The Mandalorian: 5 Easter eggs you may have missed in “The Believer”

Image: Game of Thrones/HBO

Winter comes to The Mandalorian

Hey, Game of Thrones fans: did you recognize the actor who portrayed Valin Hess? Remember that epic standoff between Jon Snow and the Night King in “Hardhome” from season 5? Starting to recognize him now?

That’s right, Richard Brake, the first actor who played the Night King, portrays the intimidating Valin Hess. Brake appeared as the first White Walker a total of two times before being replaced by Vladimir Furdik in the last three seasons. Every Game of Thrones fan will remember the jaw-dropping moment from “Hardhome” when the Night King raises the newly dead. Brake’s stare sent a shockwave up our spines as this moment solidified the Night King as an unstoppable force. *Sigh* Those were the days, huh?

Anyway, enough reminiscing. Although Brake didn’t have any lines as the Night King, he did a fine job of portraying a deadly and terrifying villain. His portrayal as Valin Hess is no different. He brought formidable energy to the character in the short amount of time he was on-screen. Now that’s talent!

While we don’t think we’ll be seeing much of Hess on the show anymore, since Mayfeld shot him, Brake’s performance made us want more of this character! At the very least, we want more Richard Brake!