Casting/News

Essie Davis joins the cast of Game of Thrones

Posted on by Sue the Fury

Essie DavisWe’re bringing you another piece of Game of Thrones casting news today!

Australian actress Essie Davis has been cast in the role of the Leading Actress for the colorful theatre troupe appearing in season 6, that we’ve spotted filming around Girona this week. It was the location filming that led to fans identifying the actress.

Davis is best known to audiences as the star of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. She’s also appeared in films such as The Babadook, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Matrix Revolutions.

The specific name of Davis’s character is unknown at the moment. The Leading Actress appeared in the first casting breakdowns of season 6, described as “an elegant actress with a traveling theatre company.” The character is a “fun, charismatic, rum-drinking actress in the troupe.”

Thanks to WotW reader Mark for bringing the casting to our attention!

For a look at the actress in costume, look below! (Spoilers)


Davis’s Leading Actress is playing the part of Cersei in the troupe’s theatrical performance. (photo source)

Lead actress

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HBO has not yet confirmed the casting at this time.

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Sue the Fury
Susan Miller, Editor in Chief of WatchersOnTheWall.com

121 Comments

  3. That’s probably the actress we saw earlier with her back to the camera. Dress looks the same, and since she has naturally dark hair, she probably hadn’t put the wig on yet.

  6. I’m a big fan of the miss fisher show, and I honestly can’t think of a better person to pretend to be Cersei. Essie Davis is honestly perfect for this role, even if it is only a minor role.

  10. The idea of the actress playing Phryne Fisher as “Cersei” is a trip. Essie Davis is awesome, though. Should be great.

  12. She would have made a nice Lyanna, that’s what came to mind when I saw her picture. Or a young Catelyn. But yeah, in the Cersei costume she looks more like book-imagination Cersei.

  15. It has been confirmed that the theater troupe story line will extend into next season ending with Arya killing Walder Frey from the stage during the play at Riverrun.

    Arya’s story in season six will conclude with her escaping a revolt of certain Faceless Men against the old guard led by Jaqen. Jaqen will be murdered and Arya will escape on the boat the troupe is leaving on heading to Riverrun.

    Arya will be murdered by the rebel Faceless Men in episode 10 of season 7 after reuniting with Jon, Sansa and Bran.

    Sorry folks. 🙁

  17. Throbbing Strong:
    She looks more like Cersei than Cersei.(Blonde curls)

    Her character also boozes like Cersei!

    TWOW spoilers below.

    A rum-drinking actress is playing a wine-drinking queen. I think they probably changed her beverage preference from the chapter ‘Mercy’, where the actress drinks wine, because if they were both a little too fond of the nectar of the grape, it wouldn’t seem like this lady was acting…

  21. Kay,

    Yes. She looks like all the drawn illustrations of Cersei complete with blonde hair. The thing I’ve never been able to understand about the show is that G.R.R.M. constantly points out how the Lannister twins are famous for their golden blonde hair and the season one plot is based around the Lannisters being “yellow haired shits” yet Cersei and Jaimie are not blonde. And Lena Heady is wearing a wig so this was all done intentionally. Why couldn’t they just make the wig blonde?

    https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.geekshow.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/CerseiLannister.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geekshow.us/category/content/television-content/television-news/feed/&h=700&w=455&tbnid=3k7-ap2GnMMgYM:&docid=FaKJZMzqBbBUnM&ei=YSjzVeTGA8jQoASorJGQDw&tbm=isch&ved=0CCkQMygMMAxqFQoTCKT7i9fY78cCFUgoiAodKFYE8g

  23. I LOVE Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries!!! This is such fun news–thank you!!

    It’s great to see the Miss Fisher cast branch out. Hugo Johnstone-Burt, who plays Constable Collins, was in San Andreas earlier this year, along with Art Parkinson. A small one, but another Fisher-Thrones connection!

  27. Isy,

    Eventually the actress set to play Sansa will come down with bad stomach cramps before the play and Arya will be “forced” to take her place.

  32. Ah…such fond memories of Mercy. Should be a fun troupe…

    “Mercy,” her friend Daena implored, “Lady Stork has stepped on the hem of her gown again. Come help me sew it up.”

    “Mercy,” the Stranger called, “bring the bloody paste, my horn is coming loose.”

    “Mercy,” boomed Izembaro the Great himself, “what have you done with my crown, girl? I cannot make my entrance without my crown. How shall they know that I’m a king?”

    “Mercy,” squeaked the dwarf Bobono, “Mercy, something’s amiss with my laces, my cock keeps flopping out.”

  36. I’ve never seen her in any prominent role (I guess I must have seen her in the Matrix sequels, but I try to remember as little about those as possible), but I know she got great review for The Babadook last year. The image of her as “Cersei” looks great.

  42. Minor pet peeve, but although I understand why (so she has a different drink than Cersei), but it’s kind of weird that the actress is described as drinking rum, since that definitely did not exist in Medieval Europe (I know- Westeros is not Europe). Ditto for Ollie’s potatoes and to a lesser extent Karl’s gin.

    It’s not only a D&D problem since Martin has corn(maize) and turkey, but it still kind of annoys me in all cases.

  46. First thought was Flashback Catlyn. She’s a ringer! (Flashback Ned, Flashback Robert, Flashback Benjen….don’t they need a Flashback Catlyn?)

  47. Apollo,

    It’s actually more than three episodes as this story line continues into season 7 in Westeros. It’s a combined 8 total episodes. Arya will leave them in episode 5 of season 7 after fulfilling her personal mission. She will then head further North to Winterfell.

  49. It’s not just an “Easter egg.” Most likely Arya is traveling with the troupe. That’s why they’re in three episodes.

  50. Sue the Fury,

    Are you going to do a Richard E. Grant as Izembaro article today too btw?

    Via these photos, I mean.

    http://teleprograma.fotogramas.es/var/plan_site/storage/images/series-tv/2015/septiembre/juego-de-tronos-girona-flashback/juego-de-tronos-girona/9584009-1-esl-ES/juego-de-tronos-girona.jpg

    http://teleprograma.fotogramas.es/var/plan_site/storage/images/series-tv/2015/septiembre/juego-de-tronos-girona-flashback/juego-de-tronos-girona-3/9583979-1-esl-ES/juego-de-tronos-girona-3.jpg

  51. Now Maise needs a one episode appearance on Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (aka Phryne Fisher’s house of wayward Women).

  53. Greenjones,

    Yeah, I have a larger Braavos post in the works. This was a quick one before I ran off to pick my kid up at school. Davis merited her own post.

  54. Throbbing Strong:

    It has been confirmed that the theater troupe story line will extend into next season ending with Arya killing Walder Frey from the stage during the play at Riverrun.

    Arya’s story in season six will conclude with her escaping a revolt of certain Faceless Men against the old guard led by Jaqen. Jaqen will be murdered and Arya will escape on the boat the troupe is leaving on heading to Riverrun.

    Arya will be murdered by the rebel Faceless Men in episode 10 of season 7 after reuniting with Jon, Sansa and Bran.

    Sorry folks.

    I’m. . .actually not against this happening. I wouldn’t be thrilled with Arya’s death, obviously, but it would be the classic Stark ending. Arya once said her god was death, and she has to meet her maker eventually. (But what of Melisandre?)

  56. BeautyBrinne:
    MAN she looks like Cat.

    I thought so too!!! At a quick half a heartbeat glace of the first picture I thought Michelle Fairley! But alas, no… Still I can’t wait to see what the theater troupe does! Looks like it might be a hoot.

  57. Throbbing Strong:
    Mort,

    She’s barely blonde.She should have at least been as blonde as Joffrey or Myrcella. Or the picture above.

    As Lena Headey is dark-haired, maybe a very pale blonde wig wouldn’t have suited her colouring? They might even have tried it and found it looked odd, who knows? Also it would be nearly identical with Dany’s hair, which is blonde rather than silver in the show.

    It’s surely not a huge deal though, many characters in the show look even less like their book descriptions, e.g. Lysa was supposed to be fat but they had a very slim actress play her, lots of other examples.

  62. SansaSnark: As Lena Headey is dark-haired, maybe a very pale blonde wig wouldn’t have suited her colouring? They might even have tried it and found it looked odd, who knows? Also it would be nearly identical with Dany’s hair, which is blonde rather than silver in the show.

    It’s surely not a huge deal though, many characters in the show look even less like their book descriptions, e.g. Lysa was supposed to be fat but they had a very slim actress play her, lots of other examples.

    Her hair is a major description in the books. It’s used as a major plot point in both show and book. You would think they would make her match her daughters hair at the very least. Yellow blonde would be more appropriate than pale obviously.

  65. Throbbing Strong,

    It’s amazing to me how the definition of blonde can be so different across cultures. In Brazil, Jaime and Cersei would be considered unquestionably blonde. Then again, so would Edmure.

  66. Mihnea:
    Throbbing Strong,

    That’s a painting… no one is as blond as that.

    Cersei is blond, like a human being. she is not as blonde as Myrcella, be is definetly blond.

    I was referring to the picture of Esse Davis in her wig. Its strange how they couldn’t simply put that wig on Lena. They obviously agree with me but feel its too late to change her hair this late in the series.

  67. Not so much with the long dark hair (or long blonde wig) but when I saw Ms Davis in the Ms Fisher mysteries with the pageboy cut and fringe (bangs) I was reminded of the young Diana Rigg. Thanks for finding out these nuggets of information WOTW.

  68. I’m not so sure how I feel about the troupe. The show is an adaptation; we’re aware they cut things out. This should’ve been one of those things imo as of right now.

  69. God of tits and wine:
    I’m not so sure how I feel about the troupe. The show is an adaptation; we’re aware they cut things out. This should’ve been one of those things imo as of right now.

    It’s kind of hard to judge what “should be” cut out without having any books to compare to.

  70. She’s a great actor.

    I’m hoping she also plays Catelyn Stark, as she seriously has some similarities.

  71. HUGE fan of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and Essie is so fantastic in it. Thrilled about this casting!!! 😀

  72. Simeon,

    I’m in the US and I would consider Cersei unquestionably blonde. Tyrion and Jaime have gotten darker-haired (more toward their natural colors) but Cersei definitely wears blonde wigs.

  77. Throbbing Strong,

    Same as my usual sources, which are proven to be reliable.

    Have your theories, that’s more than fine, but don’t try to trick people into thinking they are actual confirmed fact.

  78. Sue the Fury,

    Unless your “sources” can prove me wrong I see no reason for you to use slanderistic language such as “trick” people.
    Not everyone reveals their sources for other obvious reasons.

  82. Throbbing Strong,

    Oh, you mean like your mysterious source for what you claimed to be “D&D’s original plans for Sansa in Winterfell?”

    Oh, wait, that’s right. When you were asked for the source of what you presented as a direct quote, you claimed the information had been removed, the site changes their information each year about a week after the season finale airs, but you couldn’t remember the name of it, because you ran across it by accident???

  84. Lady:
    West of Moon,

    Davis would love to hear she should play “young” Catelyn. She’s 45.

    Are you serious? I thought she was in her late 20s or very early 30s at most. But that’s just based on the pic above; she looks younger, and I hadn’t seen her in anything before (not that I’m aware of at any rate). And I’m actually not good with guessing ages anyway.

  91. The Cersei picture makes me sad that she had other characters do not wear more jewelry, I love jewelry porn and royalty at least should be wearing ostentatious pieces and not subtle and tasteful ones like Sansa and Margaery wore for Joffrey’s wedding, or ones that lack gemstones like most of Cersei’s . I otherwise love the costumes (well sometimes they are a bit color coded but it often is that way in the books, at least when the Lannisters are concerned).

  93. Fienix:
    That’s probably the actress we saw earlier with her back to the camera.Dress looks the same, and since she has naturally dark hair, she probably hadn’t put the wig on yet.

    I called this. As soon as I saw the Lannister red dress in the style of Cersei’s dress I knew it was the actress portraying Cersei, minus the blonde wig.

  94. For some reason, the “edits” to my post above won’t “take”…

    Anyway, I am a bit puzzled by the amount of time devoted to this storyline (especially knowing the quality of the actors hired for these relatively minor roles). If Arya is traveling with the troupe, is this her means of returning to Westeros? Something of relative importance must be happening here.

  95. Sue the Fury: It’s not just an “Easter egg.”

    I agree….hardly an easter egg. This development in Arya’s S6 arc is an excellent vehicle for Arya to get back to Westeros, whether part of an FM mission or not. I love the idea of Arya/Mercy serving as both faceless and an actual actor in a show about the calamities associated with Arya’s life. It’s a brilliant concept. I think Mercy is one of GRRM’s strongest chapters in the entire ASoI&F series. I understand why the showrunners want to run with it and integrate/extend its idea into Arya’s S6 arc. What an excellent parallel thread to the massive battle looming in the north and chaos in KL!

  99. Throbbing Strong,

    You know, even though your post is complete claptrap, I really wouldn’t be surprised if some of this stuff actually happened. Arya’s attempt to join the Faceless Men could end up being her undoing. She’s obviously pissed off The Waif since they recently shot scenes of her chasing Arya through Braavos with a bloody knife. She might flee back to Westeros to escape from the FM, only to be hunted down and assassinated later.

  100. God of tits and wine: and

    Not sure what you’re claiming went over my head. He had a comment about how he knew the names of episodes in season 7, which has somehow now disappeared. My reply had nothing to do with his “Misdirection” comments.

  101. Throbbing Strong:
    Apollo,

    It’s actually morethan three episodes as this story line continues into season 7 in Westeros. It’s a combined 8 total episodes. Arya will leave them in episode 5 of season 7 after fulfilling her personal mission. She will then head further North to Winterfell.

    Yeah. Can’t wait for that.

  102. Throbbing Strong:
    Sue the Fury,

    Unless your “sources” can prove me wrong I see no reason for you to use slanderistic language such as “trick” people.
    Not everyone reveals their sources for other obvious reasons.

    Someone’s been taking wayyyy too much milk of the poppy in their soy latté

  103. What a waste of talent. Essie was absolutely outstanding in The Babadook, she deserves a much better role than this.

  104. Apollo,

    This was the person who posted repeatedly about book Lyanna not being a “stunner” – claimed he/she meant by hollywood standards but clearly said in a post that a stunner was “Pam Anderson” by their own reckoning. Seemingly a shit stirrer (ooh, is that “slanderistic”? Congrats, you made a new word!) and certainly someone without any legit sources. I wouldn’t bother engaging them.

    On topic: Essie Davis is amazing and a regular on television, typically in quality Australian dramas. I’ve also had the privilege of seeing her on stage. This is the perfect role for her.

  105. iridium,

    Apollo: Someone’s been taking wayyyy too much milk of the poppy in their soy latté

    Ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha…

    iridium,

    That’s right. I forgot “Nymeria and her wolf pack show up in Winterfell to disrupt Sansa’s wedding” and “‘stunner'” means Pam Anderson-type” was the same poster.

    btw – I realize it’s a bit late, but I’d meant to tell you for a long time how I loved your Zep av.

  106. Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    And I’ve been meaning to tell you I love your insightful posts! Thanks for the avi comment, makes me feel less aged. I’m a bit old school when it comes to music: I unabashedly love Kanye but otherwise the last album from a “new” band I bought was Them Crooked Vultures – and you probably know who the bass player is in that group! When I was a child I loved going through my Dad’s vinyl collection. I remember being equal parts fascinated and disturbed by the Houses of the Holy cover and the picture of the old man on Aqualung gave me nightmares. I replaced the avi with the piglet eating a tiny ice cream for…reasons. I’m searching for a GoT related pic but haven’t found the right one. [/way beyond off topic}

  108. Al Swearengen: Dame

    I don’t know what happened when I tried to AS’s comment lamenting that Ms Davis was only playing a small role.
    Well, she must be okay with it if she went to audition for it. Also if she is a busy actress it is possible that she is only free (to take place in GoT) for a limited period of time.

    I agree with the people who say she could pass for a lot younger than her calendar age.

  109. Only seen her in ‘The Babadook’, but she was really good in that so I’m sure she’ll deliver here as well!

  111. Chinoiserie:
    The Cersei picture makes me sad that she had other characters do not wear more jewelry, I love jewelry porn and royalty at least should be wearing ostentatious pieces and not subtle and tasteful ones like Sansa and Margaery wore for Joffrey’s wedding, or ones that lack gemstones like most of Cersei’s . I otherwise love the costumes (well sometimes they are a bit color coded but it often is that way in the books, at least when the Lannisters are concerned).

    Fellow jewelry porn aficionado here! I also wish we saw some amazing parure on the show, especially when we had that scene with Olenna and Margery where Olenna specifically demanded more bling 🙂

  112. Al Swearengen,

    There are not that many GoT roles left for female actors, and the exposure for appearing in a role, even for only a few episodes is enormous. It is a big deal to be selected by Ms Gold for a role, tantamount to winning a primary.

  113. Dame of Mercia: I don’t know what happened when I tried to AS’s comment lamenting that Ms Davis was only playing a small role.

    Meant to say “When I tried to copy…….”

  114. Can really see this turning out to be quite fun, to see the show do its own caricatures and Cosplay in effect of characters we all know quite well

    I’m willing to bet the actors of Cersei, Ned, Robert etc will all love it too

    And of course it will make for some good drama

  115. What is it with big sites not giving credit to WotW? Vanity Fair is really good about giving y’all credit, it seems, and EW seems to at least give credit for this one in a round about way (kinda), but Variety sure as hell didn’t.

  116. Nymeria Warrior Queen:
    What is it with big sites not giving credit to WotW?Vanity Fair is really good about giving y’all credit, it seems, and EW seems to at least give credit for this one in a round about way (kinda), but Variety sure as hell didn’t.

    Variety is having a bad week… they also murdered Terry Gilliam.

  118. Sue the Fury,

    Huh. They did update with a mention of WOTW, I see. Sort of… I mean, they say “The list of new cast members continues to expand as season 6 production continues in Northern Ireland and Spain, with a couple recent names leaking online via fans taking photos of the set for the Watchers on the Wall fan site.” Good enough I guess.

  119. Sue the Fury,

    I realize I’m preaching to the choir, but they shouldn’t have to be reminded. It’s Journalism 101. *facepalm*

    Would it be helpful if, when one (or many) of us notices an article elsewhere with a story this site broke, but the whatever the site is neglects to mention it, we mention it to them? I’m reluctant to just up and comment, ’cause I figure I’ll end up on some damn email list, but if it would be helpful, it isn’t that big of a deal (I can just mark the crap as spam and it will go to my spam folder). I did comment one place, since they combined Essie Davis, Richard E Grant, and Kevin Eldon into one article, and didn’t credit WotW for any of it, but they’ve had my info. forever (WiC…and I know in the past you’ve said you don’t care what they do, so if you’d rather I not do that, again, no problem).

  121. Al Swearengen,

    She seems OK with it. No idea why you would say it is a waste of talent when:
    1 – We don’t know how big the role is, nor if she returns for season 7.
    2 – She auditioned and signed on for the role, clearly she doesn’t feel that.
    Don’t force your views on what an actor or actress should do.

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