LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Derek Jacobi attends The Old Vic Bicentenary Ball at The Old Vic Theatre on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Sir Derek Jacobi as…Grand Maester Orwyle
Grand Maester Orwyle served King Viserys I as Grand Maester, and later served Viserys’ son King Aegon II in the same capacity. Despite knowing that Viserys wanted his daughter Rhaenyra to succeed him on the Iron Throne as the first Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Orwyle decided to side with her half-brother.
Much like Ser Otto Hightower, Orwyle could be considered an unwitting architect of the Dance of Dragons, as he counseled King Viserys to marry Alicent Hightower. If not for that advice, there might not have been an Aegon II, and therefore, Rhaenyra would have ascended the throne without any opposition.
I really like Sir Derek Jacobi for the part of Grand Maester Orwyle because he is an extremely accomplished actor with a classical background, who has more experience in period piece films than probably anyone on this list, not to mention appearing in a ton of Shakespeare plays. Like Pycelle, he’s old and wizened, but there’s still a fierce intellect behind those eyes.
I mean, just look at him. How can you not think of him playing a Maester?