actor (I've only seen him in Dune, and that movie is over 25 years old).
Krzysztof ZiębaQuote Reply
I think a bald verson of Bernard Hill would make an excellent Tywin.
Luke the non-albinoQuote Reply
Oh my goodness…I just had a wonderful thought. How about Bill Nighy as Vargo Hoat? I would LOVE to have Nighy in the series somehow, given that he is a fantastic actor. However, I was really racking my brain over who he should be cast as. I agree with everyone that he doesn't really fit the feel of Tywin, I think mostly because he is really known for his comedic work. The man can be truly endearing.
Vargo is the closest thing to comedic relief (other than Moon Boy and Butterbumps, of course) that I think the series has. Which of course, isn't saying much. He is such a fascinating character – even when he was threatening to cut off feet and all that, I couldn't help but laugh at him because the way he talks is so freaking ridiculous.
Nighy fits the physical profile (tall, gaunt, scary-looking) and I absolutely think he can pull off the right mix of comedy and assholeishness that the role demands. Plus…the lisp…come on, I would totally die to hear him talk like that.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I second Terence Stamp. I think he would be absolutely perfect.
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/section/movie…
Another actor who I think people may overlook is Steven Berkoff.
http://www.esmeforever.com/img/news/2008-03-25_8….
MaitlandQuote Reply
Wow, interesting call on Steven Berkoff. As you mentioned, I hadn't thought of him.
@sgnpQuote Reply
Definitely too old for the role – Stannis is younger than Robert, and Sir Patrick is unfortunately old enough to be Mark Addy's father!
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Tywin was always Stewart in my mind, but my current re-read has made me rethink. I hadnt considered Dale, but its growing on me!
Charles Dance I always pictured as Roose Bolton as he can do the quiet sinister bit rather well.
AdsQuote Reply
Id go for Dance if he was younger, but in this case i suppose Dales the best of that lot. Still, he looks too soft. Not a mean enough gaze.
patQuote Reply
Alan Dale was born to play Tywin. No doubt.
WhiteQuote Reply
Patrick Stewart as Syrio. Imagine how effective Stewart's immediately recognisable voiceovers would be when Arya remembers Syrio's lessons.
JarpQuote Reply
I have always thought that Ralph Fiennes would be perfect for the role of Tywin. Just watch In Bruges or Harry Potter 4 (he's also in 5, but he sadly doesn't get to do much acting due to the tiny screen-time given him).
GaelenQuote Reply
He's wayyyy too young and nice looking to be Tywin, at least now. In In Bruges he was still a sympathetic character, and in Harry Potter he's covered in makeup. I think he'd be perfect for Coldhands or Jaqen H'ghar or some other crazy badass.
TaylorQuote Reply
Ed Harris!!
roberQuote Reply
Stewart is waay too iconic to be effective in sucha small role as Syrio, we'll be seeing Picard or Prof. X instead of Syrio.
cornflakesQuote Reply
Dance!!!!! He was fantastic in Last Action Hero.
JakeQuote Reply
I'm pretty sure I am the only one in this boat but I imagined Sam Neill as Tywin. As it pertains to current casting, he looks similar enough to Cercei and Jamie…and he is an excellent actor to boot
SamQuote Reply
Another vote for Alan Dale. I love all the actors brought up so far, but to me, Dale das the look, has shown the ruthlessness on Lost, and he's worked on an HBO original before (although it was a small part on Flight of the Conchords).
EricQuote Reply
Alan Dale definitely.. He has that look.. :)
wotQuote Reply
I think that despite his young age, Mark Strong would make a great Tywin. He has that noble monstrosity look and feel to him, especially as Lord Blackwood in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. Either that or a good Ramsay Bolton.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/
JoeQuote Reply
Tywin Lannister isnt the lion that Jaime is. Tywin is a cold hard man, more a chunk of polished gold than a lion. Where Dale would intimidate with threat of implied violence i think Nighy would do so with that frozen dead stare he used to great effect (imo) in the Underworld movies. To me that screams Tywin Lannister. Shave the head, grow/cgi the chops and make the eyes green with gold flecks and Nighy may be Tywin.
jackviperQuote Reply
All of the above would be pretty cool, but I have only one choice for Tywin: Timothy Dalton.
WednesdayQuote Reply
Stewart or Dale, IMO, though I wouldn't be upset if it was one of the other two.
JordanQuote Reply
I would love Bill Nighy, but if you look him up on IMDB, you can see that he has way too many work in front of him to work on three seasons of ASOIAF (still one of my top choice though).
GreyjoysRockQuote Reply
I agree! Ed Harris would be the best Twyin!
DinnQuote Reply
I reckon Paul Hogan is the dark horse choice here.
AhimsaQuote Reply