George R.R. Martin is back from teaching at the Clarion writing workshop in San Diego. He returns to a flurry of casting news, and has already started adding some method to the madness. First of all, he fully confirmed three of the newest batch of actors – for Sam, Syrio, and Rast. As to the rest, he warns us that the contracts have not been signed yet. We knew that was the case with Conan Stevens, now we need to extend that to Jaime Sives as Jory, and Ian McElhinney as Barristan Selmy. Secondly, GRRM promises four more black brothers to join the cast soon! Thirdly, he seems to regret missing the opportunity to give us some hints. That can be amended perfectly when the new men of the Night Watch swear their oaths.
Here follow excerpts from GRRM’s posts about the newly signed actors:
- The part of Rast, one of the nastier of Yoren’s recruits, will be played by a young British actor named LUKE MC EWAN, a 2009 graduate from the Oxford School of Drama.
- The side used in the auditions for Sam featured the scene where Sam tells Jon Snow how his father Lord Randyll dispatched him to the Wall. A difficult scene, but Bradley-West did an amazing job with it in his reading. This was one of the toughest calls, at least for me, since there was another talented candidate who was also very strong, but in the end JB-W’s heartbreaking performance could not be denied. Bradley-West will be graduating from the School of Theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University on July 16. I am told this was his first professional audition, and I imagine it is his first professional role as well. Going straight from graduation to a pretty significant part in an HBO series… hey, it doesn’t get much better than that. He’ll make a great Sam. (And if the show lasts till season four, he may even get a sex scene!)
- I can also confirm that we have cast Arya’s dancing partner … The London-based Yeromelou has done a lot of stage work, including Shakespearian turns at the Globe and with the Royal Shakespeare Company … I hear that Miltos and Maisie are already sparring on Twitter. Just so.
George also dropped a little hint about the imminent casting announcement for Littlefinger, which indeed followed hot on the heels of his post, to the excitement of the fans.
Hear Me Roar: I am keeping my fingers crossed that they finalize the remaining contracts ASAP, and looking forward to more casting news, this time with hints. Seems a while ago when we last played at that game in earnest. Four black brothers at the same time sounds like a proper challenge. And lest I forget, congratulations to Bradley-West on graduating in three days!
UPDATE: Over at the Westeros forums, I spotted a couple of interesting nuggets of info that came out of GRRM’s signing in San Diego this past week:
I also asked him if having the series dramatized was going to affect how he envisions the characters and he said that was a good question. He thought about it for a second, and then said that there’s one actress (they’re currently in negotations with, so he couldn’t mention the character or the actress’s names) who doesn’t look anything like the character she auditioned for, but she’s so damn good that they want her, and if she does get cast, it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book.
The only other thing I remember (and it’s of no interest to anyone, I just thought it was funny) was that I was burbling on about NTLive and Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, and GRRM said that they’d tried to get Richard Griffiths for Game of Thrones, but it fell through. I was just joking and said, “Who’d you get instead–Ian McNeice?” and he laughed and said, “Yes, actually.”
Winter Is Coming: So Richard Griffiths was almost Illyrio? And I wonder who this female character is? My guess is Osha.
UPDATE II: GRRM has also confirmed Aidan Gillen as Littlefinger in his latest Not A Blog post. George, like most, knew Gillen from his role on The Wire, and remarked:
I never doubted for a moment that he was American… and was startled to learn, when he first came in to read for Littlefinger, that he was actually Dublin born and presently lives in London.
Fire And Blood: Blew me away too. I went to high school in the D.C. area, and Gillen’s Baltimore accent was spot on. Interesting that Gillen came in to do a live reading.
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169 Comments
first? Bleh.
Moar Casting announcements! I needs me my casting fixes.
Critical_GeekQuote Reply
looks like the cast will finally be complete in a few days. I hope we'll receive a lot of set pictures and promo material in the next months, it's such a long time till spring ;)
7bfQuote Reply
Fast and furious! The cast is growing like weeds. You can keep up with them on our Cast & Crew Page. It gets updated every few days, and has general casting reactions from the fans, producers, and GRRM.
Or, if you want your daily fix, luscious Lex provides us with his own Lexicopia site. He even paired the pics with renderings from Amok. Good stuff!
Fire And BloodQuote Reply
I think I would cry if the Aiden Gillen contract doesnt get signed now. It would be too much.
Is there any reason why the contracts wouldn't be signed at this stage?
OzXaroQuote Reply
Does somebody know what he means with: "So only one hint for today. Expect big news about a small digit, very very soon. But not here. Look for that somewhere else."
KnurkQuote Reply
Tsch, tsch, Knurk. Come on, you're far more clever than that.
I think Netherland defeat has affected you too much.
"small" (like, I don't know, tiny, wee… little?)
"digit" (like some hand appendix?)
DennaiQuote Reply
Pretty sure that Gillen is a done deal, otherwise HBO wouldn't have let Hibberd run the story.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Added some interesting tidbits that came from GRRM over this past week in San Diego.
I also asked him if having the series dramatized was going to affect how he envisions the characters and he said that was a good question. He thought about it for a second, and then said that there's one actress (they're currently in negotations with, so he couldn't mention the character or the actress's names) who doesn't look anything like the character she auditioned for, but she's so damn good that they want her, and if she does get cast, it's definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book.
The only other thing I remember (and it's of no interest to anyone, I just thought it was funny) was that I was burbling on about The Habit of Art, and GRRM said that they'd tried to get Richard Griffiths for Game of Thrones, but it fell through. I was just joking and said, "Who'd you get instead–Ian McNeice?" and he laughed and said, "Yes, actually."
So Richard Griffiths was almost Illyrio? And I wonder who this female character is? My guess is Osha.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
On the female character, the choices would be Osha, Myrcella, and Jayne Poole, or one of Dany servitors. I can't think of any other female characters in book 1 who are still alive as of FfC and still uncast.
I think the kids are unlikely, and I don't think Dany's servitors are suddenly going to be more important, so Osha does seem the best choice.
world_dancerQuote Reply
My immediate reaction was Shae.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
It can't be Shae!
***SPOILERS***
Her story is very, very done already. Nothing left to write.
***SPOILERS***
@nymeraQuote Reply
Oops, forgot how these appear in the side-bar. Most redundant spoiler tags ever. Sorry!
@nymeraQuote Reply
Osha is my first thought too. I'm guessing the difference is bigger than hair-color, it must be an age thing or something major like that. Not that it matters how old Osha is (as far as we know…)
MaryQuote Reply
Yes, Hibberd got an exclusive from HBO. Gillen has been signed for sure :)
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
Cheers! That's one casting I can stop worrying about, at least.
OzXaroQuote Reply
Must be Osha, yes … makes most sense!
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
I think the only ones that have yet to sign on the dotted line are Jamie Sives (Jory), Ian McElhinney (Barristan), and Conan Stevens (Gregor).
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Sorry for not being 100% clear in the post.
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
On re-reading it, I think it was clear enough.
I'm just seeing the worst case scenario out of pure masochism. :)
OzXaroQuote Reply
Yup, seems like Osha. I can't think of another female character in GoT who still has the potential to play a big role in the series post ADWD.
@realPhoenixDarkQuote Reply
Yeah, it has to be Osha. The question is, in what way does the actress differ so radically from the character to make GRRM contemplate writing the character differently in the books?
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
I don't understand WHAT could be different about an actor that would change the way she is written in the book? Race shouldn't matter or any other facet of appearance, age maybe? I agree it pretty much has to be Osha (what other characters are left?).
Also, Richard Griffiths :) Hilarious
@ChryseeDotComQuote Reply
I think it is Old Nan, they are probably going for Young&Hot Nan :)
On the serious side, it may be some character from the second book they decide to move to this one (e.g. Margaery), or a flashback character like Lyanna, or a minor-but-may-became-important character like Mya Stone. Actually I think it must be this third category, since characters like Osha are already fleshed out, I don't think there is much room for retconing.
MilanQuote Reply
How can it be Osha? Unless she marries Rickon and becomes Warden Regent of the North.
It must be Myrcella. When Cersei dies and Tommen follows shortly after her, Myrcella is next in line. She has the potential to achieve something and she is about as old as sansa.
MyrcellaQuote Reply
The possibility exists that a few characters will slip their way into S1 that aren't in the first book, either, so the mystery actress could potentially be playing, for example, Margaery Tyrell or Melisandre. Remember that Renly shows Ned a picture of Margaery, asking if she looks at all like Lyanna did (he's hoping to enact a plan where Robert dumps Cersei for Margaery). That would be a very minor scene to lose for the sake of not having to cast an important actress a year early, though.
Otherwise I think the near-comprehensive cast list of female characters that are a) still alive, b) not cast yet, and c) appear in Book 1 is:
Osha, Jeyne Poole, Myrcella Baratheon, Mya Stone, Irri, Jhiqui, Chataya, and Alayaya.
(God, this is a bloody series of books! It's not until you compile a list like that that you realize just how many characters are no longer with us, LOL).
Ser_GQuote Reply
Maybe they're making Osha slightly younger, possibly more attractive? In the books she's a wiry, tough yet common looking woman who's lived a hard life beyond the Wall.
@realPhoenixDarkQuote Reply
I loved that news…but I don't have a guess =(
@gameofthronesbrQuote Reply
I think it´s fair to asume that Rickon (and therefore Osha) still got a role to play in the upcoming books. Even if she doesn´t marry Rickon. ;-)
So its either Osha or Myrcella!? Can´t think of to many other female Character that´re not already been cast and still alive in the books. Possibly Danys handmaids or Mya Stone, but that´s about it.
CookieQuote Reply
Could'nt it be Jeyne Poole ? She may have quite a big role in the north in the next books, if she is indeed the fake Arya ? And if the actress looks alike or completely different than Arya, it could quite a few things, don't you think ?
Her role could also easily be extended, it could show the "middle class" aspect of the story…
AltaïrQuote Reply
She might be black?
This would necessitate giving her some kind of extensive background history on how she or her ancestors came from the Summer Isles and wound up north of the wall, etc.
Just a thought.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
… or Brienne.
Good call.
ablaaaQuote Reply
(spoiler) Yea Osha sounds like it's the best guess because she has to still be alive and I can't think of another female character that's still alive that's introduced in book one. Unless its one of Dany's handmaidens or Alayaya.
dizzy34Quote Reply
I think George has been misquoted. Look at the question:
"I also asked him if having the series dramatized was going to affect how he envisions the characters[...]"
And then the answer:
"[...] and if she does get cast, it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book."
There's a difference between changing your vision of a character and changing the way she gets written in the book. George was misquoted, I believe, or he just expressed himself incorrectly. Therefore, you are all wrongly assuming that the character is still alive by book 4.
ablaaaQuote Reply
This speculation is killing me because, while Osha can easily be younger, hot, black, Asian, whatever in the series, I'm failing to see how any of that really _matters_, or matters enough to influence GRRM's writing of future books?
@ChryseeDotComQuote Reply
Brienne, maybe? If they have her appear in season one for whatever reason?
That makes me a tad nervous though, because I'm quite fond of Brienne and how she is in the books. As a tall, flat-chested chick (though not muscular like she's described), I was quite happy to have a character represent for the un-endowed girls in the world. (There's a lot of ample "bosoms and teats" in ASoIaF.) Not simply that, she's one of the few truly "good" characters in the series, stubbornly so. I hope it's not her. =
SaraQuote Reply
Aye, same. It'd be nice to have some actually ugly heroic characters onscreen, not just Hollywood Homely or just flat out pretty.
AoedeQuote Reply
I don't see your point. If his vision of the character changes, then he writes the character differently in the future.
AoedeQuote Reply
Brienne is safe. GRRM has said recently in comments on NAB that they are not casting her since she doesn't appear until season 2, no reason to think that's changed.
@ChryseeDotComQuote Reply
Am I the only one thinking Brienne? Don't remember whether she makes an appearance in the first book at all, but she would definitely be someone who might look very different from what they (and we) would expect …
Kathrina MartinsenQuote Reply
I met Richard Griffiths, he was rather rude….well, when I say 'met' I mean it in the loosest meaning of the word.
SarahQuote Reply
Hah, couldn't wrap my head around the digit, never heard about the finger/digit. I've let the WC rest and am now 100% focussed on the tour de france. Go rabobank!
KnurkQuote Reply
how about meera reed?
GunarQuote Reply
I notice a similar theme between this:
"He thought about it for a second, and then said that there’s one actress…who doesn’t look anything like the character she auditioned for, but she’s so damn good that they want her, and if she does get cast, it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book.
And this, from TIA:
"The response was positive, they liked my tape and the director liked my look but they decided to go for a different casting type for this particular role. Knowing what they’re going for – which I won’t go into details here because the sherlocks on the scene will work out the actress far too quickly – I get it and think that the part definitely suits that look more."
In both cases, they discuss an actress whose look is different than one might expect. While GRRM says that her talent is such that they want her even thought she looks nothing like the character she auditioned for, and TIA says that the part "definitely suits that look more," I think that they can still be talking about the same person.
GRRM knows what the character looks like in his head, whereas TIA is rationalizing why she didn't get a role.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I dont think Meera is in the first book.
CarlosQuote Reply
Hmm! Which to me suggests that the role is Shae, since that is what many people supposed TIA was auditioning for.
If it is indeed Shae, perhaps GRRM is referring to the aftermath of what happened in ASoS – Tyrion's memories or investigations into the events, for example.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Conspiracy theory alert!
Or maybe TIA doesn't want people to know her true identity, which it seems the WiC posters figured out, so she concocted a story about "another" actress getting the role based on looks. This way when the actress many seem to think is TIA is announced as cast in the series, everyone will think they were wrong about who TIA actually is.
Or maybe I'm just so excited about the Littlefinger news that I've started to think like him.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Not so sure, we know that the role TIA was going for was 2 seasons (most likely Doreah). GRRM seems to be talking about a role that still has some story to be told.
CarlosQuote Reply
Don't start, Winter! Don't even start! :)
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I just don't think Mya Stone is suddenly going to be a huge part. In fact, she's such a small part at the moment, that they might not even give her a speaking role/or name in the series.
world_dancerQuote Reply
I wonder if GRRM just meant the actress was so different to how the character is supposed to be that she will be written differently in the script to how she was in the book.
If so, it could refer to any female character not yet cast and no just the ones still around by the end of book 4.
MormegilQuote Reply
Brienne was my first thought, but she doesn't appear until book 2, and I don't know why they'd be casting her a year early.
world_dancerQuote Reply
Wouldn't a wilding woman need to have a "certain look" over Shae? Just thinking that GRRM's not talking about Shae. I could be wrong though.
dizzy34Quote Reply
Suddenly, I realised what I have been missing last week – GRRMs cryptical statements :D
It is Osha, IMO.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
What about Lady Mormont? She is in Robb's host in Books 1-3 and leaves right before they get to the Twins. I could totally see her having a big part to play or even having a POV at some point in the next few books.
I do like the like the idea of Osha or Mya Stone too.
winterqueenQuote Reply
Excellent point. Maege is set up to have at least more influence in future events (since she, the Glover who went with her and Howland Reed can now orchestrate a guerrilla war against the Bolton-Frey alliance from the bogs of the Neck), so it's possible that they have decided to beef her up for the series somewhat.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
I always thought it was Doreah, but there's a chance it was Osha as well.
I don't think GRRM is talking about Shae, but your explanation of why he might be makes sense.
The only reason I think it may be the same person is that for most of the actresses yet to be cast "pretty young white girl" (which we assume TIA is) would fit most of them, except Osha in my opinion.
So, the actress who beat out TIA could "suit that look more" by being older, of a different race, less attractive, etc. Any of these factors could make her think that the person was more suited to playing a Wilding than her.
That said, these same factors may stand out to GRRM as being different than how he assumed Osha would look.
I acknowledge that this is a bit of a side chance. It just struck me that both GRRM and TIA commented specifically on an actress's "look" in a way that seemed to me it could be code for some uniquely identifying characteristics.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Wheels within wheels, my friend.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I thought about this, too.
*SPOILERS*
I also thought Doreah was the most likely choice. I suggested it. However, Osha is (at this point) only in AGoT and ACoK, which would be two seasons, depending on how far they're projecting out.
I doubt, however that they're dropping her storyline entirely.
*SPOILERS*
Again, I'm acknowledging that this may just be the crazy-juice talking.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I agree completely. I don't think TIA was talking about Shae, personally, and this is the only thing that makes me think she could have maybe been talking about Osha. Doreah was my pick for that.
Whether or not the "look" TIA is talking about is related or not, I think GRRM is talking about Osha.
If she *is* talking about some other character, then we may be see two different roles with non-traditional "looks" attached.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Oh, that's great! We have Alberto Contador there to crush your orange dreams once again.
You need to find yourself a talented ducht tennis player to rot for, so we can extend this rivalry to the US Open. Go Nadal!!!
DennaiQuote Reply
Signing delays are all about quibbling over contract clauses. The main deal points are no doubt hashed out, more-or-less probably. It is always possible for something to fall through before the thing is signed (I've seen it happen), but unlikely. I suppose it could just be still at the offer stage for some of these, but more likely it's down the finer points in most cases.
BrudeQuote Reply
I'm off to do a thing where I may not have access to post, but I'll be keeping an eye on your descent into madness. Don't go TOO crazy. That's my job. ;)
paulgudeQuote Reply
I think Stephen Fry is Varys!!!
I just noticed that Isaac H. W. is following him on Twitter. Everyone else he's following are people he knows through GoT, or kids his age. The Stark kids had some sort of get together not long ago; maybe they got the inside scoop on who is in negotiations for the eunuch.
Or maybe Isaac H. W. is just a big Stephen Fry fan. I'm not familiar with his work. Is he the kind of actor with 8 year old fans?
Isaac MoyerQuote Reply
I think everyone is getting hung up on the actress's LOOKS being the thing that will change how GRRM envisions/writes the character. However, perhaps it is the actress's TALENT / STAR POWER that will change the character's fate.
GRRM is quoted as saying that the actress "…doesn’t look anything like the character she auditioned for, but she’s so damn good that they want her, and if she does get cast, it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book."
What I'm hearing is that in spite of the fact that the actress looks nothing like the character, they really want her anyway because she is so very talented. And if they decide to cast her (or, assuming she's a big name actress, lucky enough to land her), that GRRM will write the character differently so as to provide the actress's character a larger role in future books/seasons.
furreverQuote Reply
I'm not expecting them to win, it's just great to see a dutch cyclist riding in the top 10 since years, and Menchov is doing great as well. So you won't be crushing my dreams this time thank god. A total disgrace the French director didn't put a camerateam on the two rabobank's who were tracking Contador and Schleck instead of the immensely underperforming Armstrong who was a minute behind them. Sorry for Contador, but Schleck seems to be the strongest this year. Don't forget a Dutch tennisplayer was very very close on beating Nadal in Wimbledon this year. Damn those Spaniards!
KnurkQuote Reply
"it's definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book. "
he mean the books.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Looks like Richad Griffiths is playing in "Hugo Cabret," which is currently filming. It's directed by Martin Scorcese from an amazing children's book than everyone should read – more of a graphic novel, really, and a huge one at that. Here's the author's site for the book:
http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm
Check out the amazing artwork:
http://www.google.com/images?q=hugo%20cabret&…
I actually got to talk to the author a few times when I worked for Scholasic. Nice guy.
BrudeQuote Reply
He was the guy who read the Harry Potter audio books. So, he probably has a lot of very young fans.
RahneQuote Reply
Hmmm. Very interesting. It would be good if some of those of us better connected could put out some feelers.
Personally, I think Stephen Fry would be a perfect Varys.
He did narrate the UK version of the Harry Potter audiobooks (better than Jim Dale in my opinion). But I can't think of anything else that would make an 8 yr. old interested.
He was excellent in Black Adder. Lord Melchit, I think.
David MooreQuote Reply
i don't see Littlefinger in your Cast&Crew page…
NymeriaQuote Reply
EVERYONE follows Stephen Fry on Twitter. It's essentially the default setting. When Twitter was catching on, every media report made reference to Fry's use of it.
And, yes, lots of things with younger fans – QI, documentaries, events, radio, film, TV, etc, but more than that he's just an iconic figure (in the UK, anyhow). There's absolutely nothing to be read into it.
@nymeraQuote Reply
But as others have said how is that going to work?
He can hardly rewrite Osha (for example) as a young blonde rather than a tall lean dark haired older woman can he?
If it's the personality or the actions of the Character that will be rewritten/modified what has the physical look of the actress got to do with it?
Makes more sense to me if GRRM was misquoted or misunderstood and he was talking about the character being changed in the script from what was in the book, thats the only way the Actress looking nothing like the character would possibly require changes to be made.
MormegilQuote Reply
I didn't know the reach of his influence in the UK. Interesting.
David MooreQuote Reply
The Tywin of sports has passed away.
TysnowQuote Reply
Shoot. It seemed a strange coincidence that an eight-year-old with a twitter account would follow 4 kids his age, 16 people connected through GoT, and 1 random old fat guy who happens to be a favorite for a GoT role. But looking at Fry's account I see he has 1.6 million followers. There goes that theory.
Isaac MoyerQuote Reply
Oh God yes, everyone in the UK who actually has a Twitter has to follow Uncle Stephen. It's like the law, LOL.
And his crossover appeal is so broad that certainly you could imagine intelligent kids being massive fans of his.
GeriQuote Reply
I realy don't know what the effect he's talking about but he is clearly talking about the books.
Though it could be he was misquoted or misunderstood, anything is possible.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Well lets see now, we have to use some analytical reasoning for this one, soooo………..lets start with the actress.
1.) She looks nothing like the role she auditioned for.
2.) She is so damn good, that HBO wants her bad.
I theorize concerning the first, that her physical traits cannot be altered with makeup, and for the second that she is also a fairly recognizable name (she is so damn good, that HBO really wants her cast).
Well her physical trait should not effect how GRRM writes her, since the physical traits are already set down in the books, and you cannot suddenly change the appearance of a character already written and published. So to me GRRM is referencing the importance or planned destiny of a character that is still alive but who also appeared first in Games. I think George is saying he might have to expand the role in the last books cause this actor is so big and damn good, and even possibly changing the destiny of said character or just extending the life into Winds or even Dream.
TysnowQuote Reply
All hail and farwell to boss george
HouseUmberQuote Reply
ok, I just saw this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAX2rRKoo6Q
and now I want to see this guy as Renly!
lol
NymeriaQuote Reply
I know!!! It's such a puzzlement, I can't wait to see who this turns out to be! O_O;
LaurenQuote Reply
*** Spoilers ***
Osha is currently hiding Rickon somewhere. Maybe we'll get more info than originally planned on his whereabouts, and Osha's intentions?
*** Spoilers ***
@realPhoenixDarkQuote Reply
Nope. She's not. The Reeds (and the Walders) show up in Winterfell near the start of Book 2. Of course, the Series could introduce them early, but that seems like more hassle than it'd be worth.
Ser_GQuote Reply
Thanks for the shout out, FaB!
LexQuote Reply
The person said, “Doesn’t LOOK anything like the character she auditioned for.” We can assume they misheard GRRM if we want, but that’s altering the information presented to fit our assumptions, which never helps with deduction.
I figure if she IS cast, it’ll be obvious who he was discussing, because many fans will freak out about how she doesn’t look like she does in the book.
As far as altering how she’s written, physical traits such as skin color are often omitted by GRRM entirely, and therefore he could add a descriptor in a future book that has simply been unstated up until this point.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Someone else I know said the same thing.
LexQuote Reply
Not much evidence, but i actually remember Isaac tweeting about how he loved Mr Bean. So theres a pretty good chance he likes Blackadder and then also Stephen fry.
Nothing really wrong with your theory, though.
sjweningsQuote Reply
I think you're right. I think GRRM was referring more to how he'll envision her when he's writing her. I don't think he's talking about any real change.
I always found Osha kind of bland. I bet they're making her way more attractive.
LexQuote Reply
That would be SO cool! I never thought of Stephen Fry for Varys, but I can totally see it.
I love him in Blackadder!
LexQuote Reply
That book looks really cool, I'm gonna check it out. Thanks!
LexQuote Reply
On a completely different matter; I have noticed that many here are taken away by good acting and good movies. I am right now watching Shrink with Kevin Spacey.
I really recommend it to you all. :-)
c0venantQuote Reply
Stephen Fry is amazing. Isaac was following him back when I first found him on Twitter, I believe. It stood out because I follow Mr. Fry as well. I’d LOVE to see fin as Varys, because I think he’s capable of anything.
paulgudeQuote Reply
There is no story reason for Osha to have any distinguishing characteristics other than being conceivably a wildling. She could be any age, any hair, any size for all it would affect the story. Not a problem if they change her drastically (though going Asian or Black may be a tough sell)
Critical_GeekQuote Reply
More I read the comments, more I tend to think, that the physical traits are not in question here.
I perfectly understand how the physical traits could affect the fans (even false snow could), but I do not get how that could affect GRRMs future writing.
It must be something else.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
It's how I calm people when they freak out about the huge cast list.
"Don't worry, half of 'em will be dead before you know it."
Fire And BloodQuote Reply
Well, we know how Osha, Myrcella, and Myra Stone look, because their description is pretty well given through the first few books, and thus GRRM cannot suddenly alter their appearance in the later. There is the "she is so damn good they want her", to me this part effects how she will be written in the coming book more than appearance, because effect also means to "cause a change in the outcome", so this actor is so good, if she gets cast its definitely going to change the outcome of the character that I originally intended.
TysnowQuote Reply
Ha ha.
Simplest answer is usually best. My first thought he might have been referring to Davos.
ZackQuote Reply
That would have been digits, plural, I suppose ;)
ZackQuote Reply
Yes, I agree, he could write more of that character than he intended before.
But I do not think it would affect some crucial plot lines GRRM has in his head.
Or he must rewrite the Dance from the begininig. :D
(Cruel joke, I know, but I could not help myself to wrote it down. heh)
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
I hate you rabbit ;-)
AbeQuote Reply
heh.
just could not resist.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Ive always liked him in Fry and Lurie. The best one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNoS2BU6bbQ
c0venantQuote Reply
Tysnow, I think I get what you’re saying. I glossed over the fact that you were just separating the looks from the purpose of the rewriting, rather than saying the looks weren’t changing. My only issue was the idea that the look comment was being negated entirely.
I could definitely see the character being given different things to do if there’s a certain skill the actress has not currently reflected in the character.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Awesome! At the level of the best from Monty Python there.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Another even more cryptic meaning to George's comment, is that the "have an effect on how the character gets written in the book", what if he meant "is written in the book", could this perhaps mean a change to the importance of a role, from minor to mini major. We know that things, plots and characters are altered, removed or merged when books get adapted to the screen, could this be a hint that Osha's part is being expanded, or Dany's handmaid, perhaps Myra's role or even that the actor auditioned for Septa Mordane (who is 60'ish, and the actor 30'ish) and Septa's role is changed to more of a nanny and her health extended to future seasons, cause HBO wants to market her (because she might be a notable high talent actor). I guess if she is cast we will know what role and then can really go to town at that point with all sorts of theories.
TysnowQuote Reply
I've been listening to the Audio books this week, and there IS a fair bit of description for Osha. At least, they make reference to her being flat chested, lean with wiry muscle, and covered with scars.
Beyond that, she could be any race, or hair color… I certainly envision her as being tall, but I'd not swear that that is in the books.
Patrick L EllisQuote Reply
I could definitely see the change he refers to being a change in emphasis from minor to major character. That would make sense to me.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Very good point! The thing about Jeyne is that she's hardly described at all, other than she is giggly/girly and has the right coloring to be passed off as a Stark. So while Osha is a VERY well-drawn character, Jeyne is still just a sketch and could easily be altered either by appearance or temperament.
So I say it's definitely Osha or Jeyne, and I'm learning toward Jeyne!
David ThomasQuote Reply
Who is TIA?
David ThomasQuote Reply
Paul, what do you think about it being Jeyne Poole? Since she's barely described either physically or in personality, yet could conceivably have a major role post-ADWD.
David ThomasQuote Reply
While it would make the above very awkwardly worded, one interpretation is that HBO hopes to cast this actress in a role other than the one she auditioned for. "[s]he's so damn god that they want her" doesn't necessarily mean for that role; nor does "if she does get cast." The wording "how THE character . . . " seems to indicate that they are talking about the character she auditioned for, but could also be referring to the other character she could be cast as.
If this was the way it was meant, than it would make sense that George would want to expand whatever character they give to this actress in later books, in order to make use of her talent. This answer would still fit with the question posed to him about how the dramatization might affect his future writing.
Just a possibility.
Sam DeGreeQuote Reply
I can see what you're saying.
Breaking it down with your interpretation:
1) there’s one actress who doesn’t look anything like the character she auditioned for [and therefore didn't get the role]
2) but she’s so damn good that they want her [in the production]
3) and if she does get cast [as a different character] it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character [she does get cast as] gets written in the book
Is that close?
Giving the same treatment to my own interpretation:
1) there’s one actress who doesn't look anything like the character she auditioned for [because HBO was interested in the actress regardless of the differences and called her in anyway]
2) but she’s so damn good that they want her [to play the character in the TV series even though she doesn't look like the character I wrote]
3) and if she does get cast [as the character whose book description she doesn't match] it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book [because HBO's vision of the character would be going in a direction I hadn't anticipated, but want to incorporate into the story I have yet to tell.]
Lots of assumptions in both interpretations, but I think either could be valid.
paulgudeQuote Reply
http://winter-is-coming.net/2010/06/a-mystery-in-…
paulgudeQuote Reply
I can think of a ton of ways in which GRRM might write a character a bit differently based on an actress. For instance, make Osha's actress a woman of color and we may hear in future books about how she's from the Summer Isles, or one of her parents was. I always got the impression in the books that Osha was younger – in her 20s, tops – but maybe a 30s+ actress put on an amazing show and she'll be a hardened, gray-haired woman.
@bluecanaryQuote Reply
I’m surprised nobody jumped on the Ian McNeice comment at the end of the post! He would be a major casting of a GREAT talent. If you don’t recognize his name, you will his face.
Even better, guess what’s listed at the top of his IMDB bio?
#1 “Game of Thrones” …. Illyrio Mopatis (1 episode, 2011)
– Pilot (2011) TV episode …. Illyrio Mopatis
ScottQuote Reply
GRRM had confirmed Ian McNeice last October:
http://grrm.livejournal.com/116814.html
I didn't comment because I thought it was included as a thing for fans of Richard Griffiths.
paulgudeQuote Reply
That's funny. I always thought of Osha as older and thought that they may have cast her younger instead.
paulgudeQuote Reply
i had missed that casting announcement, I guess! He’s so good in everything he’s been in, I loved him in Dune, Rome and Day of the Dead.
ScottQuote Reply
There are two reasons I don't think we can expect Mr. Fry to sign on. First is: he's not exactly hurting for work. He's done TV before, but he's at the stage in his career that he can pick his next job. Unless he's a huge fan of the books, I don't see him taking this on.
Second, the man is quite tall and physically imposing. Varys is supposed to be sort of unassuming. If Varys is towering over everyone in the room, including Robert and Ned, that doesn't look very good.
It's one thing for a 5'10" man to play Littlefinger, and quite another for a 6'4" colossus to play Varys.
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
I got all teary eyed reading about the side that Bradley-West read for his Sam audition….that is truly one of my favorite pieces of writing in the whole series so far, it is emotional and heartbreaking and I cannot wait to see it portrayed on screen.
Diana HolmesQuote Reply
With all the actors signing up, I wonder if we're going to hear soon about more directors? They'll need at least a few more to round off the Season 1 roster. Composer I imagine will be a decision left until later on in the year.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
GRRM weighs in on Petyr:
http://grrm.livejournal.com/161982.html
paulgudeQuote Reply
Also,
***SPOILERS***
GRRM said it could affect how the character was written in the book, meaning (I assume) the books yet to come, and Brienne will… not be making further appearances.
George DWQuote Reply
despite that description, though, there's no STORY reason for her to be any of those. No important significant past battle where she got the scars, no tight underground squeezes where she barely makes it through due to her wirey lack-of-boobsness, no tests of strength that challenge those wiry muscles, so none of those descriptions are important so far as the tv show is concerned, and can therefore be ignored. The only story required feature is that she not be in a position to have caught Theon's eye (because we know what a hound dog out squidboy is).
Critical_GeekQuote Reply
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking, and honestly I think your interpretation is the most likely.
I also like how we're dissecting a piece of text that comes from an unverified source, who is paraphrasing something he or she may have misremembered hearing someone else say. I feel like a theologian.
Sam DeGreeQuote Reply
There's another thing that's important about the wording:
"…if she does get cast, it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book."
"have an effect on," to me, doesn't necessarily mean, "completely change."
To me, this indicates that if this is some physical characteristic of the actress, that characteristic is something that GRRM feels can be folded into the character when she is written in the future. It could be a description of the hue of her skin, or something that solidifies her age.
If not, if it's something that's so incredibly different that there's no way for the actress to match the past character in the books through future writing, do you think GRRM's statement meant:
1) He's going to just completely change the character? (I doubt it.)
2) He's going to make the character a bit more like the TV character, essentially a hybrid between the two? (again, it's a stretch for me)
3) He's going to keep writing the character the way he always did, but other factors about the actress's portrayal will be folded in? (most likely, to me)
Again, though, my guess is that if it is a physical thing, the actress isn't how he envisioned her, but not described enough in the text to make an enhanced description out of canon.
paulgudeQuote Reply
HA!
I was just about to respond with something similar. We're basically going through a mess of filters, including deliberate obfuscation by GRRM.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Speaking of composers – Westeros has that thread in the forum for people to give casting suggestions. Is is possible there will be something similar later on, to make suggestions for composers? I know it's probably a bit early in the process for D&D to be seriously thinking about that, but I think it'd be a very good idea.
KangaQuote Reply
Bahaha, how twisted of you FAB!
@KelseyCMSchmitzQuote Reply
Brilliant! That guy is hilarious, and i needed a good laugh!!
@KelseyCMSchmitzQuote Reply
GRRM confirms Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel:
http://grrm.livejournal.com/162195.html
Adds:
"So far as I know, Jory will be the only one of the Stark guards in King's Landing with a speaking role. The rest of the Ned's men — Desmond, Fat Tom, Hullen, Vayon Poole — will be there, but as extras, featured extras, and background characters."
paulgudeQuote Reply
Being an American, I know that most of my countrymen will have no idea just how far back the rivalry between the Dutch and the Spanish is. It's nice to see that these days it's such an amicable one.
There are vaguely Dutch and Spanish analogs in the World of Ice and Fire, to bring this a little bit back to on point.
Maester_TcostQuote Reply
After reading the entire discussion for a day, I believe this is what makes most sense in the end.
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
***********spoilers!
That is hardly fact, George DW. Brienne was left in a decidedly inconclusive scenario. The vast majority of fans believe her to be alive and likely to have an impact on the plot in the future.
@bluecanaryQuote Reply
I'm almost totally convinced that the female character George is referring to is Brienne.____Not sure how I feel about it.
Ser_not_appearingQuote Reply
Yeah, I have to second that Brienne seems likely to still be alive as things stand. I'm suspecting that she says Arya's name and that saves her life.
If nothing else, her death is inconclusive.
world_dancerQuote Reply
Ooo good thought. Racial differences would be something unchangeable, but if the right person came along, I'd rather see her in the role.
world_dancerQuote Reply
GRRM has previously said that they will not be looking for Brienne or any Season/Book 2 characters till they need to.
@Mormegil99Quote Reply
I disagree. They obviously kept an eye on Conan Stevens before they began casting for the first season, and I see no reason why they wouldn't be on the look out of someone to play Brienne, given what a tricky role to cast it actually is.
Ser_not_appearingQuote Reply
Talk about spoiling the fun! lol
NymeriaQuote Reply
Too bad Basil Poledouris is no longer with us.
jwsnasaQuote Reply
I just thought about something, since it's summer, will they perhaps shoot the episodes and scenes set in Kings Landing, Riverrun and the Vale first, then as fall and winter arrive shoot the episodes and scenes set in the north, instead of shooting them in order. Would anyone know this answer?
TysnowQuote Reply
I doubt it, but it is possible. In a commentary on an episode of season 4 of 'The Wire', producer David Simon talked about how it was blazing hot on the day of filming, but was supposed to be winter in the timeline on the show, so they had people wearing coats and hunching their shoulders like it was cold. They'll probably just do things like that, and use fake snow like before.
JackSparrowQuote Reply
According to GRRM, it sounds like they will go in order. http://grrm.livejournal.com/151442.html
I'm sure they could fudge it a bit, if need be, although the question is how they will handle the directing duties. Since it sounds like there will be multiple directors for this first season, it's not like they could do a scene from episode two one day and then a scene from episode six the next.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
I think race or age is the most likely change for an actress who doesn't look "anything like" her character, followed by build, and then by age.
I could see an instance where a woman comes in to read for a Dothraki, for example, and someone says, "Too bad Osha isn't black, because she'd be awesome for that role." Glances are exchanged, and she's called back.
Who knows, though? Depending on HBO's concept of the Wildings and the actress in question, we could end up with an Asian Osha, or a Hispanic Osha, or a multi-racial Osha who doesn't fit into any predefined group. Or an Osha who's in her early 50's but still in amazing shape.
Or, of course, GRRM was talking about someone completely different and we're taking everything way out of context.
I don't think that's the case, but we'll see.
paulgudeQuote Reply
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
I still think Osha is the prime candidate.
My reasoning:
Jeyne Poole: Only seen (for sure) in AGoT,but is perhaps later trotted out by Petyr as "Arya." In this way, she can't be *too* different than she is in the books, or else the deception would not hold.
Myrcella Baratheon: Appears in all current books, except ASoS, but is only nine in ACoK. I doubt it's her, as she's Jamie and Cersei's child. She has to look like a Lannister.
Mya Stone: Appears in AGoT and AFfC. Again, heredity play a part with her, as she's one of Robert's bastard children. Could be played as a multi-racial character, but is she a large enough character to make this big of an impact?
Irri, Jhiqui: Both are Dothraki. Is there any reason to change them racially? Age may be an a difference, but again I'm not sure if the parts are large enough to warrant such a change.
Chataya, Alayaya: Both of the characters are listed at Tower of the Hand as being introduced in ACoK. Also, I'm not sure completely changing the look of some of the only main non-white characters in King's Landing is something HBO would be pushing for.
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
This is from July 1st:
http://grrm.livejournal.com/159463.html?thread=10…
grrm wrote:
Jul. 1st, 2010 06:18 am (UTC)
"Uh… Brienne does not appear until A CLASH OF KINGS, so there is no search ongoing. We'll be looking for her second season. Assuming we get a second season. Come back in a year.
The same goes for Stannis, Melisandre, Maester Cressen, Shireen, Patchface, Pyat Pree, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, Quaithe, Qhorin Halfhand, Ygritte, Rattleshirt, and many more."
Brienne springs to mind because many people already assume she's not going to end up looking like she does in the books.
Granted, it's possible that HBO went from not actively looking for season two characters to almost signing one in less than two weeks, but highly unlikely.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Still to hear from concerning: Tywin, Varys, Shae, Renly, Myrcella, Tommen, Rickon, Maester Aemon, The Old Bear, Osha, Alliser, Bowen, Chett, Donal, Othell, Pyp, Grenn, Ser Illyn, Janos Slynt, Ser Boros, Ser Meryn, Ser Arys, Septa Mordane, Old Nan, Mikken, Karstark, Roose, Big Jon, Maege, Lysa, Little Robert, Blackfish, Myra, Mord, Lord Royce, Ser Lyn, Ser Vardis, Walder Frey and his clan, Kevan, Edmure, Chataya, Alayaya, Gendry, Jeyne, Beth, Shagga, Chella, Mirri Maz, Yoren, (did they recast Dany's handmaidens and the Bloodriders?), thats just off the top of my head.
TysnowQuote Reply
yes, the next days are going to be quite entertaining for us. May the floodgate open :)
NymeriaQuote Reply
Also any flashback roles: Lyanna, Rhaegar, etc.
CaseyQuote Reply
Depending on what order they will be filming, some of these roles might not get cast until later into filming.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
I think we should have VERY soon: Renly, Varys, some of the kids, the Night- watchers, Ser Ilyn, bloodriders and Dany s servants.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Just throwing this out here for a lark:
"…there’s one actress…who doesn’t look anything like the character she auditioned for, but she’s so damn good that they want her, and if she does get cast, it’s definitely going to have an effect on the how the character gets written in the book."
Imelda Staunton as Varys:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001767/
paulgudeQuote Reply
Wow, could be awesome.
Petter Kristian VikestadQuote Reply
Wow, I can totally, totally get behind that.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
That is inspired. Wonderful idea.
MogonsQuote Reply
I like it, adds a new dimension to the series.
TysnowQuote Reply
We probably won't have any casting news today since HBO announced Dustin Hoffman will headline their new series "Luck". They will want that announcement to be the big news of the day.
TysnowQuote Reply
Yeah, a lot of classic stuff there, hey? I'm hoping for Bear McCreary myself. If he gets hired I'll combust with joy :)
KangaQuote Reply
You're Brilliant Paul. Crazy…but brilliant!
@KelseyCMSchmitzQuote Reply
Whoa. That's a great idea.
Maxwell JamesQuote Reply
It would be phenomenal if she were in any role in GoT, although I can't think of a good one for her off the top of my head. Imelda Staunton is a brilliant actress.
KyleQuote Reply
Not gonna happen because she's in high demand these days, but that would be one of the most awesome , brilliant, amazing casting decisions ever.
In fact I think we shoud email this suggestion to Nina Gold if only to give her an intelectual orgasm.
DennaiQuote Reply
You know, I'm *really* happy at the positive response to this. I'm also glad to see that the only confound you mention is the high demand.
I did check Imelda Staunton's IMDB page before the suggestion, and there's nothing on her plate that I can see:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001767/
If it's just a general, "She's a really good actress who's been in some high-profile things recently," I'd agree, which might line up with the "So damn good," line.
Now, all kidding aside, I do think there's a possibility the actress GRRM mentioned *did* audition for Varys. I was trying to think of a man who could play a convincing woman, as Varys must do. While trying to think of men who can play women, I remembered in "The Year of Living Dangerously," the director cast Linda Hunt because she was better than the men he'd seen. I also briefly thought about Linda Hunt for Varys, since she played Management in Carnivale. It's still a possibility, too.
Still, I picked Imelda Staunton because she'd worked with Nina Gold before and was around the right age.
Regardless of *which* actress, I think it's possible we could see *an* actress as Varys.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Well, I can think of a good one…but of course you already know what it is.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Absolutely! Another woman that popped into my head was Tilda Swinton. Not saying she's perfect for the role or would be available, but she's definitely one of those chameleon actresses.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Once you go down that path she's an obvious choice, with Orlando.
It's also worth noting that this move wouldn't necessarily make it so there's a big secret that Varys is secretly a woman. When Linda Hunt played Billy Kwan, he was still a man.
Still, if GRRM wanted to go there, it would totally change the way the character is written.
paulgudeQuote Reply
And if not Varys, I'd still like to see her play David Bowie in a movie about his life. or a the young bowie play her in a movie about her life. When i saw her during the 08 or 09 Oscars she looked exactly like him from Aladdin Sane, minus the face paint.
SyleonQuote Reply
We had a few earlier discussions about music an composers … Surely more to come up again when there is some news on that front.
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
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