At the Comic Con tonight a slew of season three roles were announced (a few of them we have learnt about already earlier). Here is the video shown at today’s panel which features some of those new cast members.
After the break, a full rundown of all the announced season three cast with headshots and brief descriptions of their characters.
Diana Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell. Also known as “The Queen of Thorns,” Lady Olenna is the grandmother of Margaery and Loras Tyrell and is, in many ways, the true leader of their powerful family. The actress is best known for her role as the iconic Emma Peel in “The Avengers,” and for playing Teresa di Vincenzo in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Rigg won an Emmy in 1997 for her role as Mrs. Danvers in “Rebecca.”
Mackenzie Crook as Orell. A wildling raider, Orell is a “warg” or “skinchanger,” with the ability to enter the mind of an animal and control its actions. Crook is best known for playing offbeat characters such as Gareth in the original UK version of “The Office” and the pirate Ragetti in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series.
Clive Russell as Bryndon “The Blackfish” Tully. Known far and wide as “The Blackfish,” Brynden is a famous knight and the uncle of Catelyn Stark. He quarreled bitterly with his brother, Lord Hoster Tully, and the two were estranged for many years. Russell is a mainstay in British film and television, appearing in dozens of productions in the last forty years. Recently he appeared as Captain Tanner in the Guy Ritchie “Sherlock Holmes” films.
Nathalie Emannuel as Missandei. Originally from the peaceful island of Naath, Missandei was sold into slavery as a child, along with her brother. She received education in various languages and became a translator to the slave trader Kraznys in Astapor. Emmanuel played Sasha Valentine on the British soap opera “Hollyoaks” from 2006-2010.
Kerry Ingram as Shireen Baratheon, the only child of Stannis Baratheon. An avid reader, she escapes her lonely life through myths and stories – her books are her most treasured possessions. The young actress won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2012, after playing the starring role in “Matilda.”
Paul Kaye as Thoros of Myr. A key member of the outlaw band known as the Brotherhood Without Banners, he is a Red Priest, in service of the Lord of Light, and originally hails from the Free City of Myr, in Essos. The British comedian is best known for creating the character of Dennis Pennis on “The Sunday Show.”
Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jojen Reed, a mysterious and enigmatic young man who becomes an important ally to Bran Stark. The 22-year-old actor starred in the films “Nanny McPhee” and “Love Actually” as a child, and he voices the role of Ferb on “Phineas and Ferb.”
Ellie Kendrick as Meera Reed. The eldest daughter of Howland Reed and a staunch Stark loyalist, Meera and her younger brother Jojen seek out Bran Stark to protect him on his hard journey north. Kendrick starred in the 2009 BBC adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and has appeared in “Being Human” and “Upstairs Downstairs.”
Richard Dormer as Beric Dondarrion. Once the lord of Blackhaven and a celebrated warrior, Lord Beric has now become the leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners, a band of vigilante outlaws. Dormer wrote and starred in the one-man play “Hurricane,” and played the lead in the film “Good Vibrations,” the story of Belfast punk legend Terri Hooley.
Kristofer Hivju as Tormund Giantsbane. A famed wildling warrior and chief lieutenant of the “King Beyond the Wall,” Mance Rayder, Tormund is fearsome and strong, with a large build and a beard to match. The Norwegian actor co-starred in the 2011 version of “The Thing,” and will be appearing in “After Earth,” a new film by M. Night Shyamalan.
Philip McGinley as Anguy, an extremely skilled archer and key member of the outlaw band known as the Brotherhood Without Banners. The actor is best known for playing Tom Kerrigan on the British soap “Coronation Street” and recently had a role in the movie “Prometheus.”
Tara Fitzgerald as Selyse Baratheon. The wife of Stannis Baratheon, Selyse spends much of her life in seclusion, shut away in a gloomy tower. A veteran of British television, Fitzgerald played Kat Ashley in “The Virgin Queen” and starred as Eve Lockhart on the show “Waking the Dead” and on its spinoff, “The Body Farm.”
Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully. The younger brother of Catelyn Stark, Edmure has recently become Lord of Riverrun in the wake of his father’s death. Menzies has worked with HBO before, appearing as Brutus on “Rome.” He’s starred in several British shows over the last few years, including “Eternal Law,” “The Shadow Line,” and “The Deep.”
Anton Lesser as Qyburn, a former maester of the Citadel, who was stripped of his chain many years ago. Lesser has performed many roles with Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared as Exeter in the Henry V portion of “The Hollow Crown.” Recent TV roles include Gideon on “Primeval” and Clarence Fendley in “The Hour,” co-starring Oona Chaplin.Hear Me Roar: Lots to discuss here, I know you are all excited. Mind that this is not the ultimate list, there may (will) be further roles and actors announced down the line.
712 Comments
LOOK AT ALL THOSE NAMES AHHHHHH
…wait, where’s Mance?
HenryQuote Reply
WOO FIRST! SO EXCITED!!! I hope they have Orell in it for even more!!!
Harry The HeirQuote Reply
I LOVE the actor they got for Jojen, he looks perfect. The actress playing Meera reminds me of Kristen Schaal and it’s distracting.
Wolf of the NorthQuote Reply
Mance ?!? Vargo? Where are youuu? Oh my God such a good day! What a great new cast!
Omar BrownQuote Reply
Personally a bit sad Kaya wasn’t announced as Meera, but as always, in Nina Gold we trust and all that. I’ll have to look more in depth at all these actors and check to see if I’ve seen them in anything. So glad the announcements finally came!
AndrewQuote Reply
A woman is pleased! But where is Mance? King Beyond the Wall??????
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
He is a great young actor — fellow geeks may remember him as Tim Latimer in the Doctor Who episodes Human Nature and The Family of Blood. He’ll be great.
LynnQuote Reply
RAMSAY ! My Ramsay where are you ?
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
Liking all of these! Some are even fan cast!
Now give me Ramsay and Mance!
Surprised the rumor of Asim Ashad (Sp?) was a fake, or else the actor was replaced and not told, poor guy.
ConorQuote Reply
Richard Dormer is a fantastic local actor. He plays Terri Hooley in ‘Good Vibrations’ which will be out soon and is also a great theatre actor. I saw him being interviewed a few months ago. He had a full beard and remember thinking he should be in GOT. Glad to see he finally made it.
RimshotQuote Reply
I really thought McGinley looked a lot like Roose, thought he’d be a good Ramsay. Oh well.
AdrianQuote Reply
Only know Mackenzie Crook and he is a very good actor. But in Nina Gold we trust!
VERY EXCITED!!! AGAIN!!
RobbetQuote Reply
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yjepIbKlVHQ/S-IAfSKA4EI/AAAAAAAAAyk/O1wSR0ckPug/s1600/Anne+Frank_Ellie+Kendrick.jpg
Meera
The RabbitQuote Reply
Go watch It’s All Gone Pete Tong to see the brilliance of actor Paul Kaye. Maybe the casting I’m most excited about. I’m excited about it all.
DirehoundQuote Reply
Great casting all around! So exciting.
So I guess Hoster is already dead when we get to Riverrun next season.
Hi-FiQuote Reply
What about Ramsay Snow?
Álvaro RojasQuote Reply
Jojen and Meera are PERFECT. Missandei is a bit big, but then again (book 6 speculation: If Arya is to ‘take her face’ to get to Dany, Missandei doesn’t need to be a pre-teen, Maisie will be all grown up by then)
WoopQuote Reply
Tobias Menzie has been in quite a few things. I’ve seen him in Rome and most recently The Shadow Line. He kinda seems like a good Edmure.
ErikQuote Reply
Paul Kaye seems kind of young for Thoros. Wasn’t Thoros like 50 or something? Oh, well, don’t really care much.
The rest all seemed pretty fitting.
BaramosQuote Reply
So exciting!!! I never thought we’d get this much at once!
QueensmootQuote Reply
Maybe the guy everyone thought was going to be Thoros is actually going to be Strong Belwas! #Pray4StrongBelwas
JQuote Reply
http://www.spoilertv.co.uk/images/cache/game-of-thrones/Misc/Casting/Jojen%20Reed/Thomas%20Brodie-Sangster%20as%20Jojen%20Reed_FULL.jpg
Jojen (happy dance!)
The RabbitQuote Reply
I worked with Paul Kaye on ‘WAZ’ a few years ago. Really nice guy. He’s famous for ‘Dennis Pennis’ of course (check out YouTube!)
RimshotQuote Reply
Sad that Mackenzie isn’t Mance or Vargo, but fuck it, he is in the show, i think they will combine Varamyr and Orell, since we get Anguy, I hope we get Harwin, Lem and Tom..at The Wall I hope we get Styr and Varamyr too (if he isn’t mixed up with Orell)..For me the best choices were Tormund and Qyburn..The actress of Meera needs to change her her, don’t she ? I’M TOO ANSIOUS ABOUT RAMSAY, MANCE AND VARGO BUT TOO WORRIED TO ABOUT BELWAS
MichelQuote Reply
Menzies seems like a good choice. And Crook certainly looks more swashbuckling in that video than as a comic relief pirate or office dweeb. I hope there’s a concentration on him standing around looking creepy. He was good at this in the Pirates films but here would be without the pratfall humor.
Felt PeltQuote Reply
Meera and Jojen seem like absolutely perfect casting.
Hi-FiQuote Reply
Long time reader …. never posted here before … but I was moved to shriek like a little girl to see Thomas Brodie Sangster cast as Jojen.
He played Sam in Love Actually and was utterly awesome…. he’s perfect for Jojen. Best news EVER!
Tamsin Cleo GermanQuote Reply
Tobias Menzies as Edmure has made me happy, sure he’s not how I pictured him when reading the books but Tobias impressed me alot with his work on Rome.
BTW Paule Kaye ??????? lol I don’t know what to make of that choice.
The rest of the casting is pretty meh to be honest, well Riggs is a good choice for Olena.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/34486461/Anton+Lesser+antonlessertophat.jpg
Qyburn
The RabbitQuote Reply
Holy shit Paul Kaye is Strutter himself ! I just realised this .
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
The kid playing Jojen looks perfect for the part, very elf like.
Mirri MazQuote Reply
Hooray for Tobias Menzies! He was awesome in Rome.
BaboocoleQuote Reply
bloody hell, will there be barristan selmy in season 3 or not ?!
Lukas FilzerQuote Reply
Woop,
I imagined Meera being prettier honesty, tho maybe it’s just the actresses hair that bugs me. And they both should have green contacts but the Jojen kid looks the part otherwise
Multimasking1Quote Reply
If they don’t have Jojen and Meera this season, I will quit watch…. Huh?
Oh!! Hah!! Perfect! I think they have hit another Home Run with these two – they are PERFECT!!!
EdQuote Reply
Not digging the choice for Meera at all, she’s a bit ugly to be honest.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Meera and Jojen look like that can really by siblings. How tall is Ellie? If she is really short it will be a perfect casting…
ArthurQuote Reply
I’m with those who think Asim Ahmad might be Belwas (although wouldn’t they have announced it?).
LordStarkingtonQuote Reply
People wanted Mackenzie Crook as Mance? Like, seriously, or just as some kind of ruinous joke?
AdrianQuote Reply
The actor playing Jojen was Paul McCartney in Nowhere Boy…I’ll have to rematch his scenes.
BaboocoleQuote Reply
Fantastic castings, all of them. Peter Kaye as Thoros is inspired. Perfect Reed siblings castings as well, Ellie Kendrick was amazing in Being Human recently.
Sekandar MartellQuote Reply
Just as i was expecting. Instead of people being happy that they are even casting the Reeds at all we have more bitching at the casting decisions _._
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
I am so, so happy that I can not express it enough by a choice for Jojen!
I liked little Thomas since I ve watched Love Actually for the first time. Yay!!!
The RabbitQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
I don’t remember Meera ever being described in the books as anything more than a bit pretty, and besides, her looks don’t really effect her character at all.
AndrewQuote Reply
WTF? Why is that necessary?
RossQuote Reply
I AM SO HAPPY ALL THE CASTING IS GOOD NO UPSETS GOOD JOB TEAM!
dmfQuote Reply
Where is Strong Belwas?
RobbetQuote Reply
Yay for Tobias Menzies as Edmure! I loved his work on Rome and have been hoping to see him in something else big ever since. I’m very happy he’s joining GoT. :)
John WebsterQuote Reply
If you mean Kaya Scodelario, like Skins’ Effy, then I think I read somewhere she has a reunion series of the aforementioned show to do this summer. Too bad.
Lin BeifunkQuote Reply
Thomas Sangster is AMAZING. i should be geeking out about Diana Rigg but i can’t. I really like this guy.
He was in the same episode of Doctor Who as Harry Lloyd. You should see it.
João AmaralQuote Reply
Well it wouldn’t hurt to have an attractive actresss in the role considering Bran develops a crush on her, Sarah Bolger was the perfect choice for Meera and they blew it.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Say What?
I am so impressed with all these choices – how can you say a young girl is too ugly?
PepperQuote Reply
Oh my god!
I watched the video first, before reading the announcements, so it was just one big surprise after another!
Almost makes the long wait for casting news worth it, for this one big announcement!
LexQuote Reply
The guy playing Qyburn looks like he can do the normal looking but creepy grandfather thing pretty well.
JQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
This. Bran talks about Meera like she’s some kind of exotic beautiful goddess or something lol
Multimasking1Quote Reply
Conor,
Look at the guy’s IMDb – it wouldn’t surprise me if he announced it himself to stoke up publicity and IMDb hits. As an actor myself, I know all the tricks of the trade, but wouldn’t do it myself. I think it’s pretty unprofessional if that is the case.
Jay SutherlandQuote Reply
I can’t believe we’re getting all this talent. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Tobias Menzies, Anton Lesser, Ellie Kendrick – check her out in The Diary of Anne Frank, she’ll be a great Meera! – my mind is BLOWN.
MachaQuote Reply
The kid playing jojen is great! I’m so happy about these announcements!
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
Pepper,
I am direct and honest. Forgive me for not fawning all over Nina Gold’s choices, she doesn’t walk on water. Some of her casting has been genius ( Liam as Davos) and some has been awful ( Gemma for Asha/Yara)
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Lin Beifunk,
Aye, that’s who I meant. Not knocking Ellie Kendrick at all, it was just kind of my dream casting for the role.
My favourite actress announced a new role today, and we got a tonne of GoT casting news, so all in all i’m not too torn up about it. Friday the 13th is always a good day.
AndrewQuote Reply
Does anybody has a feeling that Belwas is going to be cut ? I’m gonna cry..Daario is going to be in this Season (why ? Because he mets Dany on her way to Meeren..only to fill up the role of Belwas)..Missandei that is from Essos is confirmed..why no Belwas cast ??? :(((
MichelQuote Reply
I guess someone is a bit butthurt that their favorite actress didn’t get cast so he lashes his anger at the one who got the role.
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
I loved Thomas Brodie Sangster in Love Actually, I think he will be a good Jojen. Man, he did grow up since that movie…
Ivan PopićQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
I don’t care how Meera looks on the “pretty” scale. Just as long as she is in good shape and can wield a frogspear and throw a net as well as shoot an arrow from a bow. It is also important she has good chemistry with Bran
I’m happy with Meera, if she is like 5 foot it will be perfect…
ArthurQuote Reply
Loving all the casting, by the way! I have to imagine some of these smaller roles are getting beefed up. I had to remind myself who Anguy was, for instance…
I’m wondering if Mance, Ramsay, etc. are going to be ‘big’ names? Hmm.
Lin BeifunkQuote Reply
Thomas Brody-Sangster (the voice of Ferb on Phineas & Ferb) as Jojen Reed is going to be a little distracting for me but I can’t wait. (Can’t wait for Phineas & Ferb to reference it too, I’m sure they will) :)
DanielleQuote Reply
They all look great to me (and I’ve been a fan of Diana Rigg since I was just a child–man, was Emma Peel hot!). But I think my favorite thing about this is the introductory clip, which makes it a lot easier to visualize how they’ll look in character.
Tom HiltonQuote Reply
Nothing like a casting announcement to reveal how shallow some people are.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Claudiu Gherganu,
I am not angry at all, I just feel Ellie isn’t a great choice for the role.
Why is it so forbidden to disagree with decisions regarding this show ? you get labeled butthurt or a book nerd, I am just passionate about the series.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
All you people who wanted James Purefoy, guess you’ll have to be happy with Menzies (for now, anyways…) :D
Bit of an interesting choice as he doesn’t really have the Tully “look” as described, however he does play the role of the haughty, kind of clueless guy pretty well.
ckQuote Reply
Michel,
Relax, this is obviously not the full list of new parts. We know we’re getting Ramsay, Vargo, Daario, Mance, etc and they weren’t announced today.
JQuote Reply
Actually, Theon discribes meera as rather plain to look at
Turn cloakQuote Reply
Dennis Pennis as Thoros of Myr? Now that’s going to be hard to get over.
Mr.BoltonQuote Reply
First impressions: I LOVE Beric, Thoros, and the Reeds!
I also like Missandei and Shireen, and of course the Blackfish… hell, they’re all good.
EDIT: Please don’t tell me people are complaining about Meera’s looks? I don’t even want to read the comments. She seems so sweet.
LexQuote Reply
Not that that actress from Meera is ugly, i think people isn’t associating her with Meera because of the waved short hair..i always imagine her hair as long straight
MichelQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
I think it was mostly just the fact that the only complaint you voiced was that she was too ugly, instead of disagreeing based on her acting abilities, wildly difference physical traits compared to the book version, age, or something else of a bit more consequence.
AndrewQuote Reply
I’m so happy that Tobias Menzie is in the show. He stole every scene in Rome. I haven’t seen him in much after that but he’s fantastic.
The kid that’s playing Jojen is spot-on.
EmpedoclesQuote Reply
Beauty is i the eye of the beholder !
And how dare you put a young aspiring actress under your magnifying glass! I am sorry, I am new on these boards but I think your attitude is appalling!
I am sorry if I offended anyone, but the original poster.
PepperQuote Reply
I am a bit dissapointed that there aren’t any Dutch actors among the cast additions.
Despite from that, they all seem well casted.
ReroQuote Reply
I keep reading she is the perfect cast, he is the perfect cast but no one is mentioning Kristofer Hivju. He IS Tormund.
mrnomadQuote Reply
It’s annoying because we haven’t even seen her in the role and you already are bashing her because it isn’t who you wanted to be in the role . Everybody has their favorite actors but we don’t get angry just because they aren’t cast , you have to be realistic .
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
You do know that Nina Gold does not have final say over who gets cast, yeah? That decision is made at the executive producer and network level.
LynnQuote Reply
Honestly that’s probably it for me. Facially she’s not ugly, her hairstyle is just a bit off putting to me. But half the female cast of this shows don’t have their real hair anyway
I like the Jojen kid tho, and pretty much everyone else.
Michel,
Multimasking1Quote Reply
Getting cut as he should be. He has about as much importance to the series as Cheswyck does
Turn cloakQuote Reply
ck,
Tobias’ portrayal of Brutus in Rome has some similar charistics that Edmure displays.
There’s still time for Purefoy to land a role !! Mance or Crows Eye :-)
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Season 3 premieres 31 March 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RobbetQuote Reply
Turn cloak,
And, what does that have to do with the comment that i made ?
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
Arthur,
Here’s Ellie Kendrick next to Iain Glen. She’s not exactly tall. :)
http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2010/04/09/1270830787_9580/539w.jpg
MachaQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Sarah Bolger was no longer available. She’s going to be on Once Upon a Time, which films in Vancouver and would overlap GoT’s schedule almost completely.
LynnQuote Reply
I Think they’ll mix Orell with Styr and make him go w/ Jon over the wall
Great casting really excited, and Ellie Kendrick isn’t ugly at all.
ArstanQuote Reply
Claudiu Gherganu,
I am not angry, just not convinced yet.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
WoW! Talk about overload, well we asked for casting news and we got it. Although the two BIG names are still a mystery. It is known that big names require separate big announcements. Surprised (not really) with Crook’s role, but a good match, I guess an expansion (merging) of the character is in order. Kudos to whomever first guessed Emmanuel as Missandei, if her first episode is the sixth, then looks like Dany will be spending a couple of episodes in Qarth, were she will come across a certain someone while wandering the docks. :)
“Et tu Brute” as Edmure, can’t wait, Tobias is an outstanding Thespian and should bring a fresh and multi-faceted look to the character.
Cillian for Ramsey and Viggo for Mance.
Oh! Standing ovation for Nina, again.
tysnowQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
I got one! XD
MY favorite for the role too.
If I had listened to Carne(?) I would have had Kristofer Hivju as Tormund too, but I thought he was too young for the role personally.
AWESOME casting choices and I am excited and forgive HBO for their tight lips the past few weeks! XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
i think the girl cast for meera is very cute and looks like a good match for bran.
Jaison BiaginiQuote Reply
Yay! Are we thinking they will merge Orell and Varamyr?
sunspearQuote Reply
John Webster,
I saw Tobias as Tom O’ Sevens myself, but if he is in the series I am happy!!!
darquemodeQuote Reply
I’m rather disappointed that they didn’t get Sean Harris for Beric Dondarrion, seeing as he’s about the same age as Richard Dormer. But I guess Borgias was in the way :/
I’m 95% sure he would have ended up in the role if he had not been busy with another show.
CarneQuote Reply
sunspear,
This is my guess. I imagine they might use him to develop Jon’s warging with Ghost a bit?
JQuote Reply
Carice wasn’t enough for you? ;)
Red PriestessQuote Reply
I was thinking about a mix with Orell + Varamyr and now that you said these two + Styr..Mackenzie can’t be in the show for like 2 or 3 episodes ? But i think he will be only in this season
MichelQuote Reply
How flawless are my Reed? I think Ellie is perfect. Happy for Kristofer as he was so keen!
Ser Lemon CakesQuote Reply
Carne,
Thank R’holler Sean wasn’t available.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
ahhh baby Paul mcCartney as Jojen, this is joyous news. And now I can’t wait wait to see everyone in character.
Tessa LeonieQuote Reply
I saw this o nTwitter a few minutes ago.
Asim Ahmad says he took a much smaller role than Thoros due to “scheduling conflicts”.
https://twitter.com/asimaahmad/status/223910578857590784
I still have hopes for Belwas, but less and less….
darquemodeQuote Reply
Meh, this is Tamzin Merchant as Dany all over again.. Some posters should really watch what they say, the younger aspiring actors especially follow this site and the comments – and you calling them UGLY when they are definitely not, and that being your only criterion for saying that someone doesn’t fit a role is downright appalling. Look in the mirror, you obviously lack tact and sensibility.
Personally, I think Ellie is gorgeous, but that doesn’t matter – if she can act, I’ll dig her!
WoopQuote Reply
re: Meera — I mean the actress has the cuteness quality to her. She’s just not this spritely little pixie that I imagined her being. Even if she’s short, she doesn’t have that delicate quality to her, which I always imagined Meera as having.
Love the actor for Tormund — that’s pretty much exactly how I pictured him. Can’t wait to hear him say “Har!”
Jojen — love that kid, worried it will be distracting, but he’s a great actor. I think Meera should have had the same coloring, but *shrug*
Qyburn — great. total creep factor
Olenna — was unsure about her, until I heard the clip of her speaking. Her voice is f’n perfect. now I’m excited about her.
Orell — glad crook is playing him as opposed to some of the other characters people were speculating about. and would be even better if he doubled as varamyr imo.
summer_starkQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
How come? He’s a good actor and he fits the description of Beric much more than Dormer. But I’m happy with everyone else :)
CarneQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
I loved him in that too. Grown up a bit now. ;)
JackieQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Maybe you should , ya know, watch her act the role out first.
Extra douchebag points for calling a young actress “ugly”. :-/
Omar BrownQuote Reply
I think they will all do a great job! Good casting done here.
And I hope Lem Lemoncloak will be in season 3!
Rudy VeldhuisQuote Reply
I think the girl playing Meera looks spot-on, especially once we see her in full costume and makeup. If someone like Sarah Bolger got cast instead, she would have been almost distractingly beautiful.
As long as Ellie has a lot of charm (which I’m sure she does) she’ll be perfect.
ClabogQuote Reply
Liked very much: Jojen, Beric, Qyburn, Tormund,
Liked: Selyse, Shireen, Blackfish, Missandei, Olenna, Thoros
Didn’t like : Meera (only if she use a fake hair), Edmure (only if he beard grows up)
I don’t remember how is the appearance of Orell and Anguy
BTW, IM JUDGING THIS CHOICES FOR THEIR APPEARANCE, NOT FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE
MichelQuote Reply
Carne,
Ever since catching Harry Brown the guy just makes my skin crawl. I know Sean was playing a drug addict but something about him rubs me the wrong way.
I can see why you’d want him for the role as physically he’s got the gaunt appearance of Berric.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
I implore everyone to go look at the actor for Tormund’s IMDb page, and I DARE you to say he’s not perfect! That beard! He’s gonna be great!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1970465/
Incredibly excited for all this news!
Ye Olde WolfeQuote Reply
Wow, some serious names here. Tobias Menzies was a *phenomenal* Brutus in Rome, and has the perfect look, cadence, and tone of voice to pull off Edmure.
Tara Fitzgerald has a pretty serious resume, and I remember her as playing one of the leads in “Brassed Off”, so … it seems like a bit of a stretch at first glance, to me, to cast her as the fanatical and decidedly unattractive Selyse, but past that first glance the choice could prove to be inspired (and, knowing Nina Gold, almost certainly is).
Then there’s Diana Rigg as the Queen of Thorns. Inspired choice. Former Bond girl back in the day, with an impressive resume ever since, named as one of Playboy’s 100 sexiest stars of the century in their 1999 anniversary issue, now just about right to play the crafty matriarch.
As far as the others, I only have their looks and the brief interview snippets to judge, which of course isn’t enough, but it looks like they’ve done well with Jojen & Meera, by that standard, at least.
Nobody needs to worry about whether or not they’re going to cast Mance IMO. He’s been built up far too much for them to ignore it. As for Ramsay, he’s MIA in Book 3 so it depends if D&D are crafting ways for him to enter the story at this point. Could go either way.
Ser_GQuote Reply
Sounds to me like Asim Ahmad might have been telling a little lie. I highly doubt they’d rather have gone with him than with Paul Kaye who is very experienced and quite well known in the UK (Dennis Pennis was huge in the 90′s).
Marc BlazelQuote Reply
I am slightly bummed that Missandei is not, like, 10 or something. Her age was one of the reasons she was interesting.
But other than that, and the lack of a Belwas, I don’t see anything to be upset about. We are very lucky indeed :D
I agree! He was just fantastic in Rome. This is great casting!
ZackQuote Reply
Woop,
People were calling Tamzin ugly? Really? I’m honestly a bit shocked at that. I didn’t find out about the show till after the season had aired, so I missed everything about the pilot.
AndrewQuote Reply
the Reeds casting looks perfect. i wanted Kaya Scoldelario for Meera but the actress they casted looks the part. Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a good actor but isnt he a little old to be Jojen. i thought they would go for 15-16 actor for the role.
gutted that Philip McGinley didn’t turn out to be Edmure Tully.
the aging up of Missandei looks good.
now where is the king beyond the wall and the Bastard
robb17Quote Reply
I think Tormund will be so epic as Greatjon was in S1..
MichelQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
I apologize for not being tactful I should have worded my displeasure more appropriately. I have a hard time envisioning Bran developing a crush on this actress.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Lynn,
Your not alone my fellow whovian!
RyanQuote Reply
YES YES YES.
@ramsay
Patience grasshoppers!!!!
Michael TschuertzQuote Reply
For people mentioning Purefoy, as far as he’s concerned, it’s Oberyn Or Bust imo. He’d be okay in any number of roles, but was BORN to play the Red Viper. And I’m thinking Oberyn will be pushed to S4.
Ser_GQuote Reply
Why is the Kingslayer so mean to everyone? – I thought you guys were all nice
PepperQuote Reply
Oh, just read the full list with more names tha. In the video. Isn’t Tobias Menzies the guy who played Brutus in Rome? Not how I pictured Edmure, but he was excellent in Rome. He’ll be great!
LexQuote Reply
Who said Elie was ugly (ban them for a week WiC), she is a very attractive girl.
Also conerning her hair, it’s called showbiz, ever hear of makeup and hairstylists.
tysnowQuote Reply
Pepper,
I am not being mean wtf.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Ah, I see. So it’s more because you’d just think of the drug dealer instead of Beric? I can understand that.
But what is done is done, so no reason for me to complain :P
CarneQuote Reply
Jojen and Meera are absolutely perfect!
The boy has a 40 yo man voice! it’s creepy!
PeppeQuote Reply
Ser_G,
How can Purefoy been born to play a character who’s from an exotic part of Westeros ?
The KingslayerQuote Reply
I am mildly facepalming about all the appearance quotes. Ever heard of wigs, fake beards, prosthetics and make up?
Sheesh!
Red PriestessQuote Reply
Looks good. Ofcourse missing those that weren’t mentioned but gotta have some surprices right?
Strutter as a Tormund is… interesting choice if nothing else, but I like Paul Kaye so no problems there. Even if Bran always liked Meera, I never thought that she would be red-carpet-pretty. Well I think Ellei Kendrink is very beatifull any case. I have all the respesct to Diana Rigg, not just sure if she is my Queen of Thorns. Well nothing wrong with her, just not what I had imagined. I hope she does suberb acting and wins me to her side.
Also, Hivju… that beard man, that beard. Epic.
rorschach-Quote Reply
Let’s do the list for who is missing:
Belwas
Vargo
Ramsay
Mance
Styr
Varamyr
Val
Dalla
Lem
Tom
Harwin (it would be nice if we have seen him on S1 in KL and now he would be returning at the BwB)
Who more ?
MichelQuote Reply
I am mildly facepalming about all the appearance complaints. Ever heard of wigs, fake beards, prosthetics and make up?
Sheesh!
Red PriestessQuote Reply
robb17,
The only concern I had for Brodie-Sangster as Jojen is that he is 5′-10.5″ tall!
That aside, he looks EXACTLY how I pictured Jojen and has the acting chops for the role too.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Meera’s actress just has to grow out her hair
she looks like meera with her hair longer
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3319/3639816550_7c3ff7a732_o.jpg
robb17Quote Reply
We need moderation in this site right now, I don’t want the Tamzin-gate all over again, that was awful.
Double extra douchebag points for The Kingslayer for calling a young actress “ugly” when she is not.
Each time I see HBO Got panel video I see that she is Meera, she is perfect.
Iker GernikaQuote Reply
About missing characters:
Some will definitely be announced in the coming weeks, and some will not be at all. We might have to wait for the actual episodes to air before we know who plays some of the minor characters.
CarneQuote Reply
Paul Kaye in 2000 Acres of Sky.
http://youtu.be/w5rnfdE_kN0
JackieQuote Reply
Woop,
Could you tell me some more about that speculation or give some links to certain discussion? Must’ve missed something in the books. :0
DanQuote Reply
Michel,
I would guess Varamyr could be combined with Orell to make it a larger role for Mackenzie Crook. Maybe even Styr although he is such a different role of course…..
darquemodeQuote Reply
Thoros is going to be magnificent.
Reverse NielsenQuote Reply
I think some of those characters will be compressed into one and some may even be just extras . Only Vargo,Ramsay , Mance and perhaps Val will sure be cast .
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
After an extremely busy/crazy day at work seeing all these casting notices thrills me. They have added some real impressive talent to a show that is already overflowing with amazing talent. Season three cannot get here fast enough.
Michelle PeeplesQuote Reply
Call her ugly it’s a bit offensive, but i don’t think this needs a banniment, we need to discuss the appearances of the actors for the roles to, so let’s cast Ian Mckellen for Belwas because his is perfect acting..
MichelQuote Reply
Adrian,
you and me both! i´m always wrong though :(
Tobias Menzies is a great actor, I don´t see a Tully there but he´s great.
Don´t know why but Kristofer Hivju as Tormund will be fun I think
Although Diana Rigg is not a tiny woman she has a sweet face and that will work for the QoT I guess (I mean, because she´s not precisely sweet). Also she´s great actress so, it´s fine.
The rest are great for me. I really like the boy for Jojen.
N. Emmanuel looks fine but I would have liked a little girl for Missandei. Boo hoo.
andreaQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
It’s alright. Hey I am probably the only guy that is pissed that Donal Noye hasn’t been mentioned or cast! He is my favorite minor character!
But I guess we can’t all be pleased.
Omar BrownQuote Reply
the actor who is going to play beric is much more musular than in the books: can’t wait to see the epic battle he fights against my favorite male character… diana rigg & the actor who is going to be jojen reed is the perfect choice- loved him in love actually & tristan and isolde and bright star.. & diana rigg, i’m actually pretty escited about her playing the role- her scenes with sophie turner <3
the choices for thoros and anguy are spot on and crook's character surprised me, but he is sure to nail the acting.
missandei is so pretty and with the actor who is playing qyburn we now have 2 guys who were in the BBC's Little Dorrit adaptaion: anton and the spice merchant
tara & the blackfish were already suspected and they are great in their respective roles, but i'll have to check out the actor who will play edmure and the girl who will be meera
can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!
Carolina HQuote Reply
darquemode,
I’m really excited to see how they do the role of Orell, who they combine for it, etc.
I can deffinitely see him being the one to lead Jon and the raiders over the wall.
I like the name “Varamyr” better than “Orell” though, so that’s my nitpick :P if those roles are actually combined, I wish they would have used Varamyr.
AndrewQuote Reply
Anyone who doesn’t know Tobias Menzies (AKA Edmure, AKA Brutus from Rome), WHY have you not watched Rome yet? Go watch it now!
The more I think about it, I think this is my favourite piece of casting. TOTALLY unexpected, but it makes me so happy because of how much I loved Rome! (Now if we can get Purefoy or Ciaran Hinds, I’ll be even happier).
LexQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
He might be announced or cast later on. I think they’re shooting Wall scenes in September, and he might even be saved for season 4.
CarneQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
I think Donal Noye will make it, but he may not be announced. His role is small, but a lot of fun to me too!
He will probably show up in the later episodes this year or next year without much fanfare maybe as a featured extra if not a full cast role…..
darquemodeQuote Reply
Has there been any news on the (re)casting of any Frey’s ? concerning a certain wedding that may or may not be in S3
TimdorionQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Well, I like Gemma Whalen as Asha too.
Sounds to me like you clearly have a bad case of thinking certain female characters are way hotter than they’re actually supposed to be.
LexQuote Reply
Wouldn’t it be good for continuity if all red priests would have a Dutch accent.? (Despite the fact that the red priests are not all from Asshai).
They did cast a Norwegian actor this time. I wonder how many nationalities they have in the cast till now (including the new cast additions). Must be a record for a tv show that is particularly aimed at the U.S.
ReroQuote Reply
The key is it is a developed crush, not an instant crush upon first sight. In my mind that means the crush is based on more than just looks alone. Fix her hair and I think she is very cute.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
Read other Comments – do not call people ugly – I saw Anne Frank – she is really great – please judge people on their performance. Thank you I’m a newbie and did not think people here judged people on looks.
PepperQuote Reply
Chalotte Hope as Myranda still out there. Maybe it really will be Royce.
ImpiQuote Reply
Also, what does this utter deluge of names mean for Froggy appearances this year?
ZackQuote Reply
Ser_G,
Oberyn is not white though.
JessQuote Reply
Lex,
I watched it back when it was first airing but i was like 10 or 11 then so i didn’t understand shit from it, lol . I definitely need to rewatch it .
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
Seriously, I fuckin’ love this site. I’m happy with the cast anouncements, the dude from ‘The Thing’ prequal looks fuckin’ epic as Tormund Giantsbane. I love being drunk and reading these comments.
Ser WARZQuote Reply
Andrew,
I love the name Varamyr Sixskins and find him more interesting than Orell too!
The only reason I thought of Crook as Orell more so is that Crook has that “bird-like” appearance to him and just seemed to fit with Orell in my mind more so.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Zack,
Maybe it’ll be for Mance and Ramsay? Aside from the Reeds, those two generally seemed to be the most anticipated.
AndrewQuote Reply
Ellie Kendrick was fantastic on both Upstairs Downstairs (the new series) AND her recent role in S4 of “Being Human”. I also remember she got rave reviews in “Diary of Anne Frank” (where she worked with our Jorah, Iain Glen)
She is neither “ugly” nor untalented, and I can’t wait to see her as Meera. Anyone who says otherwise is an ignoramus.
janarchyQuote Reply
Dan,
Check out threads about Arya’s future on westeros forums… It’s the most popular theory right now:)
WoopQuote Reply
Comments about Meera’s appearance just reminds me why I never bother to read the comments here or comment myself.
Towerofthehand says: “She is short and slim with long brown hair and green eyes.” It says nothing about curly or straight hair (PS that’s one of the easiest things to change during the makeup/costuming process). Nothing about “gorgeous” (which a girl who lives in a SWAMP, who uses a net and spear, and hunts would not likely be).
Judge her for a lack of acting, or a very different appearance from the books*, but do not call someone ugly just because of sour grapes. Comments like that make it clear that you’re ugly on the inside, no matter what your outside appearance.
MelarraQuote Reply
James Purefoy is to Mance as chocolate is to peanut butter.
MichelleQuote Reply
Oh, Kingslayer just got caught up in the moment. Everyone chill.
No Maggie Smith :( I knew that was a pipe dream.
Well, I’m glad y’all are so happy. I’m grateful for all the news. BUT! No word on any of the characters I’m most interested in being cast for S3 (except for QoT). Dammit.
PatDQuote Reply
My wife and I are just watching Dr Who for the first time. When I saw those two episodes, I said to myself “THAT’s Jojen Reed.” Then I figured it was a few years ago, and he’s probably grown a bit, too bad. Looks like he’s still got that baby face. GREAT bit of casting. And I’m super pissed at myself for not posting here when I saw him for the first time :)
DaveBQuote Reply
This would be much more civil and enjoyable place if you had to post a link to your own picture before calling someone ugly.
PremislausQuote Reply
Now that Myranda isn’t Meera, for SURE she will be or Margarey’s cousin or Myranda Royce (that it’s strange, since, the Eyre only appears in the second half of aSoS)
MichelQuote Reply
Rome is so good, you need to re-watch it. In my opinion, it’s the closest thing to GOT that HBO has done before now.
LexQuote Reply
Melarra,
Some people are upset because they can’t jerk off anymore to their favorite fantasy description of the characters they had in mind .
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
João Amaral,
If I recall correctly, that was the 10th Doctor, David Tennant, which was a really good episode! Once again, Nina scores!(How does she do that?!) I was one of those in favor of the Reeds being in the show because-to me-they are an integral part of Bran’s journey. Phew! Big day in Westeros eh?
scott glennonQuote Reply
Lex,
Am i misremembering or there was incest in there as well ?
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
FERB!!!!
BRUTUS!!!!
MS. PEEL!!!!!
They could not have picked a better Jojen. And Meera is beautiful. I’m so stoked now!
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
Anton Lesser is a really inspired choice as Qyburn. He’s done everything from sublime to creeptastic, so that’s just perfect.
janarchyQuote Reply
I want to live in a world where ‘ugly’ is this Meera Reed. What a lovely place that would be.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YNm-7io5DAM/TUP4bmNpmpI/AAAAAAAAADo/ea981mAMHgs/s400/ellie-kendrick-180×260.jpg
Seriously? How is this ugly at all? I guess people need to get glasses or something.
ZackQuote Reply
Ed,
I really like Crook as Orell, and I like that they seem to plan on him having a bigger part in the show. He would have been even better as Varamyr, though … Hm, maybe he’ll be another combo-character?
KGQuote Reply
No disrespect, Woop. but f–k westeros.org and their Taliban-like fundamentalism.
Ser WARZQuote Reply
Michelle,
James Purefoy is busy with the new Kevin Bacon show for Fox. Anyone counting on him for season 3 is almost sure to be disappointed.
LynnQuote Reply
Also does Richard Dormer remind anyone of a young Kenneth Branagh?
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
I searched on Youtube Ellie Kendrick’s Anne Frank and in the same series/film Anne’s father, Otto, is played by our beloved Jorah!
Lady DondarrionQuote Reply
Ser WARZ,
Lol, i hate that forum too . Maybe i’l give you a free beer someday !
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
Is GOT primarily aimed at the US though? I dont think so. With the amount of actors on this show they will clock up a number of nationalities, but I think its safe to say the majority of them are British/Irish.
RenQuote Reply
well, no, you are not always wrong, my dear. The day the picture of Kristofer Hivju appeared on this blog for the first time, you shouted: Tormund! So, well done.
Ellie Kendrick is a beauty, just shut up please.
andreaQuote Reply
I wonder if they will make Tormund Giantsbane in same way related to Ygritte… Kristofer Hivju is definitely kissed by fire. ;-)
AbyssQuote Reply
Lex,
He’s mine too. And he was great in Casino Royale as well (and should have been in Quantum of Solace…)
Shadowcat85Quote Reply
You know now that I watched the video a few times Elle is cute. She will make a great Meera. Just picture her with her hair straightened and in green medevil leather armor and holding a frogspear. If I were Bran I’d be all about it! Heh…
I’m very happy with Meera, as we all should be. Finally we get the Reeds!!!
ArthurQuote Reply
I am so happy with every casting and please tell the King slayer I mean him no ill and I sure he will be happy!
PepperQuote Reply
I loooooove every single one of these picks!!!!
Tobias as Edmure! He was so great in Rome. Some definite similarities to Brutus.
and Qyyyyyyybbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrn!!!!
So excited.
VillaneQuote Reply
Claudiu Gherganu,
Cheers, my man.
Ser WARZQuote Reply
Wonder if Lem is in or not. Seeing as Anguy is announced and he’s not I guess it’ll be a rather minor character (if he’s in).
CarneQuote Reply
The actor playing Tormund looks so freaking perfect!! Gah!! I cannot wait for next season.
Tracy CQuote Reply
Jess,
That’s ok, neither is Thoros, and it didn’t stop ‘em.
KGQuote Reply
Yes it was. The 10th doctor, to hide from The Family (the aliens including Harry Lloyd), puts his gallifreyan personality and powers in a pocketwatch, and forgets everything and thinks he’s a human. The pocketwatch end ups in the hands of Thomas Sangster characters and he starts hearing voices because of the watch.
João AmaralQuote Reply
Zack,
In that picture she looks fine, hell more than fine. Im pretty sure the hairstyle (which Im sure will be different on the show) is what threw people off.
If you look at most fanart pictures of Meera tho she seems to be portrayed as being like, striking.
framebyframeQuote Reply
WTF is going to play Mance??????
PatDQuote Reply
Lady Dondarrion
I knew she looked familiar! She was good in that.
So pretty much everyone has worked with someone else who is o. The show at o e time or another, eh?
And my ‘watched a film with new cast members at last year’s TIFF” trend continues. Our jojen (and Roose) in death of a superhero
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
Lynn,
Well, poopie.
Dominic West is to Mance as chocolate is to coconut; not quite the taste explosion as choco and PB, but it’ll definitely do.
MichelleQuote Reply
A woman agrees! Can’t wait to hear the “Har!” too!
The Kingslayer:
We have had this discussion before on this website, it is rude and a personal attack to call somebody “ugly,” and there is no need for that type of ugliness here. Please check your language, these people have feelings and deserve a chance to prove their acting before we criticize them. Hair and makeup will do a lot to bring some of these characters closer to their “book” appearance, but we all know that it’s nearly impossible to perfectly match GRRM’s descriptions. Beauty is relative. Let’s all be fair and polite, K?
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
Wow. Big news. Now that the Blackfish and the Reed siblings are on board, what are people going to bitch about?… Ramsay, you say? Sounds about right. Where’s Ramsay?
All joking aside, I’m glad to see a Rome alumni on the list (i.e. Tobias Menzies as Edmure). Good choice. He doesn’t quite fit the description from the books, but that’s not too big of a deal. They probably wanted someone who looked more like Michelle Fairley than someone who matched the description to a tee, which I think was the right choice.
The guy they cast to play Tormund looks like quite a character. Pretty spot on there. Very Tormund-y.
You gotta hand it to Nina Gold. She did it again.
Varamyr FourskinsQuote Reply
Lex,
As awesome as the Rigg casting is…yeah Tobias as Edmure is perfect, perfect, perfect. He has the chops for the role. His Brutus was fantastic and he could easily pass for Cat’s brother.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Tobias Menzies as Edmure = Ciaran Hinds as Doran with James Purefoy as Oberyn. It is known.
DrfunkQuote Reply
I can’t believe how many idiots there are in this world! Quit freaking out about Ramsey Snow, Mance Rayder and Oberyn Martell and READ the entire post before whining-
“Hear Me Roar: Lots to discuss here, I know you are all excited. Mind that this is not the ultimate list, there may (will) be further roles and actors announced down the line.”
DanQuote Reply
Carne,
I would think if Anguy is in that Lem Lemoncloak should be in. Isn’t Lem a bigger role?
I could see them giving other roles Lem’s lines I guess, but If Anguy, Qyburn and ORell make it into Season 3 I think Lem has a good shot!
I hope so anyway!
I need to start a Brian F O’Byrne as Lem Lemoncloak campaign! XD
Or maybe your guy McTavish even…..
darquemodeQuote Reply
Varamyr Fourskins,
Aren’t u mad that yo nigga boy Varamyr isn’t cast ?
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
Kay I didn’t read everything but that Meera looks perfect and I want to smack all the neckbeards complaining about her look. I bet those are the same who complained about Asha’s casting? Sorry if you made up a beautiful pedo dreamboat in your minds, but I don’t see WHY Meera needs to be beautiful and I don’t even think the books described her as such. So calm your mantits. I bet none of you complained about Alfie Allen or Jack Gleeson being less attractive than the characters they were playing.
HottenatorQuote Reply
flawless casting!!!
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
Agreed. Belwas is a waste of screentime.
I also agree about Ellie Kendrick’s hair. She has the right look for Meera, I just hope her hair is long and straight in the show, or it will be difficult for her to become Meera in my eyes.
My favorite part of this announcement is that Qyburn is in for S3. So glad about that.
Frost NocturneQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
I read that she will be in Once Upon a time as a sleeping beauty…
TrinaQuote Reply
So is the thought that they are saving Mance for last? The big ‘ticket’ casting?
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
For everyone wondering about Orell, you do realize that Crook will basically be playing Varamyr (but apparently D&D liked the name Orell better), unless Crook is such an amazing method actor that he can actually play an eagle.
In CoK Orell is one of the two wildlings that was with Ygritte when they were ambushed by Jon and Stonesnake. He is immediately killed and turned into shadowcat chow. Since he was a warg, however, and controlled an eagle, part of his mind lived on in the eagle. Later, Varamyr takes control of “Orell eagle” and begins pushing Orell’s consciousness out. When Melly Sanders explodes the eagle, Orell’s consciousness is destroyed for good. So there will definitely be a Orell/Varamyr combo.
the goatQuote Reply
It is known, I haven’t been there since “Linda’s Rant”, and am a happier person because of it. Poor Elio, he needs to deal with that battle axe every day.
Omar BrownQuote Reply
Or, like someone has already pointed, Roslyn Frey renamed.
AnnieQuote Reply
Oh shit, they got my nigga Brutus from HBO’s Rome to play Edmure? now they just need Caesar and Marc Antony.
hashblower420Quote Reply
In Geek parlance this is also know as a “John Carter”.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Never ONCE was Meera described as a stunning beauty. She was described as short, flat chested, with brown hair and athletic. Bran had a crush on her, yes, and so to him she probably was just oh-so-dreamy, but to the rest of the world? Probably very much just average or cute-pretty, not some busty stunning ethereal beauty. I, for one, am GLAD they didn’t cast some drop dead gorgeous teen model. It’s time that women and girls that aren’t plastic little pieces of perfect “Hollywood beauty” get a chance to show their acting chops.
What SOME people might have in their heads for some characters is probably not accurate at all – look at Alfie as Theon. All the fangirls and boys were just BEMOANING the fact he wasn’t gorgeous, but Alfie can ACT much better than half the pretty boys (looking at you Robb and Jon with a total of one facial expression each) in this series.
I admit, I was and still am slightly upset they picked a pretty woman to play Brienne and just “Hollywood uglied” her up for the role -a popular practice I -detest-, but I’ll forgive Christie because she seems to actually GET the character and can -act- like Brienne. Brienne’s interactions with Jaime were pretty damned great this season, the bit we got to see.
So give the girl playing Meera a chance. She might knock your socks off even if she isn’t the “standard” model of busty drop-dead gorgeous 15 layers of makeup Hollywood cutie.
Edit there for a typo on Jon’s name.
TheAmirQuote Reply
Claudiu Gherganu,
Yes, between Octavian and his sister, if I remember correctly.
VirtusQuote Reply
Superdeluxe,
I don’t think it’s the case, but maybe they are waiting for actors to finish other projects… like The Hobbit. Richard Armitage for Mance Rayder and Aidan Turner as Daario? XD
OK, I kid….
Mance is a bigger new role for the season though so maybe they are having a harder time finalizing negotiations for a bigger name actor?
darquemodeQuote Reply
Yeah…I like the meera cast..she looks like she could be a cute/tom boyish crush for Bran. Sarah Bolger was beautiful, but I think she would have been awesome. Oh well, we have our meera.!
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
Now I just need http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Siddig as the Red Viper and I will be happy till Roose and Mance are announced.
But seriously guys, this cast is HUGE! I feel bad for non-book readers, seriously.
Omar BrownQuote Reply
Well, how attractive can the Reed kids and Bran really look during his storyline anyway? heh
Big LobQuote Reply
happy with all the casting info so far, but the fuck? where that sick nigga ramsay snow at… the dude who plays him needs to be a great actor or else it’ll come off as mad corny.
edit: ooooh shit, i just thought of who’d be perfect for the role of ramsay, octavian from Rome! they need to get everybody from that show on GoT pronto.
hashblower420Quote Reply
Drfunk,
Add in Ray Stevens as Victarion and it’s a foresome!
darquemodeQuote Reply
darquemode,
Surely Lem is someone they would have announced if going by his role in the book. Anguy was not very big in the books compared to Lem, so I’m assuming he’s out or just made into a minor character.
As you said they might have just given Lem’s role over to Anguy.
CarneQuote Reply
Mrs H’qagar
Thank you for calling The Kingslayer up for calling ‘a girl’ ugly – I have seen this young lady in Anne Frank and she is fantastic. I have also lurked on these boards fors a while and thouroughly enjoyed a woman’s posts
PepperQuote Reply
TheAmir,
I wouldn’t take Mr. Allen if he was served to me on a silver platter covered in emeralds. His features do not appeal to me in the least. I still think he’s the weakest casting, though he’s made great strides over the past season. He may win me over yet.
KGQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
You’ve got good taste ;) He’s my pick as well! I’m definitely going to e-mail his agent next year.
CarneQuote Reply
The actor who played him in S1 is currently “growing his beard”, presumably in order to reappear as Selmy in S3.
AdogsQuote Reply
Where Ramsayyyyy???!?!?
DannyQuote Reply
Awesome, a bunch of announcements, though none of the few I was anticipating the most it is ultimately satisfactory.
To whoever said the actress chosen to play Meera Reed is ugly, you need to get your eyes checked. As another said, it is a child/teen for one, so right there it is off base anyways. In addition, the girl is perfectly fine in appearance. She is certainly above plain/average. Idiotic how some people continue to post demeaning things like that. What if she comes on here to read these announcements to see what people are saying?
If you enjoy making an ass of yourself, continue though.
I think no Mance/Ramsay announcement is good. That means potentially bigger names, final negotiations going on perhaps? I could be wrong. March 31 here we come. Lets get an Obama or Clinton head in next season.
Tyler L. MetcalfeQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
Somebody had to have the balls to say it. Nobody takes ‘em seriously. Fuck ‘em, end of discussion.
Ser WARZQuote Reply
Omg.. I don’t think my brain could handle such a thing… Seriously any one of the Rome actors would be perfect for any role in GoT. Glad we’re seeing some of them finally show cased. On a side note, will you be running the entire panel on youtube Darquemode? Or will our lovely miss Boyce be doing so?
DrfunkQuote Reply
Tobias Menzies ? Hell yeah! The cast looks awesome so far!
dizzy_34Quote Reply
Ew! No! I think they’ll straighten her hair
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Adogs,
Yeah he’s coming back. He’s just not a “new” character.
framebyframeQuote Reply
The Blackfish? Jojen? Meera? OMG, I just can’t help but think if D&D were nicer, they could have saved us hours and hours and hours of angst ridden arguments and posts here…
Blackfish Blues could have changed her usernames months ago…
Or maybe word leaks back to them, and therefore now we have The Blackfish and the Reeds?
A fan may never know….
purplejillyQuote Reply
Mmmmm yummy idea. I feel like I need to go watch North and South again. /swoon
ImpiQuote Reply
Would LOVE to see Emanuelle Chiriqui as Arianne Martell… she recently was in the Borgias not sure of her availability. That would be Sloane from Entourage for those not familiar with her. She’s super hot and the right complexion for those who are racially prejudiced to cast the Martells non white (of which i’m not one of them).
http://idesigniphone.com/emmanuelle-chriqui
DrfunkQuote Reply
Drfunk,
I was not at Comic-Con so I don’t have the video to upload sadly, but if I see it online I will post the link here. If it is region blocked I will download/ capture it and then upload elsewhere and link it too of course.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Thanks a lot!
DrfunkQuote Reply
Carne,
Thanks Carne, but I am wondering Don’t the Martells come to Kings Landing for Jofreys wedding? Should that not happen this season? It would be crazy to end this season after the RW and Joffrey still alive, the Tv fans will riot!
Omar BrownQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
I think the current working theory is:
RW in epi 9, a sneak peak of s4 in ep 10 as usual, then open the purple wedding as the season 4 opener with a bang. If that was the case then the Martells could be shuffled into season 4 easily. Honestly between the wildling/wall story, dany vs mereen, red wedding, purple wedding, tyrion’s trial.. there’s way too much material for even 20 episodes. I’m hoping HBO relents and starts adding more episodes or extends some of these episodes to mini movies past 90min.
DrfunkQuote Reply
well he can sing but he´s not the kind of man you can´t identify in a room full of people.
andreaQuote Reply
She’s 22 actually, as is her brother Jojen.
MormegilQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
I think it would make more sense to introduce the Martell’s in season 4. As this season is about half of ASoS they’re not going to cast the Martells for one of the last episodes then put them on hold till they start filming season 4.
CarneQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
Only Oberyn and Ellaria
the goatQuote Reply
I love Gemma as Yara! Nina’s choices are 99% brilliant
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Ya but she finds the people, especially the obscure ones like Isaac and Maisie
MATTHEWQuote Reply
I think the girl playing Meera is adorable but I disagree with you… if you’re going into showbiz you need a thick skin. You’ll face far worse rejection and insults than having an anonymous internet user calling you “ugly”
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Let’s do the fandom and women in general a favor and not turn this into rudeness over actresses’ looks. Ellie Kendrick is absolutely gorgeous.
I’m ridiculously excited over Tobias Menzies’s casting. I loved him on “Rome.” All the new cast members seem like great choices. I’m on board with aging up the child characters in these cases.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
I’m so excited about Tobias Menzies! I never would have thought of him for Edmure but I can really see it. He’s been excellent in everything I’ve seen him in and I’m always very excited when he appears on screen. XD
Steve Hugh WestenraQuote Reply
Isn’t he a stunt man? Maybe he will be doing stunts for Thoros and others.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
but how tiny and young does he look for a 22-year old! He’s so perfect! I’m excited :-D
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Yeah Meera isn’t very pretty but I didn’t imagine her as such. Sure Bran sees it that way but Bran’s a child.
I’m VERY VERY happy with this cast, I’m never really disappointed though haha.
I think Mance and Ramsey will be bigger names or at least, they’re more important roles, so we’ll hear about them separately.
JoshQuote Reply
Notice that Ellie kendrick was on waking the dead along with tara fitzgerald
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
andrea,
Very true.
I like the idea of the “average” looking guy who is very persausive and charming, but I can EASILY see a more charismatic version that is more like Purefoy or Armitage.
I see the importance of Mance’s appearance as similar (or even less important) to any of the Baratheon brothers. They were all supposed to be big, tall and dark with blue eyes and black hair (or bald in Stannis’ case) and yet the 3 actors that portrayed the Baratheons look NOTHING like GRRM described them. It is less important to the role than their personalities. That is how I view Mance too.
Either direction I can be pleased…. I’m easy! XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
Awesome news about Tobias Menzies he was fantastic in Rome.
Now if we could only get James Purefoy for Euron, Ray Stevenson for Victarion and Kerry Condon for Val we could have a Rome reunion !!
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
*Head Assplodes*
Ser Lyonel the Laughing StormQuote Reply
Tobias has a great member (as proven in Rome) Here’s to more male frontal in S3! Huzzah!
Very, very, happy with the look of all chosen for their respective parts.
RygarQuote Reply
Ser, I believe you splattered your medulla oblongata all over my screen.
LordStarkingtonQuote Reply
Brutus is going to be Edmure Tully! That’s brilliant! Is it April yet?
MWQuote Reply
Rygar,
Funny isn’t Edmure known as the floppy fish ? lol
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Well said…
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Ha. We shall see at the RW. No Rains, cue the Marvin Gaye music…
Al Swearengen,
RygarQuote Reply
i need me some Belwas, he was by far my favorite character in Dany’s storyline.
Asim Ahmad would be great, just that look he’s got in his eye in that picture when you google him. i can totally see him fulfilling the crazy awesome that is Strong Belwas.
feyrbandQuote Reply
Rats! I had visitors at the wrong time ..how dare they interfere with my responding to casting news ?
There’s not one disappointment in the bunch for me, so far. Mind you , I’m never that insistent on a perfect match with book descriptions. it’s what the actor does with the part that counts. My disappointments so far have had more to do with the way a given character is written. So , no disappointments, and I’m betting Diana Rigg will be fabulous..likewise Mackenzie Crook, whether or not the part is spliced.
Hivju should make a great Tormund ,even if they’re writing him younger, and I particularly love Anton Lesser as Qyburn..I’m sure he can make him creepy as all get out.
ObsidianQuote Reply
OMG so excited to see the next season..WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SO FAR AWAY….ugh seven months away
MakenzieQuote Reply
Nathalie Emannuel as Missandei: “I am so excited!”
Sure you are, you little thing you, because you’ll probably be taking Irri’s place as Dany’s lesbian friend ;)
What is Dead may….Quote Reply
darquemode,
oh, don´t get me wrong I too would love to see a charimatic version of Mance. I just think Armitage or Purefoy are too much. I’m sure there must be an actor out there just as charming as them (maybe not as good looking but I don´t care) but not so famous and I will be perfectly happy whit that option. I saw North & South a long time ago but still remember Armitage´s performance (and voice!).
andreaQuote Reply
darquemode,
All of the Baratheon brothers had at least dark brown hair though – the “black of hair” was close enough. I think the show Robert and Stannis were great, not so much the show Renly though but he’s not a character I was ever particularly attached to anyway.
I also like how they promised us casting for Daario but nobody cares that he’s not listed here lol.
framebyframeQuote Reply
Still no Shagwall? He’s too droll to cast or what?
DavidQuote Reply
Pretty sure Orell will be combined with Styr but maybe not with Varamyr.
Have him and his eagle lead the attack on the Wall and Castle Black. Jon kills him in the attack and the Eagle flys back over the Wall where it then bonds with Varamyr.
Of course we would have to have some new scenes created for Varamyr in Season 4.
Or maybe Varamyr is not needed but if the Eagle isn’t still around for the end of Season 4 we’ll not get the scene of Mel burning it out of the sky.
MormegilQuote Reply
Literally lol’d. Thanks for that.
Lin BeifunkQuote Reply
re: Meera: Like I said earlier, I think the girl they cast is totally cute. But, as other people have said, her cuteness isn’t important because Meera is more tomboy than hollywood. The main things about her appearance aside from her hair and eyes (which is what makeup/costume people are for) is that she’s very tiny, like a more delicate version of arya. Maisie and ellie(?) are both skinny cute girls, but I guess the crannogmen always make me think of slightly larger cotf.
Bran says that Meera reminds him of Arya, and while Maisie is friggin adorable, Arya is described as boyish, if nothing else. Plus as others said, Meera is flat chested, has small hips, and in general is “slight” and boyish, so she’s not supposed to be some super model.
other than that, I think the Meera they chose will be great. and since the actor playing Jojen is apparently super tall, they can just dispense with the tiny part of the crannogmen and it should be fine (though I was hoping they’d keep that part of it just b/c of the likeness to the cotf and how the way they fight is based on the fact that they don’t seem to have physical strength etc…)
But *shrug* whatever. I’m just happy they’re in and they chose actors who can act!
summer_starkQuote Reply
A bit concerned about Belwas and Whitebeard, i find it hard to believe they’d only appear in S4 but i guess all is possible.
They aged Missandei quite a bit but since all of Dany’s maidens have perished, I guess she needed someone to cover for them. Plus the actress is so cuuuuuuuuuute. There’s a certain scene I’m looking forward to DVRing :D
Restore The DayQuote Reply
framebyframe,
I agree about all 3 Baratheons… they were close in a vague sense on some level… they kept dark hair, but disregarded the need for blue eyes or black hair and of course being 6′-4″ or more! XD
They were closer on the personalities though. I mean even with Renly they were close personality wise, they just chose to highlight some aspects that were nmore subtle in the books.
I think part of the reason no one is complaining about no news on who will play Daario is that no one has really ever found that perfect actor to portray Daario. Of course the other maybe larger part is so many people hate Daario! XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully. Fucking genious Nina Gold! One of the best actors on Rome.
Petter K. VikestadQuote Reply
I am looking forward to the casting of Daario! I have noticed many people don’t care for his character since I have been snooping around on this site the last few months.
Daario and Ramsay are the two I am most looking forward to seeing, everyone else is fine by me…
Bonnie BlueQuote Reply
Orell, you bastard, WHO THOUGHT OF YOU? hauhauahuahua
Thiago WaldhelmQuote Reply
Right. Missandei is more than a maiden for Daenerys. She´s like her herald. Amén.
andreaQuote Reply
andrea,
I don’t disagree with you…
I always pictured Purefoy, but I’m not sure he is the proper actor for the role really. Maybe a year ago I read someone mention Peter Wingfield and I really can see him in the role, but he seems to have semi-retired from acting. Another actor I thought about in the role is Marton Csokas. He can sing and act, but he is fairly tall at 6′-3″……
Now that I think of it, I wonder if Csokas could play Daario?
He has that dark look and can look viscious!
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111205221143/hercxena/images/c/c6/Borias_adventures.jpg
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6743bMsvl1qfxgqto1_1280.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t124/MicHRX/GuestStars/ANDRE020.jpg
The other 2 actors I have thought of as Daario are Ferdinand Kingsley (Sir Ben Kingsley’s son), Hal Oszan, and Raz Degan.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Ser WARZ,
I agree with this sentiment about Westeros. I reamed out a bunch of posters on Westeros who were being unbelievably offensive and nearly legally libelous with their negative comments about the casting of Gemma Whelan last year, and I was the one who got a moderator reprimand and a warning about posting behavior. I don’t bother with their website anymore. In fact, they made me hope for MORE changes in the show from the book, just so I can imagine their greasy heads exploding.
Michael JohnsonQuote Reply
Only if Polly Walker = Septa Lemore
DaveBQuote Reply
darquemode,
Erm isn’t Daario meant to look young and Middle Eastern ?
I would love to see Martin join the cast but he looks more like Euron Greyjoy to me.
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
YES
yesyesyes
That would be just about the coolest casting ever.
ZackQuote Reply
For the love of the gods, please cast Ian McShane!
HootQuote Reply
I think you were the first one to mention Raz Degan to me a while ago… I think he would be great as Daario :)
Bonnie BlueQuote Reply
Ray Stevenson’s movie career isn’t going so hot. Maybe in another year or two when they bring in Victarion and Euron, he’d be willing to come back for one of those parts. Probably a pipe dream, but a girl can wish.
Drfunk,
Doran and Oberyn aren’t white, so the actors shouldn’t be. And no, a white guy with a tan isn’t going to cut it. :)
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Al Swearengen,
They said they were looking for non-white ethnicties I know…
Ozsan is from Cyprus, Csokas from Hungary, but I grant both are “white” to many people. I see some ethnic look to them personally. Kingsley is Indian (at least 1/4 since his dad is at least 1/2) and Raz Degan is Israeli. So at least 2 of the 4 are MiddleEastern or NearEastern I guess.. one is Mediterranean and I’m not sure what I should call Csokas… Eastern European? *shrug*
I guess to me these pictures ( http://www.google.com/search?q=xena+borias&hl=en&safe=off&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=ltMAULzvJKeQ2QWv2uiDCw&ved=0CEwQsAQ&biw=944&bih=987 ) look more like Daario than a Greyjoy to me. I guess I have a strongly ingrained memory of him looking like that in Xena….
darquemodeQuote Reply
Rome actors in Game Of Thrones
James Purefoy = Euron Greyjoy
Ray Stevenson = Victarion Greyjoy
Kerry Condon = Val
Kevin McKidd = John Connington
Coral Amiga = Arianne Martell
Ciaran Hinds = Hizdar Zo Loraq
Did I miss anyone ?
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Michelle,
I love Dominic West. But his look is just too contemporary, to me. The only real way it works to have him as Mance would be to add in Wendell Pierce as Tormund Giantsbane. “I’m just a humble wilding with a big-ass dick.”
Greatjon of SlumberQuote Reply
summer_stark,
I never thought of Meera as having some kind of voluptuous, sexy figure – I don’t think anyone did because they specifically described her as being skinny. I imagined her facial features as being a bit more delicate though, but I do think the actress playing her is sufficiently cute especially with longer hair, it was really just that I didn’t like her hair/it doesn’t suite her face, which will more than likely be changed.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWJWGmkDu-Y/Tih1OKHVGpI/AAAAAAAAB9w/Ui5OR-g-jPY/s1600/meera_blog.png – This was more Meera as I imagined her – not exactly model knockout gorgeous but still more delicately cute.
Thats really what it is – nobody likes the character lol.
And Im pretty confident Ser Barristan will show up this season – Ive come across people on the internet who personally know his nephew or something who have said he is definitely, 100% for sure, coming back to GoT and even grew a beard for the “Arstan Whitebeard” guise.
https://twitpic.com/show/iphone/9nnwux – And here it is
framebyframeQuote Reply
I was crushing on Kerry Condon so hard back in the days of Rome, and Unleashed with Jet Li. I dunno how her career’s going lately but I’m up for bringing her in if at all possible.
ZackQuote Reply
Al Swearengen,
The elder Octavian actor as Aegon
RygarQuote Reply
RygarQuote Reply
Al Swearengen,
Fun list! XD
Maybe Simon Woods as Brynden Rivers if we get to see Bloodraven…
Ian McNiece as Wyman Madnerly….
Guy Henry as Vargo Hoat….
I have thought of Purefoy and Stevens as the Greyjoys for a good while too. I do like the Mikkelsen brothers as the Greyjoys also….
darquemodeQuote Reply
Zack,
Well she was in Luck but that has recently been canceled because of the tragic horse deaths.
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Restore The Day,
Whitebeard is in season 3. Asked his agent and yes, he’s back filming in September.
CarneQuote Reply
Rygar,
Good call on Simon Woods although maybe he’s a tad bit too old and erm kissed by fire to play Aegon ;-p
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Deleting my earlier comment about Condon since someone beat me to it! XD
It’s very odd….
I always pictured Thoros as being white despite being from Myr even though I always pictured Teana of Myr as quite dark. After the rumor of Asim Ahmad cast as Thoros I started seeing Thoros as dark and now this casting of Paul Kaye as Thoros seems wrong to me! XD
Nothing against the actor in any way!
So many of the ethnicities are vague in the books so it opens up many roles to many different looks….
darquemodeQuote Reply
KG,
Yeah. That makes sense — Orell is dead by the time the events of this season begin. So that would mean, essentially – if what others have said is right – that he’s playing Varamyr, but named Orell. I’m good with it. I had posited (my first post on this site) that he was Mance as a bit of misdirection casting, but if he’s not Vargo Hoat, this really is the most appropriate role.
Greatjon of SlumberQuote Reply
darquemode,
My god McNiece is Wyman Manderly !!!! Great call darq.
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Al Swearengen,
you know what show change I would actually like? Completely ignoring The other Greyjoys and Martells who aren’t the Red Viper
framebyframeQuote Reply
Lets skip Rome and go right to Deadwood actors, Mr. Swearengen. Id say that cocksucker W. Earl Brown as Belwas. Lol. Tim Olyphant as Jon Connington. Names elude me but Doc Cochren as Doran Martell. Sol Starr as Coldhands. Titus Weaver as anything!
RygarQuote Reply
framebyframe,
I can’t wait for The Red Viper he’s my favorite character in the entire series.
I saw a perfect suggestion for the actor to play that role on another site, Oded Fehr http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004912/ I haven’t seen him since Sleeper Cell though.
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Just was talking with guys at work about the agony of waiting for the new season.
So excited to see this!!!
trfhmsQuote Reply
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Oh my little love from “Love Actually” how I am always happy to see you.
JennyQuote Reply
Well Meera isn’t really described as being beautiful like Sansa or Cersei. Bran sees her as pretty and Ellie is definitely pretty and is a talented actress and i am pretty sure Bran’s crush on her is more for who she is rather than how she looks. she is very tomboy, hands on girl. Isn’t that why people like Meera in the first place?
aurorsand147Quote Reply
Overall:
Love the casting. Ellie Kendrick looks perfect as Meera, and I agree with the many who note she’s quite cute without being “statuesque” or anything. Given she’s supposed to be someone who grew up living in the bogs, well, she looks like she’ll be great.
Meanwhile, sometimes certain casting is just a no-brainer.
And Kristofer Hivju is one of those “Well, DUH” moments. I mean, look at him. No makeup needed. Probably don’t need to even change his clothes!
Greatjon of SlumberQuote Reply
framebyframe,
Nah, we gotta have Doran. He’s playing a long game, clearly, and of course John-Rhys Davies should be the man for it.
Greatjon of SlumberQuote Reply
This is disappointing…these actors are not how I imagined these characters to be. Why can’t they cast actors on how I imagined the characters to be!
If they don’t cast Gerard butler as Mance Ryder or Cillian Murphy as Ramsey then I’m going to be pissed and not watch this show and stick to reading my little fantasy novels in mom’s basement. The actors for my beloved reed twins are so wrong! So ugly! And they better have the “chain” this season…..
Charles wetstoneQuote Reply
Al Swearengen,
The Red Viper is awesome but all the other Martells I just think are really boring. Same with the Greyjoys – the last two books had WAY too much of them and I really think the show would actually do itself a service to ignore or at least not cover as intensely most of the stuff about them.
aurorsand147,
I know Im a minority but I really don’t think the Sansa of the show is that pretty, even reading her in the books, I think its because I honestly don’t care for her as a character/I don’t like her personality. In contrast, I do like Meeras character and her personality and maybe that was why I still imagined her being attractive despite no one aside from Bran really thinking she was so much in the actaul text.
framebyframeQuote Reply
Charles wetstone,
Haha!
CarneQuote Reply
Charles wetstone,
LOL are you still mad bald Gerard Butler wasn’t Stannis?
framebyframeQuote Reply
darquemode,
I agree, he is a really talented actor. i think they are going to make the reeds twins since both Ellie and Thomas are 22.
robb17Quote Reply
framebyframe,
You find Euron and Victarion boring really ?
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
Omar Brown,
Shut up! We have BLACKFISH!!!!!!!
RAZZAQuote Reply
LoL! Where’s the “Like” button?? Great post! :-)
EdQuote Reply
Boy, it wouldn’t be a Game Of Thrones casting post without people insulting the looks of the female actresses. We have a long way to go as a fan base.
poguemahoneQuote Reply
Maybe a bit old for Daario but viscious… certainly!
Hal Oszan could do it, I think I saw him playing similar characters. Raz Degan is too much Daario??? if that makes sense. Kingsley´s son looks great but he has “good” eyes?
About Mance: I like Rufus Sewell but I don´t know if he´s the right man for the role. He´s funny and charming. And he´s not “that” imposing. But I’m sure the producers and N. Gold will do a fantastic choise (for me, there is only one actor they chose that I didn´t liked, just one).
andreaQuote Reply
I’m deleting any posts that call any actress “ugly”. So tired of this bullshit.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
thanks!!! it´s just shameful, mean and stupid.
andreaQuote Reply
A woman is grateful that you are on this. Some are kidding, but it’s hard to tell sometimes and really is a personal level attack. So a woman supports your decision. Please do so for any male actors called ugly also. It’s not right.
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
Biscotti wishes there was a WiC forum :(
And Winter, thank you for cleaning out the comments! Biscotti likes this site because the posters are generally much nicer, and the discussions are good and meaningful.
BiscottiQuote Reply
Not cool at all.
And completely inaccurate too, she’s adorable.
(somebody obviously was looking for attention, and unfortunately, he’s getting it).
EdQuote Reply
I approve of this post!
EdQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Thank you. :)
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Awesome. Well done sir. Another reason why this is the best ASIOAF web site in human history.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Between this and The Walking Dead trailer, I don’t know what to do with myself :)
Do you guys think they’ll keep Bran’s crush on Meera? The actors’ 10 (or 9?) year age gap leaves me doubting it. I don’t know; it was adorable in the books, but so minor that some people didn’t even pick up on it. I wouldn’t mind them keeping it, though.
and, poguemahone,
I agree. It’s very disheartening.
DovahmonahQuote Reply
Dovahmonah,
I think they will keep the “crush” thing in the series. Elle is 22 but she is little and cute looking so they can age her down easily. It will be fun to watch the “crush” develop over the next 5+ seasons…
ArthurQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Thank you sir.
RygarQuote Reply
Dovahmonah,
They could in theory since both Brodie-Sangster and Ellie Kendrick both play younger than their true ages….
However for me personally the crush was unimportant, at most a schoolboy crush that was not reciprocated and could easily be on a woman of any age. I always felt it was a more like helpess child becoming becoming attached to his protector more than a love waiting to happen.
In a way I hope they do not age the Reeds down too much from the actors real ages. I always hated the visual of these seemingly child-like adventurers that are traipsing through the realm on a hero’s quest as well as the way some saw Bran’s crush on Meera. I would love it if they treat the Reeds as a bit older than the books and ignore all the aspects I loathed!
darquemodeQuote Reply
Tamsin Cleo German,
GatorfischQuote Reply
andrea,
And frankly incorrect. I haven’t surfed through this quagmire of posts yet, but I know that every female cast is a fox.
Well, I’m not going to call little Kerry a fox because that would be the most inappropriate post thus far, and I’m placing Diana Rigg in the “Great Foxes Of All Time” category.
DavidQuote Reply
I don’t see anything wrong with a one-sided crush, Bran liking Meera. A girl her age is not going to be into a kid, but he’s old enough to have feelings for an older girl.
I’m so surprised Jojen’s actor is that old. He looks no more than 17, which is great.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Thank you!
janarchyQuote Reply
I think Ellie is beautiful and her hair is gorgeous! What a personality that girl has. :) I love that youtube video of Ellie and fashion. I expect she’ll nail this part just like Gwen came thru for Brienne.
MimsyQuote Reply
Mimsy,
What YouTube video of Elle? Can u link it? I couldn’t find any video of her acting I will have to rent her last movie.
ArthurQuote Reply
I hope everyone understands I was being sarcastic about my post. As a non-book reader, I don’t care if meera looked like Gilbert Godfrey as long as her acting and character bring something to the show. Im clueless to who this meera character is and would like to remain that way until the 3rd season airs. The actress from the pics actually looks pretty cute IMHO. My only concern as a viewer is now there appears to be way too many characters for me and my wife to keep track of….
Charles wetstoneQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
I agree with you but please remember Bran is not viewed upon by her as a “simple kid”. Bran is Meera’s Lord and he is also looked upon by Meera’s people as a kind of messiah of prophecy and legend.
So he is no kid to her. Again, I’m not talking anything sexually or even kissing. Just saying Meera’s opinion on Bran is one of extreme high regard, she doesn’t just think he is a crippled child…
Also, from her first introduction in Bran’s POV chapter they were exchanging “friendly stares” across the feasting table in Winterfel. At that moment I knew something was up. =]
ArthurQuote Reply
Charles wetstone,
If they did cast Gilbert Gottfried, that would certainly be a character everyone would be able to keep track of.
Greatjon of SlumberQuote Reply
An older Missandei isn’t a big minus. I’m sure they can make it work. After all, Irri needs a stand-in. However, one of the silliest details in S1 of GOT is Jhiqui’s frizzy hair. It sounds relatively minor, but I reeeeeeeeeeeeeally hope they style the frizz out of Missandei’s ‘do. It’s just a jarring visual, like the painfully anachronistic pillow Dany used to smother Drogo.
Greatjon of Slumber,
Gottfried for Moonboy!
WompWompQuote Reply
Thank you!!! It’s one thing to say maybe a particular actor or actress doesn’t have quite the look or appeal imagined from the description in the book (for example, if Toby Jones were cast as Jaime Lannister) but to call them flat out ugly is just kind of cruel for cruelty’s sake, and says more about the person who wrote it than the actor.
JillQuote Reply
Arthur,
He is a kid to her. She respects him and cares for him, but he is a child. He’s about eight years old when the story starts. Meera is sixteen. Isaac Hempstead Wright is older, but he’s still much younger than she is. He is a kid, not a romantic prospect or someone she would have a crush on. Ten years down the road, who knows.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
WompWomp,
Her hair is stunningly beautiful. I hope they leave it just as it is. There’s no reason to straighten it.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
Can we at least agree she has a strong interest in him?
ArthurQuote Reply
lol, please, don´t, that would start another kind of war. Just keep loving Riggs!
andreaQuote Reply
Arthur,
As friends and people on a journey together. :)
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
Loving all the casting news, and excited for what’s still in store. I don’t really have a preference for who is cast as any of the remaining characters except for Mance. I’d absolutely love it if Henry Ian Cusick got the part (and considering he’s no longer involved with the broadcast show “Scandal”, he probably has a clear schedule at the moment).
Pastor_of_MuppetsQuote Reply
Jay Zeus! That’s FOURTEEN new characters for next season, not even including arguably the two biggest new roles, Mance and Ramsay. And yet, there are still only 10 episodes to cram all of this into…
I don’t envy D&D’s jobs.
GreatjonQuote Reply
Michel,
Well, Lem and Tom can be featured extras, Dal and Valla can be merged, Styr and Varamyr can be merged with Orell, that leaves Mance, Ramsay and Vargo really.
tysnowQuote Reply
Arthur
Look up young hollywood 2010 Ellie Kendrick on youtube.. sorry i’m on phone and can’t link. You’re gonna love her though.. as I do already.
MimsyQuote Reply
Come to think of it, Danny has a lesbian scene with one of her handmaidens, who is now dead… another reason they aged up Missandei? Just sayin.
The InstrumentalistQuote Reply
Why should Jon be the only one with pretty dark curls? I think curls would suit Meera.
MimsyQuote Reply
I could not be more excited about the casting of Jojen. I sincerely thought they would only cast Meera to save on time/money… not only was he cast, but with the young man from Love Actually!!! When thinking about casting this role I thought he would fit but then thought he must be too old by now. I’m excited to be proven wrong. And surprisingly, I think I might have a crush on Thoros next year. Since the surname of my last year’s cast crush was taken, my screenname might be changing to Mrs. Of Myr very soon. :^)
JillQuote Reply
Claudiu Gherganu,
LOL, I just spit out my drink after reading that.
tysnowQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
This.
Nothing from her side at all the way I saw it.
Ours is the Fury,
The one possible benefit to straightening her hair is that the one photo of her I saw where she looked under 18 to me is with her straightened hair. If they want to keep a little of that girlish character from the books I think the straight hair may work better. Although that could be an old photo too I guess…..
I really don’t mind her hair either way…. or her portraying a younger or an older Missandei. The 10-year old of the books always seemed a bit off to me anyway if I’m honest. I liked it, but it is less believable to me.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Ivan Popić,
I know! My baby from love actually yay! Plus really glad to see Tobias Menzies again. He was awesome in Rome. But the man playing Thoros, bit skinny for the part..?
VivQuote Reply
The Instrumentalist,
It certainly would be unlike HBO to ignore a chance for lesbian scene! XD
That would be a good reason to age Missandei up indeed!
darquemodeQuote Reply
Mimsy,
Thanks so much!
I agree with you. Ellie Kendrick is very cute, there is nothing ugly about her at all.
Here is the link for those that want to see what our Meera Reed will look like…
LOL… She even says “I’m really really small”. I bet she is like 5 feet!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTm3bZKESE
ArthurQuote Reply
Holy crap, they actually managed to get Diana Rigg? Diana freakin’ Rigg!!!
What an amazing casting coup for GoT. And she is beyond perfect for the role of Queen of Thorns. It’s going to be hard to remain a Tyrell-hater next season.
LuanaQuote Reply
My choice for Oberyn is Saïd Taghmaoui (sex on a stick). He’s not the tallest guy, but he’s HOT HOT HOT (as seen in G.I. Joe, where he played Breaker, and Conan the Barbarian, where he appeared with our own Jason Momoa).
Here’s his IMDB page:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0846548/
But if you’re not afraid of the hotness (and can handle it), check these pics out (and yes, he’s got the screen-melting physique for Oberyn):
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1ARAB_enUS443US443&aq=f&sugexp=chrome,mod%3D10&q=Sa%C3%AFd+Taghmaoui&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=sPMAUNeyCeiB6gH3gcXfBg&biw=1517&bih=714&sei=tvMAUJ7lA4mz6wGTgvX7Bg
David ThomasQuote Reply
oh please, just kill me, kill me.
Age up MIssandei for a sex scene (whatever the sex) would be bad.
andreaQuote Reply
Didn’t Emilia sign a no nudity clause? Doubt we’ll get a lesbian scene.
CarneQuote Reply
David Thomas,
Now that’s the kind of look I hope they try for when casting Oberyn. It appears I’ve seen quite a few movies he’s been in but all I remember is Three Kings. I’ll have to watch Conan. But from what I know of the guy he seems to have what it would take for the Red Viper to handle the screen treatment of one of the coolest book moments.
Good call!
ZackQuote Reply
Carne,
Did she sign it after Season 1?
She was naked a few times in Season 1……
darquemodeQuote Reply
I’m with all the other posters who think it’s highly likely Styr and Varamyr will be merged into Orell McGareth. And I’m fine with that, EXCEPT I do reckon “Varamyr Sixskins” is a far cooler name than “Orell”. Oh well, we don’t even know if that merger is definitely happening, so let’s wait and see.
ChickenduckQuote Reply
andrea,
Sigh. My thoughts exactly–and this is why the aging of Missandei kind of baffles me. It feels rather as though it might make her interchangeable with Dany’s other handmaidens, to the point where someone can even get away with that kind of a suggestion. It’s utterly missing the point of Missandei to have ‘lesbian scenes’ with Dany.
I hope they know what they’re doing!
ZackQuote Reply
I actually remember him best from LOST. He was OK, except his role in that was a bit generic bad-guy foreign spy/agent/hitman-ish.
He has a cool French/Arabic accent, could work for Dornish.
Although I wonder what GRRM had in mind when he wrote “Dornish Drawl” all those times in the books? Maybe Dornishmen should talk like they’re from Alabama?
ChickenduckQuote Reply
Here’s a video from MTV on the SDCC panel’s reactions to the new cast:
http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/814709/new-game-of-thrones-cast-members-announced-at-comic-con.jhtml#id=1689434
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
David Thomas,
I thought of him for Daario too.
He does not have the look exactly as described, but he has the attitude and the sex appeal to make Dany falling for him believable.
He will definitely be on my list next year for Oberyn though…. Along with Oded Fehr and Naveen Andrews.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
HA!
Awesome … thank you!
Now, we just need the full panel video!
darquemodeQuote Reply
And Danny DeVito for Patchface!!! But he’s probably busy.
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
Luana,
I know! My spy-show lovin’ heart is filled with joy!
KGQuote Reply
A woman saw a really cute picture of the actress in braids (aka “pigtails”) and that would be appropriate for a frog-hunter, no? Easy to do too with any hair! And easy to weave in more if you want it longer.
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
For Daario you could this direction, famous Bollywood star Prateik Babbar:
https://www.google.com/search?q=prateik+babbar&hl=en&rlz=1C1ARAB_enUS443US443&prmd=imvnso&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=L_sAUIK8Bqq66AGxu-nnBg&ved=0CGAQsAQ&biw=1517&bih=714
David ThomasQuote Reply
A woman is grateful you posted that link, she is really cute and sassy! FYI, Brits call sweaters “jumpers” so I guess that anecdote must have been during a warm spell if she didn’t need a sweater for 2 months!
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
A woman thinks you are right, he’d be excellent appearance-wise, I will have to pull out that Conan DVD and watch it to see if his acting is appropriate, but again will have faith in Nina & co’s choices. Hotness! We do need hotness since so many of our beloved hunks are falling by the wayside one way or the other.
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
David Thomas,
I like his look for the role quite a bit!
I had thought of a different Bollywood actor when I was hunting for actors a couple months ago, Hrithik Roshan. I had not seen either in any videos honestly though. I did find a few or Roshan’s on YT.
Even though he is no way my favorite character, Daario is one of the roles I am most interested in seeing cast! I just have no idea exactly what age or look D&D desire, or what actor will get the role!!
darquemodeQuote Reply
If I recall MTV videos are region blocked, right?
I posted a region free version of the cast reactions video on SpoilerTv. It’s all the way down at the bottom of the post.
http://www.spoilertv.com/2012/07/game-of-thrones-comic-con-2012-panel_13.html
darquemodeQuote Reply
Paul Kaye is clearly best known for his role as Frankie Wilde the deaf DJ in “It’s All Gone Pete Tong.” Frankie Wilde DJ mas bueno. so pumped.
TheSwordoftheMorningQuote Reply
Once Qyburn meets Ros she can finally reach her full potential as ser Robert Strong’s left Tittie
Ser Lyonel the Laughing StormQuote Reply
Oooooooooooh Yeaaaaaaaah a woman thinks you’ve go it! He’s the right age too, unfortunately so many that have been suggested are 10 or more years too old for Khaleesi. 25 is probably the right age for that role IMO.
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
I’ve seen this posted elsewhere, but I have yet to see a source. I’m not sure how much truth there is to it…
DerpstradamusQuote Reply
thankyou…
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Great introduction video. They all looked the part to me, especially the Reed siblings. I thought Thoros was a particularly awesome looking guy for the part, a bit wild eyed and perfect for the role, even though he is different than the book. Liked Donarrion as well. And a great actress for the Queen of Thorns.
Ryan EQuote Reply
Ellie is 5’1. She’s going to be adorable!
http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1/F86241.html
BiscottiQuote Reply
A man can now confidently say that a very high profile and famous actor has been cast for either the role of Mance Rayder or Ramsay Snow/Bolton. It is truly known.
Rogue HeroQuote Reply
Tormuuuund Giantsbaaaaaaaaaaaane! ((((((: couldn’t have asked for better and Orell, if these cast members mean more meaningful character interaction for Jon, then all the better. And now I really can’t wait for Mance. I have a feeling it might be a prominent actor… But an icelandic actor or one of those nations would also be perfect.
And now, Meera’s story: will we hear Howland, Lyanna and Rheagar being cast?
mags giantsbabeQuote Reply
Holy shit, Mance McNulty and Tormund GiantsBunk would be insanely amazing!
“Y’know what the plural of pussy is? Pussi. Mancey taught me that. Har!!”
the goatQuote Reply
BEST CASTING SUGGESTION EVAR!!
“Under the sea, the boy’s hole pays toll to get inside you!
I know, I know, oh, oh, oh!”
http://i47.tinypic.com/30utj44.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/f2us9.jpg
And Charlie Day could play Shagwell! I swear, this shit just writes itself sometimes.
the goatQuote Reply
Will the original actor playing the Mountain come back for this season? The bloke they had for season 2 just didn’t get the job done. I’m sure he’s a fine actor but just not big enough to have the presence needed for the Mountain to be the scariest man in the kingdom.
Alex AlsoQuote Reply
Despite what some might think, Ellie Kendrick is great casting for Meera. I saw her playing Juliet (opposite a black guy playing Romeo, jus’ sayin’ for those that have criticised GoT for its colour blind casting). She was excellent and strangely enough, no one walked out saying “she’s not pretty enough to play Juliet”.
I’m certain she’ll do Meera justice.
Paul Kaye is really left-field. I can’t recall him in any serious dramatic role. It will be interesting to see how that works out.
Nathalie Emmanuel is ridiculously beautiful – ignore that she was on Hollyoaks (which is a god-awful programme), she was good in Misfits.
HouseLarkQuote Reply
Just thinking about Crook as Orell – I assume his part will be significantly beefed up and I can see a good rationale for this. I think he will be used to explain to the audience what the heck warging is and why it matters. For the uninitiated this is probably an odd concept, and by having someone who is an expert and fully in control of their warging powers, it demonstrates the potential for Bran, and others.
RossQuote Reply
You know, I’m really pissed off. I saw this thread this morning, and watched the video, and it was the best moment of Thrones news I’ve had since last year. I was completely thrilled by every casting choice, and was feeling positively euphoric!
Then I saw a rude and, frankly, embarrassing comment from one single person, and it tainted the whole experience. Yes, I’m looking at you Kingslayer. It’s people like you that make me ashamed to be a part of this fandom. My first impression of Ellie was 100% positive. Even if you disagree, you could have expressed yourself in a more civil, classy manner. But no, you were rude and insulting and it has derailed this thread.
Imagine being a young actress like Ellie, thrilled to death over landing a part in this amazing show, and then going online and seeing an entire thread discussing whether or not you are ugly? Even if WiC deletes the original comment, it’s too late, the damage is done. I imagine that would instantly tarnish an actor’s excitement and enthusiasm in being involved in this project, and I wouldn’t blame them for being insulted and disillusioned about the whole thing. I am honestly disgusted and ashamed.
I’ve been a defender of Gemma Whalen from day one, and now I guess I’ll have to be a defender of Ellie as well, thanks to the rude, thoughtless words of one person.
LexQuote Reply
Ive seen Thomas act before , and his acting skills arent too shabby , im impressed.
Im excited about Ellie being cast as Meera , she certainly looks more like a northerner
than previous actors being mentioned
Kristofer Hivju looks AMAZING , i cant wait to see how he portrays Tormund
The tullys look epic too , I cant wait ! my dreams have come true :)
Jaegon TargaryenQuote Reply
Sangster was originally cast as Tintin, but left the project and was replaced by Jamie Bell.
LexQuote Reply
What a treat!!! Can’t believe our luck. I haven’t been familiar with Diana Rigg but she has me just by giving this little speech. As much as I love dames Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, both of them seemed awfully wrong for the part whereas Diana just fits in.
I am absolutely over the moon because of the Reeds. I absolutely HATE debates centering around an actress’ supposed plain looks. I know it has been said numerous of times, but all it does it makes the poster look like a superficial troll while casting a shadow on the whole fanbase, putting emphasis on all the wrong factors AND (most importantly) potentially (and unjustly) hurting an actress (especially a young one!) who – as we established – might well be reading the boards. OK; admittedly, I can’t really see what is there NOT to like about Ellie – I think she is cute as a button and CAN’T WAIT for her Meera!!!
I got goosebumps when I saw Thomas cast as Jojen. I think I might have given a wee squeal as well. I’ve hardly seen him anywhere else but in Love Actually, but even despite the fact he shot that a decade ago, he made a really strong impression and I really believe he has the serenety and maturity to pull off Jojen. This fangirl is über-excited.
I’d never have thought someone as high profile as Mackenzie Crook would be cast as Orell, whom I hardly even remember from the books. But no complaints there; everything I’ve seen MacKenzie in has been just mindblowing.
I am a little bummed they aged Missandei up. I belong to the camp saying one of the things that made her amazing were her age. She is stunningly mature and independent and made Dany feel really maternal sometimes. If they replace Irri’s lesbian scenes, this fangirl will be very disappointed; will still be awesome to see the actresses perform them, but … OK, I just realized I am just Irri-bitching again. Eos, get OVER it! The actress seems really sweet and I’m kinda relieved she hasn’t been cast as Arianne (tho maybe she’d be great in that role a well). I’m realy looking forward to see what she makes out of Missandei we know from the books.
I haven’t been familiar with either Clive Russel or Tobias Menzies, but they both seem really great and I’m somehow ecstatic we’re even gonna get Blackfish and Edmure. I really began to think otherwise some months ago.
Kristofer Hivju looks like a marvelous choice for Tormund and the girl playing Shireen just seems like the sweetest kid ever. Tara Fitzgerald looks way too preety for Selyse in my opinion, but really can’t complain with someone that great in a role that could potentially be filled by really anyone.
To end this (quite unnecessary, tbh) essay; it was the best way to end an evening, the vid is GREAT, can’t wait to see them fill all those roles. Can’t wait for end of march. CAN’T WAIT!!!
And now, I think we’re quite ready for Mance and Ramsay. So, HBO, if you would …
EosQuote Reply
I’m excited by the new cast. Qyburn is just as I imagined him. But they can save Ramsay Snow to the fifth season, if they wanted to. But I hope they include him for one episode with Roose, but not his prisoner. He should be a surprise in a later season for non-readers of the books.
Nicolai HansenQuote Reply
I’m still wondering who Bertie Gilbert auditioned for if not for Jojen? Any ideas? Edric Storm?
Not TodayQuote Reply
Excellent news at last! Can’t read and comment much now, am on cell, but especially satisfied by Edmure, and pleasantly surprised by Brodie-Sangster, a fantastic Paul McCartney in “Nowhere Man”.
BlackfishBluesQuote Reply
PS you spelled Brynden wrong :p
BlackfishBluesQuote Reply
Thats all too good to be true! I love Paul Kaye! Dennis Pennis is the best :D
G_LeeQuote Reply
Yeah Ellie Kendrick is beautiful and more importantly is a fabulous actress, just the sort of young talent I like to see GoT cast. She’s perfect for Meera, I cannot imagine a better casting.
Sekandar MartellQuote Reply
What excitement!
A few random thoughts – if Orell is a Varamyr/Orell composite then I suppose Anguy might be an Anguy/Tom/Lem composite though they’d need to bring Tom in later, since his bard card is what gives him entry to Riverrun. Maybe they dropped the name Varamyr in favour of Orell as the former sounds too Tolkienesque??
Maybe they’ll combine Daario and Belwas into one too – how cool would that be? :D
Thank goodness Ellie is 22: I feel less icky about my instant crush now %-) and many thanks to whoever posted her shopping video :D (It’s at times like this that it would be nice if every comment had a unique serial number. I was reading earlier on my iPhone and can’t face scrolling through them all again).
Great news about Diana Rigg being cast! I find it amazing that a TV character she first played 47 years ago is still talked about like it was last week. Just shows how utterly iconic was both the character and her interpretation. I bet we’ll still all be talking of Dame Maisie’s Arya in 47 years time :D
Nick LarterQuote Reply
I’m sure she could take ONE single stupid comment. Epecially when followed by a bunch of “no she’s not!”
Fwiw, I think she’s pretty and cute, and fits my vision of Meera very well.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Lex
Amen, I can’t imagine how Kit Harington must feel after one, two years of the same crap, since he sometimes visits here apparently. I don’t blame the website though.
I hope they keep her curly hair for Meera, because it is kind more suitable for the whole Westerosi look, even for Northeners, I mean look at Jon; and Robb and also Syrio Forell, eventhough he’s from Braavos. I have curly hair, so I’m probably being biased here but it makes the characters look more authentic and different and diverse.
mags giantsbabeQuote Reply
Good question! . Was there a slave boy who met a sticky end in Astapor? Racking my brains – most of the minor characters of the right sort of age don’t die in the book (unless that was a red herring): Trystane doesn’t in any case fit since it’s been reported I think that Myrcella is out for S3: Edric Dayne was another I thought of who could fill Arya in with a lot of Ned’s backstory, but he doesn’t die either. Edric Storm only fits if they’re dropping Davos’ plot to send him away (or at least his succeeding) and they have Mel kill him to try and reanimate the Dragonstone dragons. Boy there’d be steam rising over at the Westeros board if they pulled that one :D
Nick LarterQuote Reply
Love me some Tobias Menzies! He’s great in anything – fantastic as Brutus in Rome – and am really looking forward to him in this.
JeremyQuote Reply
You’re about the only person I’ve -ever- heard say Alfie didn’t do an amazing job this season. I never said he was a “hottie” by traditional standards, but acting? Pfft, he blows DUUUUUHJON and his one expression and wooden no-chemistry Robb out of the water, especially in season 2. I’ve heard plenty of people express (with Kit especially) that Robb and Jon are not conveying much in the way of emotion or on-screen charisma, despite their more traditionally good looks (for the record I find neither of them attractive at all).
Point: You don’t have to be Hollywood gorgeous to be a great actor or actress.
The AmirQuote Reply
First of all, i didn’t read the books so please do not spoil it for us. The new cast looks awesome! Nina Gold did a great job as always!!! The best cast is getting even better…
Matt VukovicQuote Reply
man i absolutely love that Ellie Kendrick is in GoT now.. she’s right up there with Maisie Williams as far as my excitement for their portrayal of the character goes.
that excitement comes with a sadness that we have to wait til March next year to see the result though..
Bursali88Quote Reply
Wonder how they’ll introduce the Reeds. Reading between the lines of Ellie’s comments, might they have them showing up in the nick of time to avert the demise of Bran’s party at the hands of wildling raiders? A few well placed poison darts from a blowpipe (not sure if Meera has one in the books but crannogmen in general did as I recall) and the odd netting and frogspear through the neck would be just the ticket :D
Nick LarterQuote Reply
Full Comic-Con Panel in 3 parts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sZxCMFyPLXQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Di04J5BrfW0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s7-YBwW_Ssk
darquemodeQuote Reply
I was kind of hoping of watching a good ‘ol fantalk about casting but all I get is appearence ranting. Yeah I know somebody said nasty things but could you stop it already. We all know Ellie is beatifull and all of you are angry about what was said. Could we continue talking about something else now? Please?
And then to topic. Has anyone seen the new Thing movie? How big was Hivjus role. Just wondering if it’s worth watching?
rorschach-Quote Reply
Nick Larter,
Either that, or they just have them pointing a spear at Bran at the end of one episode… But they need to make sure not to have too many of the cheap and obvious and standard cliffhangers with Bran. Their fake death in season 2 didn’t translate really well to the TV where everybody assumes anyway that not shown = not dead…
Not looked through the thread, but any mentions of Left and Right? ;-)
HertoloQuote Reply
Hertolo,
Not that I saw. Mind you, Jedward were in Belfast this week ;)
Nick LarterQuote Reply
As a Brit and an SF/fantasy fan, I can tell you that I know most of these and they’re brilliant to say the least. The big ones are Rigg, Fitzgerald and Crook but the others are great too. Thomas Brodie Sangster was brilliant in the Family of Blood episode of Dr Who and Tobias Menzies was pretty much the only good thing in Eternal Law. I have a feeling that Paul Kaye might be another piece of genius casting like Jerome Flynn.
jonQuote Reply
Some excellent casting here!! Thought Tobias Menzies was brilliant in Rome, perfect Edmure if you ask me.
Hope they combine Orell with Varymyr to extend Mackenzie Crook’s role, also I may be wrong but is this the first confirmation that Qyburn is in?? Very pleased about that… one of my fave minor characters!
Praise R’hllorQuote Reply
darquemode,
Shekh Ma Shieraki Anni!!!!
the goatQuote Reply
Jojen and Meera are awesome. Waiting one more year to get those actors, that was a brilliant idea.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster may be a bit old but does not look like it. He was quite good in Love Actually and completely perfect in his Doctor Who appearances with the real Doctor. The Tennant one.
Same here, he just gives this feeling that totally sticks with what I expected from Thoros.
And it is good that we still have Ramsay, Mance and Vargo. We do need some casting clues fun.
Kharn9Quote Reply
darquemode to the rescue, as always! Thanks for the videos, I’m watching them now. George’s laugh is infectious!
MachaQuote Reply
From what I remember, Bran is attracted to Meera because of her graceful physicality, which was apparent whenever she would be hunting with her net and spear. He envied and admired it at the same time. I don’t think her face was so important. In any case, I think the actress who will be playing her is really cute!
Congratulations to all the new actors. I’m so excited to see them on screen. As for Mance Rayder, I hope he gets to be played by a big, well-known actor!
Chai_latteQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Direct and honest is just an excuse to be thoughtless, mean and cruel. Calling a young girl ugly is disgusting, seriously shame on you.
I’m too mad to even comment on the casting, leaving this thread now.
ButterbumpsQuote Reply
I too am very interested in the look and age they choose for Daario. I think GRRM is hiding something there.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
Orell? I bet they’re combining him with Varamyr. Not a bad call, actually.
The actors look well for the chosen roles. We’ll see how the writing will treat their characters.
RinsoQuote Reply
Tobias Menzies being in anything is great news. Fantastic in Rome, and great in Shadow Line (albeit overshadowed a bit by the incredible brilliance of Christopher Eccleston). He seems fated to give great performances in shows where other actors are more noticeable…
Not how I’d imagined Edmure at all, but that doesn’t matter too much.
WastrelQuote Reply
Extremely happy about Hivju Giantsbane! My favorite for the part since the day the rumor surfaced, I don’t mind him being somewhat younger and “kissed by fire”.
A few weeks back, my brother called me from our shared community garden in Oslo where he had just said hi to Hivju who was just looking around. I immediately told my brother to ask Hivju if he had got the part, but by then the bearded man had left.
Also very happy about the rest of the new cast members. The old saying is still true, in Nina Gold we trust.
XimoQuote Reply
So excited – been spitting all morning!!!
Wun WunQuote Reply
I was uncertain at first about Paul Kaye – but then I watched the video. Not sure if he actually turned up drunk in honour of the role, or if he’s just like that, but yes, he can do Thoros.
WastrelQuote Reply
I hate to break this to you but most Eastern Europeans are, in fact, white.
barakQuote Reply
Ser_G,
Except that Oberyn’s a salty Dornishman, which means that he’s clearly not white.
IrisQuote Reply
This all makes me very happy, with the exception of the hollyoaks woman. That show and everyone involved was awful. On every level. The script, cinematography, soundtrack and acting were all either mind-numbingly bland or straight up offensive to anyone with half a brain, though admittedly more the former than the latter.
Also, everyone who was supposed to be from Northern Ireland was either flamboyantly gay or mentally stunted.
cabboQuote Reply
Lol. Did you watch season one? There isn’t much left of Emilia we haven’t seen. But I don’t think we will get the scene because it’s one of those side favorites that really don’t contribute much to the story. If we get it great, if we don’t, that’s fine with me too.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
Rinso,
Orell has no lines, and only exists in CoK, (as a human), for as long as it takes for Jon to sneak up and bury a sword into him.
Certainly not trying to offend you or anyone, but we’ve heard nothing about Varamyr being cast. And they just featured Mackenzie Crook, a well-known actor, in their huge Comic-con announcement. Does anyone really think D&D will have a Varymyr character distinct from Orell? With a bear and a shadowcat?
Orell will be “Orell” because he will be a warg with an eagle. But, instead of Varymyr, Orell will be one of Mance’s close confidants, and “teach” Jon about warging. Thus, an Orell/Varamyr combo. There will not be a separate Varamyr character.
the goatQuote Reply
fuelpagan,
I mean she signed it after season 1.
CarneQuote Reply
the goat,
My guess as well. Pity they went with the weaker name choice of the two, though. Not that it matters.
ZackQuote Reply
Then we might as well not bother with Daario.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
Varamyr sounds too much like Faramir.
LexQuote Reply
OH MY SODDING GODS! Am I imagining this? Is this some sort of cruel hallucination? Tobias MADE Rome! He is a PHENOMENAL actor! I could not possibly be any happier at the moment. And as for the Reeds – fantastic young actors both. Ellie was supberb as Anne Frank, and Thomas…well, the (young) man played Paul McCartney – what more do you want? Oh, and lest I forget, Diana Rigg as TQoT and Tara Fitzgerald as Queen Hairy, umm, I mean Queen Selyse – score and score! Season 3, in YOU we trust.
LanaQuote Reply
fuelpagan,
http://www.100xr.com/artists/D/Dave_Navarro/Dave_Navarro_2005.jpg
While reading, this is what Daario looks like in my head
TenesmusQuote Reply
Another possible reason for using the name Orell instead of Varymyr is that they thought it could be confused with Thoros of Myr.
SynnermanQuote Reply
I wonder how they’re going to handle the animal warging scenes. Will there be an eagle? A shadowcat? A polar bear? Maybe just a pack of wolves, smaller than Jon’s direwolf?
I’m having a hard time imaginging how they can do the animal action sequences without using cheesy CGI, but I have faith!
MATTHEWQuote Reply
For sure Orell will be combined with Varamyr, but why not choose the name Varamyr ? Sounds better for me haha, anyway, perharps they could cut off the character Styr and give his lines to Orell to, it would be awesome to see Mackenzie jumping the Wall with Jon
MichelQuote Reply
I love it when people chastise trolls, as if it’s going to do any good. Ignore them; trolls like it when you complain about them and get all indignant.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
What about the first scene of S3 guys ? What scene would you bet ? I’m betting on Hoster funeral, Hoster would appear like Jon Arryn’s funeral on “Winter is Coming”..in that scene we would meet Brynden and Edmure to
MichelQuote Reply
When I commented earlier that they will probably straighten it or use a wig I guess I was reflexively assuming that they are g0 for the stereotypical “elfin” look which the actor who’s playing Jojejn has. a la LOTR with straight silky hair
But on further consideration, I now thik that was a stupid reaction on my part and they should just keep her curly hair. She will be a very cute Meera, and I’m looking forward to seeing her act
I love discussing the minutiae like this… so geeky.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Michel,
This sounds most likely. I doubt they’ll bother to introduce Hoster Tully at this point, so skipping straight to his funeral would be a good way to go. Throw in a couple of lines about him (“he was dying” etc) and there you go.
CarneQuote Reply
MATTHEW,
IMO, I hope they will keep Meera with long straight hair and Edmure with beard
MichelQuote Reply
Qyburn is one of my favorite characters, and they guy they chose looks great!. I love how the books describe how kindly, fatherly and nondescript he looks on the outside. I actually picture him looking as my father did as I was growing up, a paunchy, friendly, meek, nonthreatening middle-aged white guy.
But they you find out what Qyrburn actually *does*…
It shows you GRRM is fascinated by the concept of the “banality of evil” and that the most harmful figures are often packaged in very average and innocuous superficial facades and polite, officious personalities. You see this with the Tickler as well.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
That is so evil! And cut it out with the spoilers, you.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Does anybody have a fanart of Anguy and Orell ? I really can’t remember how they are
MichelQuote Reply
I don’t like Ros, but I’m REALLY interesting about her role in S3, as Varys’ spy..And what about Ser Dontos ? He appears in 2 episodes of S2, but in the final episode, Littlefinger opens all the game for Sansa, that he will take her out of KL..so why cast Dontos ?
MichelQuote Reply
Carne,
Where is your proof. That’s just a rumour. I have never seen any such thing.
I also feel like this is cheating. You get cast in a role requiring nudity and next season you just don’t want to do it anymore? Because you are already firmly in the role… What’s the point in that? We have seen most of her already anyway!
She did say she was happy got to keep her clothes on in season 2 but it seemed like that was a director decision.
This is just a rumour cause she didn’t have any nudescenes in season 2! Given the plot i guess that made sense for her but if we get Daario in season 3 that is likely to change (already)
–
As for the casting. The guy that played Brutus on Rome was great so excited about that one! Don’t know most of the others but sure most will be great!
As for Meera. I would have loved to see Sarah Bolger in the role but sure this girl has the acting chops as well. I fail to see why some people think she would be ugly… Maybe she is not a Hollywood bombshell but she looks quite cute and that’s how it should be i guess for Meera. Acting more important fo that role… Her pic on this site made me shiver a bit cause she looks like Gemma Whellan and that’s the one big miscast on the show so far imho (i didn’t like Shae in season 1 but she got better as the series progressed, hope Gemma does the same)…
I am fairly dissappointed there isn’t real female eyecandy in the new additions this year (like Natalie last year) though if Charlotte Hope will play Myranda Royce (which should be a tiny part i guess) she’d fill that role…
KroketQuote Reply
Do a google images search for Anguy the archer and you’ll find a bunch of stuff.
Orell was barely in the books, as he was one of those scouts on the hill killed by Jon and the black brothers, when Jon first meets Ygritte. So there’s no pictures of him.
And I could only find one or two images of Varamyr, on whom Orell will be based (at least that’s what we’re assuming)
MATTHEWQuote Reply
I suppose Jon Snow’s best friend’s name bears no resemblance to another best friend type character from the same series…. :P
ZackQuote Reply
MATTHEW,
Nice, thanks, Philip it’s like Anguy in the photos but a little bit more older and taller, and Varamyr looks an old guy in the photos, like a guy if 60 years old lol.
MichelQuote Reply
Yeah. If my memory of the books holds true, Anguy is very young , slender and boyish looking. They’ve aged him up.
Varamyr is a tiny little mouse of a man who’s in his 50s, I believe I think they’ll give McKenzie Crook’s character Varamyr’s powers and station (close advisor to Mance) but not necessarily his physical aspect.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Omar Brown,
Can’t speak for other non-book readers, but I’ve enjoyed keeping up with the large cast (although it’s taken multiple viewings, and discovering WiC has been a big help), and FWIW, I think Alexander Siddig and Brad Dourif would be excellent additions.
3eyesQuote Reply
Kroket,
No female eye candy? Dude do a google search of Nathalie Emmanuel…
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Hey guys..I know I’m annoying, but i just remembered that Bertie Gilbert a day before yesterday did an audition for GoT and he has to die his hair..everyone was assuming it would be for Jojen, but since Jojen was cast a couple of days (to do a interview with him to put on Comic Con they need more than one day).. I think it was not for Jojen, who else could it be ?
MichelQuote Reply
What are people talking about? Ellie is pretty hot, not that Meera necessarily needs to be. Just because Bran (a 10 year old boy) has a bit of a crush on her doesn’t mean she is a going to be a knockout stunner with a great rack or whatever you people are thinking of.
jabsoQuote Reply
I’m assuming Barristan Selmy would not be new casting.
Cary BassQuote Reply
True but one of the other reasons fans tend to picture Meera as “hot” is that Theon wants to bang her when he gets a look at her in the books.
But Theon is a lusty lad, so he would probably hit anything.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
Are you Cary Bass from Wikipedia???????????????????? blech
MATTHEWQuote Reply
It is unknown, but we fans tend to think yes.
The main clue we have is that he actor playing Selmy recently signed up for Twitter and began following several other cast members. So we think he’s once interacting with the GoT cast and crew, perhaps signifying that he will be filming Season 3 scenes with the rest of them.
MATTHEWQuote Reply
I need some poppy right about now but this news helps with my morning. saving mance and ramsay announcements?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Michel,
Yeah agree with the Varamyr/Orell blending. But even with that it’s a rather small role for someone like Crook. Should be perfect for it though.
Didn’t think they could pull off the “14 year old grandfather” look (or even attempt to do it) but that actor fits the description well.
jabsoQuote Reply
Joshua Taylor,
Yeah my bad… Not really my type but after watching the introduction video of the new cast she has begun to win me over already. Lovely voice ;)
Edit: And after a little google seach she has… She had a lovely scene in a show called misfits it seems!
KroketQuote Reply
MATTHEW,
Yes and Theon’s probably already had all the wenches in winterfell already.
I don’t see her as very attractive either way.
jabsoQuote Reply
I’ve seen this a lot from book readers, and never from tv people. First, it’s basically a spoiler, so please tag it. Second, only book readers see something good in Littlefinger’s offer. Show watchers see what Sansa sees – the creepy old dude who macs on her mom and BETRYED her father “offering” to help her. She rejects it for good reason and a lack of trust. Tv people will be jut as surprised as book readers were if the dontos plot plays out as in the books.
AlanQuote Reply
I think there’s a good chance the actual blend isn’t Orell and Varamyr but Orell and Styr. Orell will bring warging and perhaps the eagle, but given the stature of Crook, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him be the character who leads the group south of the wall.. There’s a lot more screen time there than even Mance gets, and that role needs to be filled by someone, and likely someone not friendly. Could use Rattleshirt as well, of course.
AlanQuote Reply
Ser WARZ,
What’s that got to do with predictions for future books? Jeez.
WoopQuote Reply
rorschach-,
I just watched The Thing last week and Hivju is around for most of the movie. He does not have a great deal of speaking lines. You can watch him act through his movement and his reactions to others though and get a good idea about him I think….
darquemodeQuote Reply
MATTHEW,
Here is some for Anguy the archer:
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/073/a/5/agot__anguy_the_archer_by_cowboy_lucas-d4sqd95.jpg
I have never seen any for Orell in human form. Like others mentioned the role is so small and mostly he is known in eagle form. Here is a pic of that:
http://teamcovenant.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/O/r/Orell_the_Eagle.jpg
If they combine him with Varamyr here is an awesome pic:
http://hbowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Varamyr_Sixskins_by_Belibr.jpg
If they combine him with Styr like many think , well I always pictured Styr as Michael Barryman from the original Hills Have Eyes and the mutant from Weird Science! Without his ears of course. XD
http://scm-l3.technorati.com/12/03/08/65523/bzero.jpg
http://cdn.bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Michael-Berryman.jpg
darquemodeQuote Reply
3eyes,
Siddig is Hizdahr zo Loraq. It is known.
As for Dourif, he’d be a good Hoat maybe. Not too many roles for Americans on this show.
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
Will you guys be creating separate pages for each member of the new cast like the last two years?
oracle86Quote Reply
Anyone else intrigued by the detail that Shireen is enamored of stories and legends? Maybe she’ll be the conduit to finally get a look at the mythological and historical side of Westeros–perhaps in conversation and lessons with a certain Onion Knight trying to learn his letters?
dolorous alQuote Reply
Meera totally looks like Yara.
Emma KatanaQuote Reply
Cary Bass,
Arstan isn’t new casting, but Selmy in disguise, so we won’t get news on that front.
tysnowQuote Reply
Anguy will more than likely be merged with Tom, so we have a singing archer, save money and more lines for the actor.
tysnowQuote Reply
Regarding Arstan Whitebeard: Don’t worry. Ian McElhinney is back filming in September.
CarneQuote Reply
That awkard moment when you thaught that Thomas Brodie-Sangster was like 12 and he is actually 20 years old
MichelQuote Reply
Michel,
22*
CarneQuote Reply
J,
I APPROVE OF THIS IDEA.
oh-bbQuote Reply
Carne,
Yeah, sorry, LOL, I’m thinking with all these photos from Google are olds or recents..It’s impossible that the boy I saw the photos is 22
MichelQuote Reply
Josh Parker,
Thanks – looking forward to that, and I thought Dourif did quite well as Wormtongue.
3eyesQuote Reply
Michel,
Hah, same here. I still think he has the face of his young self in Love Actually. Hard to believe he’s 22, but humans age :P
CarneQuote Reply
Woop,
Don’t by that Arya theory one bit. Cersei is the one who owes the iron bank money. Jon snow and Stannis do now as well. My guess those are her targets once she finishes training. Not Dany.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
I know it’s ages away probably season 5 but with Tobias now playing Edmure I can’t wait for his scenes with Jamie.
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Arthur,
Ellie is 5′ 1 (154cm)
ScreenterrierQuote Reply
Tenesmus,
haha, nice. I always pictured Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow.
Brock RussellQuote Reply
Screenterrier,
Perfect for Meera. She is very cute and I think She is going to nail Meera…
Now the long wait…
ArthurQuote Reply
Because some people have an unhealthy fascination with teenaged girl characters? “Uh, she’s not cute enough for Bran, yeah, that’s it, my desires have nothing to do with it, nosiree…”
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
You know, I’m sure it’s been brought up before but Bran and Meera will have a romance eventually.
Bran’s and Meera’s whole relationship basically mirrors the “Anakin and Princess Amidala” relationship, and we all know what happens with them.
So for all you fellow fans that think Meera just looks at him as a kid you may be right, for now. But just look what happens in ‘Star Wars’. So for those who believe, like myself, that Bran and Meera will eventually be a couple, it doesn’t seem to far fetched…
ArthurQuote Reply
bran going darth vader… i think i’d like that ;p
jkbQuote Reply
jkb,
He probably will… Think of a 10yr old boy who gets everything ripped away from him then becomes a nature god . You don’t think his anger will get the better of him? I think Bran’s storyline will become very dark in future books.
Meera wil play a huge role in snapping him out of it or even having to kill him like Wolverine had to kill The Phoenix.
That’s all huge speculation on my part, just putting it out there.
ArthurQuote Reply
quentyn martell?
novichasoQuote Reply
Arthur,
It’s certainly more plausible than the SanSan shippers, as far as i’m concerned :P As long as we don’t get the rediculous “NooooOOoooOOOOOoooOOOooo!” in the series finale…
*braces for all the SanSan fans*
AndrewQuote Reply
tysnow,
That was my point, the question was “what about Barristan Selmy’s casting”. Although we are not meant to know that it’s Barristan Selmy in the books, that’s going to be hard to translate to the series. *We already know what Selmy looks like.* Unless Ian McElhinney portrays him, it would really look like a cheap plot device.
Cary BassQuote Reply
fuelpagan,
She can’t kill whom she knows. That’s a FM rule. So no Cersei, no Jon Snow, no Sansa.
Missandei is of the exact same age as Arya, can read, write, and speak many languages. Arya can read, write, and throughout ADwD her study of languages is constantly stressed. I don’t care if you don’t buy it, but don’t colour me surprised when Arya goes to Dany. ;)
WoopQuote Reply
Arthur,
Hey, Arthur, you’re talking about my favorite pet theory! I agree with you completely, and GRRM has already put ALL the foreshadowing we could possibly need.
1) What’s the first rule of white magic? Never dominate another person’s will. Yet that’s exactly what Bran does to Hodor (and Hodor, as the designated “innocent,” does NOT like it at all).
2) Bran is constantly sulking, pouting, complaining about what he doesn’t have…all the classic symptoms of a future dark lord. If not for Meera constantly correcting his behavior, he would have gone far darker by now than he already has. In Dungeons and Dragons alignment terms, I love the axis they have going here with the Reeds and Bran. Jojen is classic “true neutral,” meaning he isn’t concerned with good or evil, but rather with nature. Jojen’s whole philosophy could be summed up “it is what it is,” which is definitely not “good,” nor is it actively evil. Meera, on the other hand, is classic chaotic good. It’s all about individuality, as long as you’re working following a good moral code and doing the right thing (regardless of what the “law” says). Bran is exactly the opposite of Meera: lawful evil. He believes in codes, systems, and “the way things should be” but it’s always ultimately about what serves him best. No, he’s not a Darth Vader type, who gleefully uses the system and government institutions to cut down those who oppose him. At least not yet. Right now, Bran knows that he was born into a system that supports him (nobility), and he wants to use that system to get his way…someone like Hodor is just a tool for him to use. Seriously, go back and read books one, two, and three, and you’ll see this completely supported in almost everything Bran does,
3) Wow, then we get to book 5, where Bran really does start to go down a very dark path. The fact that it’s a book helps obfuscate the fact that Bran has physically gone to a potentially very evil place. But just let the images GRRM evokes take root. A man grafted into a tree, his eyes closed and the roots threading in and out of his skin? Imagine how that would look if it were in “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Quite nasty. The Children of the Forest, by nature “true neutral,” have really become quite neutral evil in their goals since being marginalized. Read carefully.
4) Coldhands (an emissary of the White Walkers) taking Bran in like a mentee? Everyone keeps thinking that Coldhands is Benjen Stark, holding onto his humanity and helping our hero. NOT. Coldhands is pure evil, and he’s taking Bran in to show him that they are allies. But Bran is still a child, so you have to seduce him slowly. That’s what Coldhands is up to. Coldhands is a nasty piece of work, and Sam was right to be scared of him.
5) GRRM loves to play with fantasy conventions, and tilt them on their head. We were set up to believe “Stark=Good, Lannister=Bad.” Closely, as the books have progressed, we have seen those ribbons start to cross each other and go in the opposite direction. GRRM very slyly turned Jaime around, from bad guy to good guy. Although a lot of people haven’t thought it through, he’s also turned Arya around, from good girl to raging sociopath (come on, there are no “good assassins” and Arya has left her humanity behind…as soon as she loses the last vestige of Stark identity, she’ll be completely evil–though still a very enjoyable character that remains one of my favorites…but she’s still a character whose motivations are centered on rage, revenge, and murder…not exactly “good” traits). GRRM has, one by one, knocked down almost all our Stark “heroes”–Ned was an idiot, Robb dishonored his word and put self before crown, Catelyn is now a Vengeance Zombie, Arya is an assassin sociopath, Rickon is probably a cannibal (LOL–but Shaggydog is pure evil and the direwolves reflect their masters). So to make the transformation complete, it seems totally natural that Bran would become a tree-monster-White-Walker-winter-is-kicking-your-ass dude. At best, Bran is going to help defeat the White Walkers not as a human, but as an agent of the Children of the Forest, and they don’t care about his comfort, family, soul, or legacy. Sansa is the only Stark who can still “be a Stark,” and her name isn’t even Stark anymore. Don’t tell me GRRM isn’t loving that irony.
6) Furthermore, regarding the continuing plot to reverse all our expectations, look at Melisandre. Everyone thought she was the evil sorceress. But we now know she’s a well-intentioned, good person who’s bad at reading tea leaves and believes in blatant projection of power to command respect (nothing wrong with that…I’m sure the Pope would agree). I’ve always thought that Melisandre was a “good guy”…well, ever since I looked at a map of the entire ASOIAF world. When I noticed that the diametrical opposite place on the map from Beyond the Wall was Asshai, I thought…”hmmm, if Beyond the Wall is where Pure Evil lives in the ice, isn’t it interesting that Asshai is the land of the Shadow (caused by smoke, which is the product of fire). So if Asshai is the “good Fire” opposite the “evil Ice”, then R’hllor and his priests are actually the corollary of the White Walkers. And that means that Melisandre is an emissary of “good Fire” and the secret to defeating the White Walkers. Then, I realized that GRRM loves to make even his most “two dimensional” characters flawed and multilayered, that’s when I realized that he’s doing the same thing with Melisandre. I freaking love Melisandre.
Oh my, I’ve gone on too long. But I firmly believe that Melisandre is one of the heroes and Bran is one of the bad guys, and we’re just now (in book 5) getting the solid clues to figure that out.
David ThomasQuote Reply
Yikes – me now very scared!
PepperQuote Reply
And she looks cute/youthful enough that it wouldn’t look as weird compared to kaya scaladero and Sarah Bolger who are model quality
SuperdeluxeQuote Reply
David Thomas,
I was with you until you started in on poor Arya. haha
But I remember you and I discussing this theory of yours last year before the latest book had even come out, and as I was reading Bran’s chapters I kept going back to it. It’s pretty cool that the threads were there, as you predicted they would be. I don’t know if GRRM will take us down that road but I kind of hope so. We’re due for some characters to transition from light to dark, since the series (and the TV show) seem to be all about humanizing the villains. Bran’s ultimate corruption would be pretty great.
ZackQuote Reply
David Thomas,
That does make a bit of perverted sense
Cary BassQuote Reply
David Thomas,
I really have no issue seeing the Starks as evil, but I never saw them as the good guys really.
I’ve wondered before if Coldhands is The Great Other R’Hllor speaks of, although I’m not sold on that idea honestly… If you continue the master and apprentice analogy then Coldhands could be either apprentice to Bloodraven, or vice versa.
darquemodeQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
I so agree. When I saw Sam from Love Actually, I squeed.
AssuntaQuote Reply
David Thomas,
Wow…
Awesome post! I totally agree with you on all what you said. GRRM is a master at following the characters heart, even if that heart’s desire is twisted and to the common opinion “evil” by definition. I can see Bran’s desires of blind revenge becoming very twisted and Bran abusing his newfound powers to achieve this. I agree Meera will play a huge role in trying to help Bran through this.
Bran’s storyline is so awesome, so much possibilities and Meera will probably be his only hope to save him from himself…
ArthurQuote Reply
Great casting! Anton looks alot like Colm Feore, who was my first choice for Qyburn! :) As for Mance, I hope for someone like Jason Issacs-he just left a TV show, so he’s not adverse to doing TV, it seems. And Diana Rigg will be a cool Queen of Thorns.
sherryQuote Reply
Arthur,
You’re way off base imo opinion with the Bran /Meera romance..
Coltaine777Quote Reply
David Thomas,
self fulfilling prophecy ? I think so but still you have some interesting theories ..
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Woop,
The FM are stripping her identity so that she is no one. If you are no one then you don’t know anybody. The FM are the muscle of the Iron Bank. They also do contract hits. Maybe Illyrio gives up his wealth to have Dany killed. All I know is that to finish Lightbringer it must be thrust into the heart of a loved one. For me Jon stabbing Arya with it fits the best. The FM may not even realize it was Arya’s brother who signed the contract. Several ways you can get around any rule you mention.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
The FM are the muscle of the Iron Bank …WHAT ! ..
Coltaine777Quote Reply
These choices are, in so many cases, perfect! I can meld my book image of these characters with no effort even before I’ve seen them in costume and makeup. So I’m very pleased and anticipate the rest of the cast TBA will be as carefully and successfully chosen.
I realize I’m among the few readers who have an specific image of the Queen of Thrones: inconspicuously tiny, unimposing, hanging on to her tall guards like a child on a swing, a little troll of a sharp-witted woman.
Dame Diana Rigg is none of these things. But she does bring her fine intellect, her humor, and her vast acting experience to the roll of Oleanna, as well as her almost 5 feet 9 inches. I suspect The Boys (D&D and GRRM) were all star-struck from their youthful remembrances of this sexy beauty. From her current photos, she is aging gracefully and hasn’t even bothered to artificially whiten her teeth, gods bless her. This is a good thing.
Perhaps most of her scenes will have her seated or kneeling so she doesn’t tower over the rest. Otherwise, all she’ll have to do is stand to intimidate the other characters. Maybe Left and Right will be little guys.
I must neutralize my bias and appreciate this fine actor for the clout, gravitas and chops she carries. I loved Mrs. Peel and her sarcasm.
Now for Mance, Ramsey and Daario. I’m hoping for lesser known international actors who will be so good in their parts that this show will put them on the acting map. As per our dear, departed Jason Momoa.
Arya DunyettQuote Reply
Isn’t Edmure Tully supposed to look bigger? Tobias Menzies is very lanky, Blackfish could probably snap him like a twig. I’ve watched him in Rome and he’s very impressive in some parts, very so-so in others.
I’m sad they recasted Beric.
LouisaQuote Reply
I love that they went to the trouble of introducing those cast members. It really shows how big the series is becoming.
Two things that I note. First, the description for Edmure confirms something I had suspected, namely that Hoster Tully won’t appear. It makes sense, since the character doesn’t factor in the plot, but it’s kind of a shame since the scenes between him and Catelyn were very emotional. I guess they can use the grief and memories of him to the same effect.
And second, the presence of Orell as a relatively important character is interesting. Since in the books he dies when Jon captures Ygritte, I suppose they’ll fuse him and Varamyr. He will probably be used introduce the concept of skinchangers and wolf-dreams, for Bran, Jon and Arya’s benefits. Fingers crossed that means even more direwolves next season ! And also that Jon still gets attacked by the eagle : I want to see that scar !
Jean-Baptiste RaucyQuote Reply
IIRC the faceless men started the iron bank with all the “donations” they collected. That’s the impression I got anyway. There is definitely some connection between the two organizations.
fuelpaganQuote Reply
WoW !! Casting Results. Mackenzie Crook portraying Orell the skinchanger, many
of us said it here first. This was worth finding WiFi some 2300 miles from home.
WildSeedQuote Reply
Whoever said no female eye candy needs to see this pic of Nathalie Emmanuel….
http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/nathalie_emmanuel/nathalie_emmanuel_120256234_6WXOWGX.sized.jpg
Dear god… not nude or anything but if your eyes arent sated by this you are either blind or homosexual. Although I am pretty sure any gay guy would even say she is sexy so more likely just blind.
Dio XtozcanoxQuote Reply
I’m a big Alexander Siddig fan and truly wish my fandom could include him in the
Dornish Martell camp or nearby prince. I can also envision him as Daario. Would
be wild if he were a fan of the show.
WildSeedQuote Reply
I was thinking A. Siddig in the Martell camp or Daario ( I know quite a transition !)
but I like your suggestion better.
WildSeedQuote Reply
Oh, I think there’s a perfect Daario out there, and his name is Elliot Knight. Unfortunately he’s currently playing the lead role in Sky’s Sinbad series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk8qV7v9_Bs
LuanaQuote Reply
jabso,
Sorry meant I do think she is very attractive.
jabsoQuote Reply
Hottenator,
If you’re implying either Alfie Allen or Jack Gleeson are unattractive I think there are a couple hundred thousand women who would disagree.
SlimLESQuote Reply
BiscottiQuote Reply
Luana,
I watched the first episode of Sinbad this weekend and saw Elliot Knight, he could do it maybe. *nods*
I actually thought that the son of Lord Akbari who Sinbad fought in the opening scene looked far more like the Daario described though. The one thing that sticks in my mind about Daario’s description (outside of his beard) is his “great curving” nose. Of course D&D wil likely ignore the majority of his appearance in the book as long as the actor captures his personality. We will really probably only get his wardrobe as described in the books, but as for his described physical traits….
Described traits unlikely to be seen
- A 3-pronged blue beard.
- Painted gold mustachios.
- Painted blue fingernails.
- Great curved nose.
Described traits that may be seen.
- Blue eyes.
- Smooth skinned.
- Fair skin.
- Lithe and lean.
darquemodeQuote Reply
Dio Xtozcanox,
If you like that do yourself a favour and search for a scene of her from Misfits.
jabsoQuote Reply
Dio XtozcanoxQuote Reply
Young Griff/Aegon T., the missing prince (presumed killed).
Mrs. H’gharQuote Reply
darquemode,
It was more the sheer force of the actor’s on-screen charisma and that wicked smile that made me think “Daario!” Specific physical attributes aside, I think the one thing that the actor who plays Daario must have is so much charisma oozing out of every pore that even acting like a complete a**hole and running around rubbing his ridiculous naked-lady sword hilts is not enough to cancel out his sexiness. Otherwise, it just won’t be believable that Dany finds him attractive.
p.s. Thanks for uploading region-free videos!
LuanaQuote Reply
If the other characters were intimidated by height, they’d all be cowering at Sansa’s feet by now!
I think Rigg’s casting is fabulously meta. She looks like a sweet old lady, but we all have this image in our heads of her as a young super spy in a black leather catsuit kicking the crap out of bad guys. The viewer can’t help but think that Olenna is old, but couldn’t possibly be even close to harmless, because, my god, she was Emma Peel! It’s just all sorts of brilliant.
LuanaQuote Reply
If this is really yaoung Diana Rigg, then she certainly looks like Natalie Dormer http://www.flickr.com/photos/npg/544167962/
nanQuote Reply
Does anyone know if David Bradley and Peter Vaughan will be back for S3?
PepiQuote Reply
David Thomas,
David Thomas, your post is awesome !!!
It’s always what I felt (more or less) about Bran and Melissandre, but you just sum it perfectly… I had disorganized thoughts about it but you put it all perfectly in a perfect post !
ArkashQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
I don’t even know where to start with this comment. A female actress doesn’t need to be attractive to justify her role. I think that Kendrick is gorgeous, though.
MimiQuote Reply
nan,
That is indeed a young Diana Rigg. Go to YouTube and check out the Avengers episodes available on HD. It was a great series, very fun and witty with great chemistry between Rigg and Patrick Macnee. Not to be outdone by her tragic heroine in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Bran doesn’t develop a crush on her because she’s attractive specifically! He likes her because she’s kind and gentle towards him.
I have this feeling that Bolger might be cast as Roslin Frey.
MimiQuote Reply
What I like most about the casting vid is that whilst some of the actors pause momentarily before offering an uncertain rendition of their character’s name, Kerry Ingram trips out Shireen Baratheon like she’s been saying it for years :D
Nick LarterQuote Reply
Seems from his latest tweets he’s not too sure himself – ventures the possibility of an S4 character – fishier and fishier :O
Nick LarterQuote Reply
OMG! I know! Where is RAMSAY!!!!!!
please please please let it be Gaspard!!!!!
TheFlayedLadyQuote Reply
wow Thomas totally looks like the little grandfather, great casting there. Ellie eh not so much.
Al SwearengenQuote Reply
Al Swearengen,
Who cares ?
Claudiu GherganuQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
And you’re an expert on who a 10 year old Bran will and will not find attractive…how exactly. The actress is fine. She’s not the super hot warrior fans have conjured for themselves, but she is an attractive actress who is a very good actress which is more important.
More Rice CooksQuote Reply
Such great news! We are lucky to get such an eclectic cast, with such a variety of looks, ages, backgrounds, this is what keeps the show dynamic and fresh and adds untold levels of talent and spirit to the show.
Regardless of how long the characters will appear in the show, how large or small their roles will be or their screen presence, paying attention to all of them and threating them each with the same gravitas, will keep the whole thing rolling in the right direction.
Once again, I am sure people have already done it, I want to thank Nina Gold and her partner in crime Robert Sterne for their dedication and hard work! You know what…it shows, and we are the clear beneficiaries of it! I hope they pay them well and then some!
I also want to welcome the new cast members, wish them all the best and good luck and tell them that I’m looking forward to seeing them join the GoT family and come into their own alongside the already incredible line-up and talent pool!
I am particularly pleased to see Tobias Menzies return to HBO! He did such an outstanding job with his portrayal of Brutus on “ROME”, and imbued him with humanity and character, renderind a fully-fleshed individual instead of the classic, infamous and almost cartoonish image which exists of him at times…
Then Thomas Brodie-Sangster whose role in “Love Actually” I still remember well (hell I got the DVD and on ocassion when I want a good time play it as often as possible).
I am about halfway-through “A Clash Of Kings”, and the Reeds have been introduced already and indeed they sound like interesting characters. I hope people are pleased with that, since this seems to have been a point of contention for some, that they were missing…
The two other characters I long to see are Beric Dondarion (appeared briefly in Season One of GoT) and Thoros of Myr, both of whome much is spoken about in the pages of ASOIF I have read so far, but they are yet to emerge from the shadows…The actors in question Richard Dormer and Paul Kaye respectively look to be a pair of pretty intense and intersting individuals…These will be some badass characters!
Kerry Ingram is a qutie and will be our new child protege in an already impressive cast of children and teens. She will have quite the task to play somebody like Shireen Baratheon…
But as I said the whole cast, the one announced so far, is really great and I am glad to have them along for the ride! Buckle up and enjoy!
PS A question…So Thoros of Myr is a red priest in the service of the same Lord Of Light as Melisandre? So that means that he must posess some, of not all the powers that Melisandre herself has? I hope at some point he kicks her ass!
loco73Quote Reply
All great casting, now please give me David Oakes as the Bastard of Bolton!
Btw first post on WiC, long time lurker :D
JoulipousQuote Reply
loco73,
Answer: Yes, he is. The same religion.
The RabbitQuote