Game of Thrones vet Jack Gleeson (Joffrey) looks unrecognizable in new period drama

Jack Gleeson appeared on Game of Thrones for four seasons as boy king Joffrey Baratheon, a character so vile and loathsome that fans universally cheered when he was poisoned to death at his own wedding. Gleeson became famous off the back of that role, but being best known as a preening, sadistic jackass probably isn't the kind of famous most of us would like, which might be part of the reason Gleeson laid low for a while after he exited the series. We can only imagine the kinds of asshole roles he was being offered.

Now that Game of Thrones has been over for years, Gleeson is getting back into the acting game, which is good news for us because he's a talented guy. He'll appear in the second season of The Sandman next year, and has also joined the cast of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight's new show House of Guinness, about the trials and travails of the family that brought us the iconic beer brand.

Like Peaky Blinders, House of Guinness is a period piece, this time set in the 19th century. That means the cast will get to wear some fun costumes; check out Gleeson below in a bowler hat and a red-and-brown patterned waistcoat with matching jacket:

You can see more of Gleeson on The Daily Mail itself; he's also wearing a pocketwatch on a chain. I want to call this steampunk even though I know that makes no sense; the steampunk aesthetic is inspired by the actual aesthetics of 19th century England, which is what House of Guinness will be serving us. But I guess I've watched too much sci-fi because I can't unsee it.

Gleeson will be playing a character named Byron Hughes on House of Guinness, joined by actors like Louis Partridge, Anthony Boyle, Niamh McCormack, Emily Fairn, Fionn O'Shea and Danielle Galligan. Apparently the history of the Guinness family is marked by tragic deaths and lots of scandalous affairs, so this could be an exciting show. There's no release date as of yet.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.