According to the website of Shepherd Management, Clive Russell has been cast in the role of Brynden “The Blackfish” Tully.
The English-born and Scottish-raised actor has appeared in many British television shows, including Coronation Street, Middlemarch, and Cracker. His film resume is just as lengthy, with him recently playing Captain Tanner in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”
HBO will have to confirm before we can call this official, of course.
Ours is the Fury: Finally, our Blackfish! A great choice, based on the films I’ve seen him in. At 6’5″, he’s also quite tall, as the Blackfish is described in the books.
Loading ...
174 Comments
neat.
DragonWolfQuote Reply
Casting announcements! Awesome!
I really wanna know who the Queen of Thorns and The Viper are gonna be.
Omar BrownQuote Reply
He has done a TON of work, so he is definiately a actor that must have done something right. Good look to him as well.
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
Nice! He looks very Blackfishy. Hope Blackfish Blues is pleased. :)
Welcome to the cast, Clive!
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
OMG.
JQuote Reply
Nice to have a big role cast… and early….
He certainly looks the part!
darquemodeQuote Reply
Worst part about all this detective work is that when they (HBO/GRRM) finally start rolling out the casting announcements we’ll already know half of the people :P
CarneQuote Reply
casting announcements….here we go!
Clive looks perfect for The Blackfish. In Nina Gold We Trust.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
I enjoy the show and I don’t want to come off as someone who doesn’t appreciate all they’ve done… but isn’t it odd that they cast this part after all the significant events that he impacted have already occurred in the show?
Craig LeskaQuote Reply
Fantastic!
Great sleuthing.
I am a real sucker for casting speculation and announcements. Love it!
ImpiQuote Reply
Oh I think there’s plenty of Tully-related action and stuff around Riverrun to work with in season 3 and 4 (depending how they space out ASOS).
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Superdeluxe,
He does indeed have a long resume!
I think I saw him on Cracker back in the 90′s but damned if I recall him! XD
I do vaguely remember him from Identity (with Aidan Gillen), The Wolfman, The 13th Warrior and The Devil’s Whore where he was cast by Nina Gold!
That connection….
darquemodeQuote Reply
BB? are you ok? when you catch your breath, let us know what you think.
I think there is something in his eyes that says Blackfish. I like him.
andreaQuote Reply
Finally Blackfish!
I would never understand HBO s wait with the announcements. It always somehow leaks out.
The RabbitQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
Like what? I really don’t remember.
This is how the wiki describes his activities in the third book: ”
After campaigning with Robb Stark throughout the Westerlands, he returns to Riverrun, where he remains when Robb goes to retake the western North from the ironmen and visit the Twins to attend the wedding of Edmure Tully. In recognition of his military contributions, Robb names him Warden of the Southern Marches.”
Craig LeskaQuote Reply
Cool. Cool cool cool.
JamboQuote Reply
Excellent, he looks perfect.
Not really, he has some very significant parts to play in both Storm and Feast (the faceoff between Jaime and him is a classic scene that I really hope makes the cut). And I’m guessing he has an important role to play in the books moving forward considering his badass escape.
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
I guess it doesn’t really matter. It just seems strange. The actor does look the part, for sure.
Craig LeskaQuote Reply
Mr. Russell played Joe Gargery in one of my favorite TV adaptations of Dickens’s “Great Expectations” back in 1999; he perfectly captured the plain-spoken dignity, diligence, and moral strength of the character, and those qualities will undoubtedly serve him very well as the Blackfish!
MPN1010Quote Reply
Fantastic news! Fantastic casting! …my personal fave on his resume -Spaced. Good stuff!
tumblefellQuote Reply
andrea,
Let us hope no one complins about his eyes not being blue enough.
Another eye-gate to be sure! XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
He looks right. I just hope his masculine, rugged, look does not mean that they’ll skirt the issue of Blackfish’s sexuality. Since there can not be any flashbacks of his conversations with Hoster we’ll need other clues as to why the Blackfish is a ‘Confirmed Bachelor.’ Someone like Jeremy Irons, who is more effeminate in that Rex Harrison sort of way, would have exuded this characteristic well. but i generally trust veteran british actors and in Nina Gold’s choices.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
Some pictures of him from BBC’s Merlin where he really looks the role…
http://www.moviepicturedb.com/pictures/11_03/2008/1199099/l_1199099_e9406d21.jpg
http://www.merlintvseries.com/characters/gallery/Bayard.jpg
https://telestrekoza.com/link-gallery/albums/British_shows/Merlin/Cast/Season_1/Merlin_S1_Clive_Russell_001.jpg
https://telestrekoza.com/link-gallery/albums/British_shows/Merlin/Cast/Season_1/Merlin_S1_Clive_Russell_002.jpg
darquemodeQuote Reply
Only connection between Nina Gold and Russell is an episode of “The Devil’s Whore.”
CarneQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
And don’t the fans have fun hunting them out? It keeps people engaged in the franchise and even the official announcements tend to be a slow trickle to keep the hype up rather than a large dump all at once.
At a guess, I’d say they wait until they have enough people locked down to ensure they can keep up an at least somewhat consistent stream of casting information and write off any leaks as accomplishing basically what they want anyway.
Delta1212Quote Reply
Great job, Fury!
I like his looks, most definitely.
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
tumblefell,
My thoughts exactly. Spaced was wonderful, and he was wonderful in it. :)
Lazlo WoodbineQuote Reply
Remember him as pretty awesome in The 13th Warrior.
MockingTheFlayedLionQuote Reply
Looks like a great casting move, the Blackfish is a true badass who is also a man of honor and someone who is loyal to family and friend alike.
Can’t wait to see his parley with Jaime Lannister later on.
Carlos G DiazQuote Reply
Why should those clues come in the form of stereotypical mannerisms? I for one hope they keep it subtle, as it makes his character a lot more interesting.
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
Not really sure why him being masculine would be an issue? He’s supposed to look worn and weathered, somewhat tough. He could be gay, straight, asexual, something else on the spectrum, who knows. His sexuality is actually never addressed in the books. We only know that he doesn’t want to get married. Russell looking masculine isn’t skirting the character’s sexuality (whatever it is) in any fashion.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
It’s a little strange, but just thinking logistically and budget-mindedly it did make sense for them to hold off on the Tullys and Riverrun for as long as they could.
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
Speaking as someone firmly in the “Blackfish is gay” camp, to imply that he needs to be effeminate in order for audiences to “get it” is really not cool. Gay /= effeminate.
CanaryQuote Reply
Thrilled that we have a Blackfish! And he looks great.
Also from that site- John Bradley will be in Merlin, and Francis Magee in Misfits! Looking forward to those.
Howland Reed,
I don’t know, I rather like that his character has a touch of mystery, it would be a shame to lose it. There are numerous possible reasons for his refusal to marry- he may have a secret lover, he may have loved someone very much and lost them, he may simply enjoy playing the field. Or he might just find the idea of spending his life with someone his brother picked out for him too horrible to contemplate! All of which work regardless of his sexuality (I think it’s very possible he’s gay, and great if he is, but wouldn’t say it’s definite).
ShinyteapotQuote Reply
Nice actor and he is like Blackfish. In Nina Gold We Trust!
By the way, any notice about Greatjon and Pypar ? I wanna know if the actors or the characters are gona to show up again, Greatjon was sooo good in Season 1..I hope they can keep the actors to for Lysan and Robin Arryn for (For Season 4) and the actors for Allister Thorne and Janos Slynt for Season 5 ou 6
MichelQuote Reply
Social media and passionate fans = nedheads are scooping traditional media outlets :)
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
And all was well in the world again.
I’m going out tonight to celebrate!
I remember him, great role! Now I’ll keep my fingers crossed for another Joe Gargery to make it into the cast in the future. Yes, I’m looking at you, Shaun Dooley.
MachaQuote Reply
How do they keep getting people that look exactly as I imagined them in the books? I was a little weirded out when Stannis and Davos were more or less perfect, and now it’s just uncanny.
poguemahoneQuote Reply
Michel,
Josef Altin (Pyp) said he’s back filming in September, and he was recently spotted in Belfast (script reading).
CarneQuote Reply
Carne,
Great..now i really hope Greatjon will be back, i love his scenes in Season 1
MichelQuote Reply
Is there something in the books suggesting that he´s gay?
My brother is a consummate bachelor by conviction (like almost all my uncles) and he´s not gay!
andreaQuote Reply
Great casting, nuff said
omerQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
I agree that Russell looking masculine does not in an of itself mean that the issue of Blackfish’s sexuality will be obscured, and there are multiple ways of exposing that side of him. But… Blackfish is gay. Undoubtedly! The fact that the books have not explicitly stated this does not change this fact. Think of all the things that the books have not stated explicitly, there’s like a million of those, and yet we understand what is meant through peripheral clues and context. If we forget the show and look at Renly/Loras an inattentive reader could claim that their sexuality is ambiguous and un-explicated because the books are never explicit about them. I don’t necessarily believe that the Blackfish is asexual, either. In general, ‘asexual’ is something that often acts as a veil for homesexuality for those who are uncomfortable with it. So, I think the Balckfish appears asexual to those in the books who’d rather ignore his homosexuality, (like hoster, who in the end knows in his heart of hearts what his brother is) and this attitude can also spread to some readers. But in fact, the Blackfish is gay.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
Wooooooooho-hoo-hoo-hoooooooo!
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
The funny thing is that there was a tweet with this news on June 28th. We just didn’t have any idea it was going on lol.
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
Blackfish being gay is not even close to being confirmed and nothing like Renly and Loras.
BloodQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
I really don’t think there is nearly the same amount of textual evidence in the books about the Blackfish being gay as there is about Renly & Loras. I think a gay Blackfish is an absolutely legitimate reading of the text, but I don’t really know how you can say it’s the only possible one.
There is a ton of evidence about Renly and Loras, and a fairly large number of people in Westeros seem to be aware of their relationship. The only thing people ever say about the Blackfish is that he never got married.
JQuote Reply
I hope they start confirming things sooner rather than later (ComicCon). There are quite a number of rumors out there. I really want to know that Mackenzie Crook is in. Plus we have , Tara Fitzgerald, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Charlotte Hope with pretty strong evidence of casting. And what about Sarah Bolger?
I feel like I am shaking Christmas presents….pretty sure what is in the box….but I want to rip the paper off and open it right now!
ImpiQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
….riiiiight, because gay men are all “effeminate” and never “masculine”. You can always tell just by looking, can’t you?
[Also: riiiight, because the Blackfish is soooo cleeearly gay in the books, I'm sure]
WastrelQuote Reply
Great casting! Can’t wait for the rest…
Joël LingerQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
It’s not a “fact” that he’s gay. He could be. He could be anything. His sexuality isn’t even hinted at the way Renly’s was. Anyway, his traditional masculine behavior has nothing to do with it.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
It is a fact that Blackfish is gay??? That’s quite a statement. I for one wouldn’t go that far. Not sure the evidence supports your claim.
Joël LingerQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
Asexual is an actual orientation, not just a cover for people who are secretly gay.
The Blackfish’s sexual orientation is far more ambiguous than Renly or Loras’s is in the books, and the simple fact that lots of thongs aren’t explicitly stated doesn’t mean that everything which isn’t explicitly stated is necessarily true.
I’m not arguing that the Blackfish is not gay (or at the very least that his sexuality may be atypical), but an overtly gay Blackfish would be far more out of character than it was with Westeros’ Worst Kept Secret Couple.
Delta1212Quote Reply
this.
gay gate!
andreaQuote Reply
To be known as gayt
ImpiQuote Reply
But in fact, the Blackfish is gay.
In fact, that is your opinion.
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
This is nice but…..
Who the FUCK are playing my Reed Siblings?!?!
Julian WalkerQuote Reply
Great cast. He looks the part, and sounds it too.
And please fuck right off with this silly “he doesn’t look gay enough to portray a gay character eloel” tripe. >.<
Jaime LannisterQuote Reply
He was in SPACED years ago, what a hero! I think he’ll be an excellent Blackfish!
Laura BradyQuote Reply
Wastrel,
Ok People calm down about the effeminate = gay thing. I’m sorry if that’s how it came off, but that is not what i was trying to say. You are talking to a major lefty here. there is no one characteristic that is a ‘sign’ of being gay, and effeminate does not have to = gay. we are all on the same page here. I was merely saying that that is how I had pictured the character and I thought as in my opinion thought that ONE of the ways in which they could allude to the characters fairly important and life defining trait is by casting a certain type (hence, the reference to Rex Harrison and Irons) who would convey Blalckfish’s homosexuality (which i still take as fact) through a refined effeminacy. WHICH BY THE WAY I assign no moral value to whatsoever. So please, stop reading into my intentions and relax.
As far as the ‘fact’ of Blackfish’s homosexuality… I must simply and respectfully disagree. yes there may be more clues as to Renly/Loras, but in the end those are as implicit as the Blackfish clues. Nothing is explicit. and on this basis i put them on equal footing. Quantity of clues is not as important to me, and I still take Blackfish’s homosexuality as fact, based on the strength of individual clues, even though, I agree that ‘technically’ it is my reading, just like ‘technically’ the assumption that Renly’Loras are gay is a reading.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
This is as incorrect as can be. It means a nonexistent libido, and zero sexual attraction regardless of the target.
I like the idea of a gay or asexual Blackfish though. I’ve, too, been under the impression that he was gay.
I suppose I need to see some of this guy’s work. I wasn’t enough of a fan of the RDJ Sherlock movies to remember tertiary roles.
ZackQuote Reply
Zack,
I come from a culture (former Soviet Union) where until recently homosexuality was almost always repressed and those who were forced to repress it within themselves were frequently thought of as asexual by the willfully blind ‘hetero-normative’ crowds for whom this perception of asexuality was effectively a defense mechanism form their homophobic anxieties. I’m not sure what part of this is ‘incorrect’.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
Sexuality, politics and race…. Always good for 100+ OT-comments.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
I am not trying to deny that ‘asexual’ is a valid category in and of itself. It does not always have to be a forced veil on homosexuality but i believe in the case of the Blackfish it is.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
It never once crossed my mind that Blackfish was gay while reading the books.
It sounds like your only reasoning is because he doesn’t want to get married.
Renly was married, does that make him straight?
Jon took the black, must be gay?
Ryan1672Quote Reply
Well, he does look the part. I’m loving this, GOT Casting Madness is one of the best things of my summer :)
I really wish I had the time to find out how exactly we ended up discussing axesuality. Wow. Cool.
ElenaQuote Reply
Man, he looks scary close to how I’d pictured him in the books. Make the eyebrows a bit bushier, and it’s spot on!
I’ve apperently seen him in things, but I can’t remember his performance, so once again I’ll just trust Nina Gold and be very excited about his debut next spring.
AndrewQuote Reply
As far as I know, asexuality is not a cover for homosexuality (at least, not in most cases). It is generally related to schizoid personality disorder and, in some cases, autism.
Schizoid disorder is “characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, and apathy”. And sensory abnormalities are a common symptom of autism, meaning, many people with the disorder don’t like to be touched. So, it stands to reason if someone is affected by either disorder, or both, they might be asexual (which doesn’t mean they don’t fantasize, or harbor any sexual feelings whatsoever, it just means they avoid human contact).
Varamyr FourskinsQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
By the way, Renly being gay IS a fact. GRRM has confirmed it. Blackish is gay is not.
adrieneQuote Reply
Oh my God.
I don’t think I’ve ever spent almost three years of my life waiting for something so badly, suffering so much for it (which I don’t think is over, if I know my GRRM) and actually getting it in the end – namely, a hot rugged older warrior!
If ever, my “gate” will be BeardGate, if they don’t make him clean-shaven like in the books (points at avatar), but hell, you won’t hear me complain about it too much, not after so long.
*still hyperventilating*
As for Brynden’s sexuality, I know every single line about him by heart, and the only hint of homosexuality in the books is Cat’s comment to Hoster “He has not wed. You know that, Father. Nor will he ever.” Which strongly points to homosexuality indeed; however Cat knows him so well that she might be aware of several other reasons for being incompatible with marriage.
For the record, my mental Blackfish is bisexual and strongly attracted to:
- sworn knights;
- holy septas (I like to imagine he became a Warrior’s Son for his beloved);
- married women, some of them quite closely related to him though not by blood, if you catch my drift.
Such a record should make even Cat despair that her uncle ever finds someone remotely suitable, especially as he grows older and more stubborn.
And then, I mean, why limiting him to ONE reason for “the blues”, when you can give him LOTS of them?
Whoa. Now I know how girls felt at Shea Stadium in 1965.
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
Craig Leska,
[spoiler] Remember the scene in which he scaped the siege of his nephew’s castle? I don’t think that’s just an isolated scene. If he wasn’t importat why wouldn’t he just’ve be captured or killed? I think he actually will play a big part in future books…
JoslaQuote Reply
I don’t think any “gay” hints have been dropped that I can detect, though I would welcome the addition of more queer characters, as long as they don’t seem crowbarred in for no particular reason.
I am intrigued by the fan theory that Brynden did not marry because he and Hoster’s wife (Catlin’s mother) were in love, and that is also why Hoster and Brynden had their falling out.
Maybe he’s just a romantic like Jaime and swore he would love no other woman.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
the blackfishes sexuality has no impact on the overall story nor does it move forward any plotpoints so who cares. theres no real reason to even bring it up in the TV show.
whateverQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
I’m so happy for you!
You were the one I was waiting to see comment when I broke this earlier!
How is that for the first highly anticipated role to be cast?!?!?! XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
MATTHEW,
I had read that theory somewhere and it was the one that made the most sense to me…
I’m not sure we will ever have a concrete explanation for Blackfish’s reluctance to marry, but I tend to side with that theory for now.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Great casting! Nina Gold deserves an award for how well this series has been cast. It’s, in my mind, the absolute strongest asset the show has. Nearly everyone knocks it out of the park when their time to shine comes. Can’t wait to hear who else is cast for this season. I expect we’ll get a few more announcements at Comic-Con.
Oh, and I agree with the poster above about the Greatjon – hoping he makes a return appearance this season.
Pastor_of_MuppetsQuote Reply
Wow, that would be a fantastic casting!
Tar KidhoQuote Reply
Often misinformed people think a word applies to cases when it does not. That they are wrong doesn’t suddenly make the definition change in order that they be correct.
A person abstaining from all sexual behavior is only a repressed homosexual if he has to resist his natural urges. Asexual people are asexual because they lack those urges.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200912/asexuals-who-are-they-and-why-are-they-important
ZackQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
I’m happy for you BB :-)
Tar KidhoQuote Reply
Great stuff, congrats Blackfish Blues!
KnurkQuote Reply
Varamyr Fourskins,
Please stop defining asexuality! I understand what it means. I understand that it is not the same as homosexuality. That is just silly. I was merely trying to say that SOME people often PERCEIVE repressed homosexuality (example: Blackfish) AS asexuality. I believe this to be the case with certain characters in the books and with certain readers of the books; people who perceive a homosexual character as asexual because his depiction SEEMS ambiguous enough to permit such a perception.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
He does look the part and I loved him in great expectations. Another great choice by nina gold then. Can’t wait to hear who else has been cast!
caro herreraQuote Reply
I never noticed that, thanks: is there a possibility that he is in fact Catelyn´s father then ?
andreaQuote Reply
Zack,
read my response to Varamyr Fourskins, and if you are still unclear about my point, which as of your last post it seems that you are, then I know of no clearer way to explain it to you.
Howland ReedQuote Reply
I met Clive Russel and got a photo with him a month or two ago in Glasgow.
I met him on the side of the Clyde River so he must the Blackfish. :P
Ewan CarrollQuote Reply
andrea,
oh my, nooo. If ever, I see it as totally honourable, not to mention unrequited. I like characters who suffer.
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
plus, ages don´t match!
andreaQuote Reply
Is Brynden Tully’s sexuality really his defining characteristic? I haven’t read the books, but the Wiki of Ice and Fire says he fell out with his older brother Hoster after refusing to enter into an arranged marriage. Maybe Brynden just thought the woman was really ugly or, he had issues with her House or, he was secretly in love with someone else or, he prefers the company of prostitutes or, he simply resented being used as a pawn in his brother’s political games. There are lots of possible explanations for his insubordination, living in the closet is just one.
Clive Russell certainly looks like a hard-bitten man who won’t let himself be bossed around by anyone, feudal expectations be damned.
Nagga’s KinQuote Reply
Howland Reed,
No, your point was quite clear. Read the post of yours from which I first quoted again.
What I’m calling attention to is your use of the words, “In general, ‘asexual’ is…” followed by you telling us that people often perceive repressed homosexuality as asexuality–a statement with which I find no fault. People are often wrong.
But “in general” means “Most commonly,” not “Often.” I’m glad you’re willing to clear up awkward phrasing, but you don’t seem to understand why exactly the phrasing was awkward.
A much more clear way of phrasing what you (apparently) originally meant: “In many cases, people use the word ‘asexual’ to describe a repressed person because for whatever reason they are uncomfortable thinking that someone they know–or read about–is homosexual.”
See? No way of interpreting that statement as me trying to re-define a word.
ZackQuote Reply
Clive is a great choice for the Blackfish IMO. Nice one Nina. I wonder will he be keeping his accent…? Maybe the Riverrun folk will all have scottish accents. Lysa has one, Cat`s accent could pass for scottish , all be it mellowed by years at Winterfell, and now Brynden. I for one would be cool with that .
Has anyone heard of a possible location for Riverrun? I think someone blabbed that Hosters funeral will be one of the first scenes shot this season.
Two FeathersQuote Reply
This guy looks awesome!
LexQuote Reply
my hero
andreaQuote Reply
That would be awesome….. Sean Connery for Hoster :) They could be brothers. Can’t you just hear him say Tansy?
ImpiQuote Reply
In the books, Blackfysh and Qhorin Halfhand have a lot of similar characteristics:
older men, battle-hardened, loyal, no-nonsense and absurdly competent, but not without room for compassion.
The guy (Armstrong, I believe) who played the Halfhand gave a skillful and believable performance, but it was hampered by confusing and contradictory dialogue and awkward plotting (no fault of the actor).
Hope they don’t make the same mistake when writing scenes for the Blackfish
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Tansheeeeeee
MATTHEWQuote Reply
I haven’t but I suspect they’re going to stick with Northern Ireland for logistics and other reasons. The Wikis tell me the castle is located at the confluence of two rivers and features sluice gates to the west, permitting defenders to flood a canal and surround the keep with water. IDK why they wouldn’t just flood it permanently and use a draw- or pontoon bridge to cross it in peacetime, but there you go.
There’s a rural area just south of Enniskillen that features a network of meandering river channels connecting the Upper and Lower Loughs Erne. That might fit the bill nicely IFF they intend to show the defensive features of Riverrun at all.
Please note that this is just my personal guess and in not official information.
Nagga’s KinQuote Reply
Is there any word if D&D are going to get the old Mountain back?
Conan was the perfect mountain and I hope they get him back since he probably is free now…
ArthurQuote Reply
A woman thinks this theory is highly possible, and should not be ruled out. Maybe Edmure is actually Brynden’s son? Or even Cat? If Hoster has always been a “prickly” sort, isn’t it possible his wife sought out companionship with his brother? And if Brynden truly loved her, it’s not so impossible for him to want to keep those memories sacrosanct rather than opening his heart to another. It’s not anti-romance, it’s HIGHLY romantic as he’s so romanticized that one woman that he cannot even consider another. Perhaps the possibility that Edmure is Brynden’s biological son, and that Hoster’s wife died bearing him, was the last straw and forced Brynden out by his own guilt (if Hoster had no clue). Many possibilities, but most have little impact on the larger story (unless it’s Brynden who later on has to break back into Riverrun to save Edmure).
BTW, Russell also is the exact image of the Blackfish that I imagined while reading the books…great casting!
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
All this Blackfishery pleases me greatly indeed!
Wow, I hadn’t thought of that! FIRST!!!!!!!!!11!!!1
Actually they do, because Brynden is only 5 years younger than Hoster, so the age difference would make sense. But I can’t imagine Cat knowing such a thing and not freaking out. Btw, three cheers for the Whiny Blackfishies! >(^__^)<
Opening the season with that scene… it would be TEH AWESOMENESSITY.
Tar Kidho, Knurk,
thanks to you too, I really can’t believe all this kindness towards me. I must have really pestered you all to death!
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
I was just watching Crimson Petal and the White (another Nina Gold project) and saw James Wilson as Christopher. He was the servant boy in Castaway’s brothel. Wonder if he could work for Jojen? Such a hard time casting that role I imagine!
The only net pictures I could find of him were from when he was 8 or 9 (he’s 12 or 13 now I think). No DOB in his IMDB profile.. So I screencapped a few…
They’re LQ.. apologies.
http://spoilertv.co.uk/images/cache/game-of-thrones/Misc/Casting/Jojen%20Reed/New%20directory/James%20Wilson4_FULL.jpg
http://spoilertv.co.uk/images/cache/game-of-thrones/Misc/Casting/Jojen%20Reed/New%20directory/James%20Wilson1_FULL.jpg
http://spoilertv.co.uk/images/cache/game-of-thrones/Misc/Casting/Jojen%20Reed/New%20directory/James%20Wilson2_FULL.jpg
darquemodeQuote Reply
Clive Russel most certainly looks the part. I’m currently watching cracker (just watched the brilliant Robert Carlyle ep) So I’m gonna be especially observant next couple of eps see if I can spot Clive Russel. (according to imdb he plays one of Fitz’s relatives)
WinterdarkQuote Reply
I think this guy is good for the role
He still has such a big role in the books, as in he will basically Restart the Stark Rebellion. One of my favorite characters behind Edmure (also a Stark Rebellion key character) Love the Tullys apart from Cat! A perfect Addition!
Who will they cast as Hoster?
Harry The HeirQuote Reply
After 2 Seasons we finally have the Blackfish on the table!
Clive looks perfect!
Daenerys StormbornQuote Reply
A woman is so happy for you that your dreams are realized in this wonderful casting, as dreams coming true is not frequent in real life for most people. Here’s hoping that he gets the honor of a great scripted story line. Fingers crossed for you!
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
Good call I can totally see him being Blackfish.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
So the Blackfish is a massive wanker?
Excellent :).
Colin HicksQuote Reply
Clive Russell totally looks like Captain Haddock (Tintin).
JeremyQuote Reply
Harry The Heir,
Maybe they’ll just drop casting Hoster and go right to his funeral? As in Catelyn arrives after he has died.
CarneQuote Reply
OMG that would be so PERFECT! A woman is soooooo hoping they get Sean Connery for Hoster! The chances might be slim though, he lives in the Bahamas now. Might be hard to tempt him away from the golf course! He has stated that he is retired from acting, written an autobiography, and is writing another book. I mean, he turned down playing GANDALF in LOTR with the promise of a share of profits! So it’s unlikely, but would be cool.
How about Christopher Lee? Same height as Russell, he’s supposed to be more slight due to his illness…he’d be great! An easy role for him, a chance to be included in some epic TV…hey Nina!
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
Mrs. H’ghar,
A trout is honoured!
Re: Brynden’s possible doomed love story with his brother’s wife. I do not believe he is Edmure’s father either, because Cat clearly knows Brynden’s secret, and their relationship would be different, maybe still affectionate but less trusting somehow. Also, Minisa survived Edmure’s birth: Cat at one point in “A Clash of Kings” recalls that “Lady Minisa Tully had died in childbed, trying to give Lord Hoster a second son. The baby had perished with her, and afterward some of the life had gone out of Father.”
I like to think that Minisa and Hoster actually loved each other, despite his bad temper (which maybe was not that bad before her death). This would make even more poignant the fact that Brynden was hopelessly in love with her, to the point that he wanted no other woman to share his life.
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
darquemode,
can´t watch BBC 2! :(
andreaQuote Reply
Does this mean a possible Scottish Edmure ? In a dream world I wouldn’t mind Ewan McGregor playing that role.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
andrea,
did you try watching The Hollow Crown on that website I talked about? (I missed it, but luckily I can access BBC’s iPlayer so I’ll watch tomorrow)
Tar KidhoQuote Reply
Don’t know much him about him but I like that photo…he looks perfect imo
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Yeah, still don’t care … but uh, yay for the happy people, I guess!
KGQuote Reply
That photo of him is awesome lol Makes him kinda badass…fits in character perfectly I guess
Igor VelosoQuote Reply
yes, I tried just there. Thanks anyway. I’m not desperate, I´ll watch it some day.It´s ok.
andreaQuote Reply
Now I haven’t read every post here lately but how come know one is mentioning the casting of Myranda Stone or Royce ? What have I missed ? Charlotte Hope ?
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Nagga’s Kin,
Near is village called Tullyveacan and Tullyskehemy and Tullybuck as well. Coincidence?
bonQuote Reply
Coltaine777,
It’s covered by a lot of speculation in the Tara Fitzgerald post… Charlotte Hope is “Myranda”, but Myranda who?
Theories ranging from she will be Meera Reed and the name is a cover name so they can suprise people, Myranda will be a Tyrell cousin of Margery’s, or she is Myranda Royce of the Vale (maybe with some Mya Stone thrown in)…
No one seems to know anything for sure yet though.
darquemodeQuote Reply
darquemode,
Thankyou my friend…confusion always happens when your late to the party :) ….
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Coltaine777,
There was also another name in casting rumors the last couple days… Nathalie Emmanuel.
She posted a script photo and there appears to be a watermark “Game of Thrones” title on it. That’s in the Fitzgerald thread too.
No one has a clue who she has been cast as, but guesses were an aged up Missandei, a new handmaiden for Dany or maybe even replacing the actress that played Jhiqui in Season 1…. and some thought a Sand Snake even.
darquemodeQuote Reply
darquemode,
Darquemode…you kick ASS !!…thx so much for getting me up to speed on current events !!!..I truly appreciate it !!!
Coltaine777Quote Reply
GRRM is doing a reading/book-signing in Seattle this Tuesday! I’m totally going to go. Haven’t seen him since 2006, when he signed my paperbacks. Time to get my hardcovers signed!
EDIT: Not sure whether or not he’s signing books. He says so on his blog, but someone on the event website says they will only be selling pre-signed books. Nevertheless, should be fun.
LexQuote Reply
Coltaine777,
No prob!
A thread with a few hundred, or even 100 comments can be overwhelming!
I have a casting rumor and speculation thread on a different site you can check too. It’s more a summary of rumors and speculation like I just gave you – updated when needed… once a week to a couple times a day in the last few days.
It does not have as many insightful commenters as the threads here, but if you just follow the updates at the top it is a bit easier to read.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Lex,
That should be awesome!
Have fun and keeps your ears open in case he absent-mindedly reveals anything fun! XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
Perhaps your theory is more accurate, a woman will wait to see what is revealed in time. Love that there are still some mysteries for us even after multiple book readings!
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
will do ..thx again !!! …
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Wait… what? Blackfish is gay?
There is literally nothing in the books which suggests that Blackfish is gay aside from him refusing to marry.. and that could suggest all sorts of things.
Seriously, Howland Reed, why do you think he is gay? What suggests that it is “fact”?
VanderhookQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
I’m happy for you and happy for the rest of us! We have a Blackfish!
As for his sexuality, a case can be made either way. There was a thread some years back at westeros.org in which someone made a good argument that the Blackfish was actually a Warrior’s Son and sworn to celibacy. I tend to think he’s more likely to be gay based on the conversation you quoted, but I’m fine with either interpretation. Just happy to have the Blackfish in the show. For a minor character, he has one of the most interestingly mysterious backstories.
LangkardQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
I’m very happy for you ! ..and for us all because he’s a great character..You know, I sort of hope his sexuality remains a mystery..everyone loves a mystery man…
ObsidianQuote Reply
darquemode,
13th warrior that’s where I’ve seen him from! Thanks for reminding me!
The mighty hodorQuote Reply
Yep, he played Helfdane, the one who was injured and stayed behind to hold off the Eater’s while the rest went deeper into the caves.
Since they’ve cast Russell, maybe they can do another 13th Warrior connection and cast Dennis Storhøi as Mance! Dennis Storhøi has a wonderful singing voice and is old enough to make a great Mance.
LangkardQuote Reply
Frankly, I see no reason to assume Blackfish is gay. People who say he is point out to his refusal to get married, but it seems clear to me it was a reaction to Hoster Tully’s authoritative ways. He simply did what Lysa would have done if she could.
Winterfell BurningQuote Reply
GRRM was once asked directly in an interview about the questions and speculation regarding the Blackfish’s sexuality. When asked directly if he “had any light to shed” on the discussion, he very pointedly said “nope.” That is typical GRRM. And it also put more weight to the side of the Blackfish being gay.
LangkardQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
A lady might refer to Edmure as an ” commitment -phobe ”
WildSeedQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
Your post is insightful and amusing :D I don’t believe there’s much to this thread
about the Blackfish (Tully ) though. However he is perceived, most women would
regard him as a man comfortable with his life and self sufficient. Many folk are
commitment phobes for whatever reason, his nephew Edmure exceeded him with
being picky about everything.
WildSeedQuote Reply
Yay! As for the Warrior’s Son theory, if nobody was crazy enough to bring that up again, I fear it was mine. It might have been a case of Brynden’s youthful idealism. Knowing Brynden, he got fed up quickly, but he was too honourable to break his vows. The Warrior’s Sons were outlaws back then before Tommen reinstated them, so it makes sense that only Catelyn as his closest confidante knew of his secret. Hoster hadn’t a clue.
I seem to remember that the best objection to my theory was that a man sworn to the Seven would not fight for a “pagan” like Robb Stark, but I think that family would come first anyway, especially in a case of such dire danger.
And of course this not prevents him from being ALSO attracted by knights, lords, married ladies…
LOL, I think the mystery, and hint of drama, was a big part of what attracted me to him. The rest was mostly his gentle attitude to Cat. Also his general hotness and badassery. :D
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
Thanks! That too – Brynden may look mysterious and even nostalgic about something, but never self-doubtful or uneasy, at least in public. Then again, Edmure is so much younger, and in the end he does do his “duty” for the family, which Brynden never did. It’s a very interesting dynamic.
Another idea I have is that Brynden might turn up again with a legitimate son whose mother died or something. But as a secret it would be quite clichéd, and also would spell doom for Edmure and his unborn child. :(
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
darquemode,
the Blackfish’s story is still evolving for book 6, wonder what GRRmM has in store.
My perception of the Blackfish as a self sufficient bloke just fine on his own and
perhaps too shy with intimacy. Commitment phobe?maybe may be not, he
continues to be given props to his bravery and tenacity. He kinda reminds me
of one of my uncles.
WildSeedQuote Reply
He looks tough and worn, which is how a Westeros warrior in his 50s should look.
If you think in terms of career military throughout history, “fucking anything that moves” pretty much covers it – no offense to members of the military.
What I love about GRRM’s characters is the ambiguity that permits mystery, surprise and lots of room for personal fantasies.
I can imagine Blackfish mourning an inappropriate young love like a scullery maid who died of a botched abortion for which he never forgave himself.
I can imagine him refusing marriage just to defy big brother.
I can imagine him as a pure libertine sneering at poor Cersei-only Jaime as having no fucking clue what he’s missing.
And yes, I can imagine him as gay and as macho as many of the gay men I know.
Yellow DogQuote Reply
Please, oh, please, people who state firmly that the Blackfish is gay, please support your claims with exact quotes from the books.
…
See, there are virtually NONE.
The fact that he doesn’t want an arranged marriage and defiantly refuses to ever be married can be explained with a load of other reasons:
1.) He is too proud to accept an arranged marriage and being defiant proud he overly refuses to be married, just to mock his brother (the most probable scenario by far in my opinon…)
2.) He has a secret (female) lover whom he doesn’t want to give up
3.) He thinks his way of life cannot be made compatible with having a wife
4.) He is asexual
5.) He is a mysogynist
6.) And yes, he may be gay
Why on earth would people promptly assume he is gay and cannot be anything else, I can’t understand… :|
FelagundQuote Reply
Blackfish Blues,
Hoster Tully didn’t get to maintain his status by being wimpy. I’m sure readers
will get more glimpses of his history . Lady Dustin touched on a few reminisces/
pointers in ADWD( we read a bit about Jon Arryn’s dad and Tywin’s dad).
Oddly, Walder Frey was always regarded a loser and bad sport.
WildSeedQuote Reply
Yellow Dog,
Faster by two minutes, pal :D
FelagundQuote Reply
Felagund,
Great minds, lucky timing. Thanks for the backup!
Yellow DogQuote Reply
my uncles!… and brother, and father.
andreaQuote Reply
Still no Shagwell casting news? Crook as Hoat is awesome though.
DavidQuote Reply
I am sooo excited! Great news and great casting, again to Nina.
And BTW, thanks to WIC & HMR & all for all you do to make this site great. So grateful to you to help keep excitement up between seasons! Need I say this page is my Internet home page?
uno0Quote Reply
David,
He’s too droll to be cast!
(But seriously I’ll weep if they cut Shagwell. One of my favorite minor but easily cut characters.)
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Really like this choice by Nina, the actor is easily recognizable by most people for all the supporting roles he does, and Mr. Russel has done a wealth of excellent characters.
I cannot believe he is in his mid 60′s, I thought he was in his early mid 50′s, guess it comes from lifestyle and fitness.
Ms. Gold (Thumbs up again), and welcome to the GoT family Clive, gratz.
tysnowQuote Reply
Or, maybe Hoster was the gay one, and he had his brother fulfill the family duty and Brynden was Cat and Ed and Lys’s real father, and Hoster got worried about gossip and decided to marry Brynden off to get him out of the picture. The Blackfish, by now in love with the children’s mother, said “Hell, no!” and took himself off into self-exile rather than be untrue. Once she died, he could not bear to come back. There is absolutely no evidence for this, so this is just as likely as all of the other theories I see out here.
alan d.Quote Reply
andrea,
Ha Ha :D! Brynden’s brother was of strong character and probably just as stubborn,
who knows what details took place at that time. Hoster Tully and perhaps his
father were Riverland lords nt to be reckoned with. I enjoy the fierce loyalty
of Brynden Blackfish Tully, even if he remained a confirmed bachelor. Hello nuncle !
WildSeedQuote Reply
Absolutely. The mystery surrounding him is a large part of his appeal as a character. For the show to ‘reveal’ this aspect of his character rather than keeping it as subtle as George has done in the books would be a mistake.
That is to say, unless GRRM has plans of his own on this issue to reveal in the forthcoming books. But D&D, don’t get ahead of yourselves on this issue! The uncertainty is fun :)
ZackQuote Reply
not quit how i imagined the blackfish, but still, seems like a good choice
Trent MartellQuote Reply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMV0QdymQU
He is going to be a great Black fish!
BiscottiQuote Reply
Whoa. I have heard of this guy. And seen him quite a bit.
BaramosQuote Reply
I remember him from the 13th Warrior (the Antonio Banderas movie), not exactly the best movie.
But he was one of the more memorable characters. Has good presence. I have great confidence in his ability to do Blackfish.
Jordan HealeyQuote Reply
Only here to say,
http://i46.tinypic.com/2gsmp1l.png
Love ya, Blackfish Blues!!!!!
http://i47.tinypic.com/ztf3er.gif
the goatQuote Reply
In that video, he looks almost exactly like the Blackfish in my head.
LexQuote Reply
Quick photoshop of Clive Russell as the Blackfish:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54458460@N08/7477133176/
LexQuote Reply
I think he looks great , he is exactly as i pictured the blackfish in the books, well done Nina Gold. As for the blackfish been gay in the books i never picked up on it. I am new to the books, i read them recently back to back straight after the first series finished on tv. I never once thought he was gay.
garydQuote Reply
So I think I might be a tad too obsessed.
Kissed a beautiful woman today and met a female GoT fan.
Highlight of my day…meeting the GoT fan.
I love the series that much!
Aegon the ConquerorQuote Reply
Isnt he halfhand s actor? It sure looks like hIm
DekarQuote Reply
I don’t think anyone’s fan-wanking has ever made me so happy for them. :) Congrats.
SkipjackQuote Reply
I hope the Blackfishs’ character isn’t neutered down to a few brief lines here and there like the half hand.
Duff ManQuote Reply
I love this actor – first saw him in “Mists of Avalon” which also has Tony Curran in the cast.
medievalmuseQuote Reply
He is of course the Big Yin from Still Game! Legend.
TamthethirdQuote Reply
To be fair the blackfish has at max 3 lines in A Storm of Swords
Turn cloakQuote Reply
Zack,
Zack
Please let it go! All points have been made/taken, etc. Please do not continue to beat a dead horse!
GatorfischQuote Reply
Welcome ser Brynden Tully aka Clive Rusell! Yeah, as someone already mentioned, he was badass in “13thWarrior”!!!!
loco73Quote Reply
DannyQuote Reply
That’s my job: making fan-wanking look good since 2010! :P
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
I don’t understand the excitement for the Queen of Thorns because she doesn’t have THAT big of an impact in the books. She’s a THORN in Cersei’s side but beyond that I don’t see what all the fuss is about.
I’m not trying to criticize… just curious.
RayQuote Reply
She’s a fantastic, fun character with a quick, deadly wit who’s going to be very enjoyable to watch if done right. It’s not always about a character’s “impact” on the plot, although I’d consider her major role in Joffrey’s death to be quite the impact.
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
9 Trackbacks