Game of Thrones season 6 casting has begun – and here’s the list!

ravenSeason 5 of Game of Thrones may not be over but preparations for season 6 are well under way, and casting season has begun! And the first casting breakdowns have found their way to our inbox, thanks to some great sources.

There’s a bit of a twist this year though. Since past role descriptions have leaked, the show has wised up and left the names off the write-ups this year.

But that’s not a problem for Game of Thrones fans, is it? We love a good casting puzzle. And some of these parts are obvious, even without the names.

Let the casting speculation begin!

The first role on the table is…

  • Pirate,  man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.”
    He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.

We’d heard unconfirmed rumors that Theon’s uncle Euron Greyjoy would be appearing in season 6, and this sounds like him, more than his brother Victarion.

Next up is the one I’m personally most excited about:

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  • Father. Aged 50’s to 60’s, he’s one of the greatest soldiers in Westeros- a humorless martinet, severe and intimidating. He demands martial discipline in the field and in his home. It’s described as “a very good part” for next year and that he’s “centrally involved” in a protagonist’s storyline.

This is a clear description of Randyll Tarly, Sam’s abusive father and the famous soldier mentioned by Stannis Baratheon a couple episodes ago. Some had guessed the discussion might mean we’re seeing him next year, and they were right.

The next three characters appear to be linked to this storyline- most likely Sam’s mother, brother Dickon and one of his sisters. All have the same comment about being centrally involved in a protagonist’s storyline.

  • Mother, in her 50’s. She’s a sweet, plump, and adoring mother, and has a soft spot for one of her children who benefits from her decency.
  • Sister, in her early 20s. She’s a kind, friendly and unpretentious woman.
  • Brother, in his early to mid-20’s . Athletic, a good hunter, an excellent swordsman, manly, not particularly bright but the favourite child of the father.

Next up:

  • Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles.

Sounds like Septon Meribald, although it’s a little surprising we’d see him next year instead of this year. If it is him, that hints at someone surviving the season.

A few more roles:

  • Leading Actress, in her early 40’s, she’s an elegant actress with a traveling theatre company. Fun, charismatic, rum-drinking actress in the troupe.
  • Priestess. Mid-20’s to early 30’s. Any ethnicity- she’s beautiful, intense, and magnetic.
  • Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

They’re also searching for a trio of young boys with very specific descriptions. My instinct says another flashback- perhaps this time via the weirwood network?

  • A large boy, with an actor who is 10-12 but playing 7 or 8. He’s described as “a clever boy” who seems too large for his age. He’s big and tall but not fat. “Characterful squat features” are a plus for this part. it’s specified that this is a one-time appearance.
  • 12 year old boy, with brown hair and blue eyes. He needs to use a Northern accent. He has scenes where he has to spar with a wooden sword.
    The length of the role isn’t specified.
  • 7 year old boy with dark brown hair, a narrow face and green eyes. He also has a Northern accent. He also spars with the wooden sword, so it’s safe to assume it’s the same scene. This role is similarly open-ended, the description only stating that the character is being ‘introduced.’

It’s worth noting that Sean Bean has green eyes, so if this is for a flashback role, the write-up would be a good fit for a child Ned.

Alright, readers, what do you make of these?

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

933 Comments

  1. Mads Mikkelson is my dream Euron but I don’t see that happening considering he’s in Hannibal (though I remember a video from last year where he said he’d consider a role, since his friend Nikolaj is on it.) No doubt the casting will wow us regardless.

    Great scoop!

    Is that “large boy”

    Ser Duncan?
  2. Ugh, Euron Greyjoy confirmed.

    Oldtown roadtrip confirmed!

    RANDYLL TARLY YASSSSS. SEPTON MERIBALD YASSSSS.

    Coupled with the Girona information and this information, I’m guessing

    Euron Greyjoy is going to attack the Reach, and Sam’s going to be caught up in it

    .

    The bit with the Northern boys sounds like it could be one of Bran’s visions of the past, except that the green-eyed boy is being “introduced,” which doesn’t sound like a one-off.

  3. So, uh, wow holy crap this is totally awesome.

    I’d long thought that for the Sullied viewers out there, that there would be 3 kinds of roles we could see for the next year:

    Mop-up: characters who have already shown up in ASOIAF but not in the show that would be obvious ones to us book people. (Some of those descriptions above sound dead-on, and your expectation of Randyll Tarly means that we might see some Horn Hill drama and a voyage, et cetera. So that’s awesome news. Plus news of said pirate. And a possible Septon Meribald (!!).

    Made-up: Characters who come across as obvious show add-ins. “Casting is now commencing for Bob, a steel merchant!” That kind of nonsense.

    Real spoilers. People who may have been mentioned but as of yet have not appeared in the show…I won’t mention any names. But ones that might give the game away. I don’t think I see any above.

  4. M,

    It’s vague, so I don’t know if they’re just shooting the one scene, and keeping their options open to theoretically shoot

    more visions with little Ned in the future. Assuming that’s who it is. And it sure seems like it.
    I thought maybe the big boy could be Robert, since he’s the same age as Ned.
  5. Is the “Leading Actress” tied to

    Arya’s storyline? Or could it be unrelated?

    It seems odd that they would specify an eye colour that wasn’t grey for the boys if they’re supposed to be Starks, but if they are casting a child Ned, it makes sense that they would want that to be in keeping with Sean Bean’s eyes. Sean Bean doesn’t have a narrow face, though, which they also specified. Were it not for the Northern accent bit, I’d guess that the younger boy was young Littlefinger.

  6. It looks like we will get weirwood flashbacks. I’m really excited!
    Also looking forward to Randyll Tarly, I wonder which actor they’re going to cast/have casted for the role. As for Pirate, he does sound like Euron, will he have a h*** with him? 😀

  7. Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

    Could this be Darkstar-Gerold Dayne

  8. I didn’t believe they’d bring in Euron! Very interesting. What part will he have to play, I wonder, what with Vic’s fleet, and his journey to Meereen, being non-existent and all.

  9. Mr Fixit:
    I didn’t believe they’d bring in Euron! Very interesting. What part will he have to play, I wonder, what with Vic’s fleet, and his journey to Meereen, being non-existent and all.

    I’m guessing his role is to

    attack the Reach and cause havoc there. If we’re going to Oldtown with Sam and Gilly, I’m guessing something big has to happen there, and an Ironborn attack would do the trick.
  10. So, not only Euron and Randyll are to be cast, but this basically confirms a certain character is going to Oldtown, right? If there was still any doubt, after all the setup. I’m particularly excited about Randyll, and whatever role he may play in TWOW / Season 6.

  11. Could the green-eyed boy be a young Howland Reed?

    More spec: if Loras is the only Tyrell brother in the show, then maybe he’s released and heads back to the Reach

    just in time for the Ironborn’s attack, therefore joining up with Willas’ storyline

    .

  12. M,

    Could be.

    Seems like the Ironborn attack on the Reach might be more important than I thought. I was of the opinion that it was Martin stacking the cards against the Tyrells when Aegon waltzes in from the East. It seems though that Oldtown and the Citadel are going to be crucial for the endgame.
  13. M,

    Makes sense because if I were Loras after all this King’s Landing stuff, I would get the hell out of town.

  14. So Euron and Randyll for sure. Then it sounds like a flashback with a young Ned as seen by Bran. A Septon-Meribald-like character. And then it sounds like the theater company aspects of the Mercy story are going to get brought in for Arya.

    One thing I note is missing is Oldtown characters. None of this sounds like Sarella or Marwyn or any of them. I would have thought we’d be getting some Citadel maesters with the path we seem to have Sam on, but maybe some combination of cutting characters and merging some others. Maybe send another Sand Snake to the Citadel for some reason?

  15. Afeastfordances,

    This is not the full casting news we’ll get. Every year people assume that’s the case every time there’s a piece of news like this, and then eventually many others roll out.

    Mr Fixit,

    I’m pretty sure it’s mostly because a main character (Sam) will be there. They wouldn’t bother otherwise. It means TWOW Sam’s story in the Citadel will be affected by the Ironborn attack to the Reach, as one would expect they will attack Oldtown.
  16. Interesting that Randyll Tarly is (in theory) at home rather than on the battlefield.

    How are they going to end in 7 seasons if they’re still doing scenes from the 4th book in season 6?

    Are we sure that they’ll be pulling the Dothraki back into the story? Is that the mixed race warrior?

  17. They’re planning on using Girona for three weeks, and they only had the Water Gardens for a week, so that gives some notion of how important whatever will be filmed in Girona will be. That screams a major, major storyline happening in the new setting which Girona will double for.

    I’m thinking Septon Meribald is showing up in Season 6 and not Season 4 or 5 because

    the Hound is coming back in Season 6. CLEGANEBOWL GET HYPE.
  18. Multiple Greyjoy orgasms for the people! I bet this post will reach 900 comments…

  19. – Leading Actress, in her early 40’s, she’s an elegant actress with a traveling theatre company. Fun, charismatic, rum-drinking actress in the troupe.

    – Priestess. Mid-20’s to early 30’s. Any ethnicity- she’s beautiful, intense, and magnetic.

    – Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

    Have a feeling that each of these characters are connected to Dany’s storyline in S06 which I expect

    to be focused on her march across Essos and her invasion of Westeros. Besides, the mixed-ethnicities and priestesses things are connected to Essos & R’hllor (c.f. the red priestess that Tyrion sees in Volantis).
  20. I’m not seeing any KL castings here–seems to be Reach/Essos/North stuff, mostly–but I’ll be very interested to see if any KL castings dribble out.

  21. BTW, that priest could just as well be the Elder Brother, right? I’d always assumed they would merge those two roles anyway if any of them were to appear at all.

  22. No..the boys are bband on and littllefinge! When Brandon humiliates him! Sounds like a lot of flashbacks!

  23. Also interesting thought on the “Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s who started a religion” proposed by redditor talt123 Could it be Aeron Damphair Greyjoy? Missing madness component but another possibility besides Meribald.

  24. Well Bronn’s still alive and Jaimie has been an ass to him most of the season I could see him having very similar plans to the darkstar for myrcella

  25. Season 5 is not even over and I’m already getting Season 6 hype. WHAT IS THIS SORCERY. Thank you WTW. Thank you Sue 🙂

  26. exciting stuff! i wonder if any of these more ambiguous roles (“priestess” and “warrior”) could end being part of Rickon’s comeback… you’d think when he shows up again it would be surrounded by typical Northern sorts, but he’s been wandering the offscreen void for so long, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he could find some “mixed ethnicity” friends.

    Better yet, maybe he will get caught up in the show’s version of an Ironborn invasion storyline.

  27. Oh my god Euron <3 I had actually given up hope so this makes me so happy. I reckon we could be in for some setup for him in the finale after the Yara news the other week! That leech is still in play after all!

  28. Are some of these hinting at a possible cliff-hanger at this season’s end? If so, it gives chance to prolong the resolution. How do they fill the space?

    (1) Missed characters and plots that people hoped for in this current season.

    Ironborn, mostly. Including resolution of…. what’s his name?

    (2) Background characters and story to certain current characters.

    The Tarly Bunch

    (3) More flashbacks

    Bran’s level of skills training revealing more facts about heard of but never seen in person characters. Brandon, Ned and Benjen as boys growing up. Brandon with Ned & Robert, training. Hope for Ned with Lyanna to resolve R+L=J

    (4) Flashforward – Unknown. The Future? Is it set in stone?

    The first 3 seem probable. 4th? Maybe too soon, perhaps for season 7

  29. Graham McTavish sounds like the right sort for Randyll Tarly. Big, bald, imposing. Yeah.

    Also, since nobody has said it yet, THIS CONFIRMS DEEPWOOD MOTTE!

  30. I’m seriously busy at the moment, so I’m not going to be able to comment properly on this until later, or tomorrow (when I’m sure there will be hundred of comments), but kudos for getting the BIG scoop again this year. Sounds very exciting, and I look forward to reading all the speculation.

    I was wondering if we would get something like this, but you don’t know, it’s so fantastic that you have.

    Now back to work…

  31. Paging Ray Stevenson.

    THIRTEEN!!!

    Also the mixed race fierce fighter will likely be the leader of another dothraki army dany encounters…

  32. BryndenBFish,

    Aeron may be a former warrior who found religion, but he certainly isn’t a “rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside.”

  33. M,

    I’m with you on the inclusion of Euron – but I guess if he is important in the as yet unprinted books they had to cast him.

    Sue the Fury, do you know if this is a full casting (as far as important characters are concerned) are might some more characters be cast who are not mentioned in the above feature?

  34. It can’t be Littlefinger as he mentioned in the show that he sustained real wounds from the fight with Brandon, not wooden sword-wounds.

  35. Yeeeesss! This is good news indeed. I really do hope that these turn out to be who we all think they will be, it does seem pretty obvious but you never know. I really look forward to seeing Euron and Randyll.

    Does anyone else think that if they have Euron, they will have Victarion too? I really hope so.

  36. Damn, this is exciting! Just yesterday I was thinking “Wasn’t it around this time last year that Sue posted the first casting calls for Season 5? I hope that information about Season 6 starts to emerge in the next few weeks.” Lo and behold, here it is, right on schedule! Thanks as always to you and your sources, Sue!

    As several people have already noted, several of these descriptions are obvious.

    Pirate is clearly Euron Greyjoy. This casting call isn’t exhaustive, but I expect he’s the only Greyjoy uncle that we’ll see. With the Battle of Meereen gone, whatever value Victarion contributed to the narrative (personal opinion: next to nothing) is gone. Aeron is possible, but his primary purpose would be as a foil to Euron – a role that could probably be filled by Yara, especially if she doesn’t cross paths with Stannis. I suspect that we’ll learn that Balon has died in the one of the final three episodes of this season, and Yara will put in a brief appearance to set up this plotline for next year.
    Father is Randyll Tarly. Mother is Melessa Tarly (née Florent). Sister is Talia Tarly, Brother is Dickon Tarly. Sam and Gilly are definitely heading South, presumably to Oldtown, although I don’t see any obvious candidates for Maesters on this casting call. Regardless, the external drama of this storyline will likely arrive in the form of Euron attacking the Reach, just as many suspected.

    Quick guesses:

    Priest: Septon Meribald seems likely.
    Leading Actress: No idea. A new character, maybe? There’s Arya’s theater troupe, but with Mercy happening this season, I’m not sure if that will be included.
    Priestess: A Red Priestess of some kind would be my guess. Far from certain.
    Fierce Warrior: A Dothraki, perhaps? Khal Jhaqo?
    The three boys: A flashback seems likely. Robert, Brandon, and Ned? If so, perhaps young Lyanna will put in an appearance as well, though she isn’t featured on this particular casting call.
  37. So does Randyll and Meribald being cast mean that Brienne will be meeting them both? Or will Sam be going back home?

    I’d be kind of dissapointed if Brienne backtracks and essentially has her AFFC storyline now. I’d rather her find Rickon, meet the BWB, or cross paths with Jaime somehow.

  38. Greatjon of Slumber:
    Graham McTavish sounds like the right sort for Randyll Tarly. Big, bald, imposing. Yeah.

    Graham is in another show currently running. (Outlander) It depends on shooting schedules, I suppose. He could be the archetype for whomever they’re looking to cast. BTW – you forgot his beard adds to his appearance.

  39. Valaquen,

    Mads Mikkelsen is my dream Euron aswell! he would be just perfect for the role.

    Am I the only one that thinks that the “Priest” could also be the Damphair?

  40. Ser Duncan The Tall,

    Damphair isn’t a “rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside.”

    Brendan,

    It’s the entire Tyrell family, so this isn’t back-tracking to AFFC; this is unknown TWOW material.

    Whatever Sam does in the Citadel has to be interrupted when the ironborn attack Oldtown, and after that who knows what will happen. Apparently, at least in the show, Sam will meet with his family.
  41. Dame of Mercia: Sue the Fury, do you know if this is a full casting (as far as important characters are concerned) are might some more characters be cast who are not mentioned in the above feature?

    Every year they do multiple castings. The biggest ones tend to be first. Smaller roles tend to be on a more rolling basis. We had a few casting posts like this last year, here and at WiC.

    As for the little boys they’re casting- it’s worth noting that Aidan Gillen’s eyes are blue.

  42. Harrrrr:
    It can’t be Littlefinger as he mentioned in the show that he sustained real wounds from the fight with Brandon, not wooden sword-wounds.

    And they weren’t 7 to 12 years old when it happened.

    ZappaCreed: Graham is in another show currently running. (Outlander) It depends on shooting schedules, I suppose. He could be the archetype for whomever they’re looking to cast. BTW – you forgot his beard adds to his appearance.

    True. But it’s that kind of appearance. Ray Stevenson fits this bill as well.

    Brendan:
    So does Randyll and Meribald being cast mean that Brienne will be meeting them both? Or will Sam be going back home?

    I’d be kind of dissapointed if Brienne backtracks and essentially has her AFFC storyline now. I’d rather her find Rickon, meet the BWB, or cross paths with Jaime somehow.

    I doubt she’ll meet Randyll Tarly. It’s more important to have him – given how he’s been mentioned, by name or not, since Season 1 – interact with his son, as right now I’d place Sam in the 7th position in terms of important GOT protagonists (after Tyrion, Jon, Dany, Sansa, Arya and Theon), and Brienne is somewhat after that.

    How she’d encounter Meribald is another thing I’m unclear of. Given the way you could see Meribald and Elder Brother combined, one could see how a direct conversation between her and with “Gravedigger,” who she bested, could lead to the Cleganebowl as many rumor. And a hell of a match-up that would be.

  43. Luka Nieto,

    True, also the kingsmoot plot is not completely necessary to introduce Euron. Wonder if

    Balon ends up dead and how

    Sue the Fury,

    Aidan Gillen’s eyes are blue……so maybe a Robert, LF, Ned flashback?

  44. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “Septon Meribald” one was in fact Aeron. It could kinda fit him, and with Euron up Aeron is not out of the question.

  45. Can the fierce warrior be Victarion? I guess the events of the kingsmoot are going on now, we will start seing the Ionborn story like half way through AFFC and then I guess some dudes will narate the important stuff of the first half.

  46. GREEEYJOYYY !!!!
    This goddamn show will drive me mad. One second I’m here thinking it’s not so bad that some of my faves don’t make into it, rather than being mischaracterized, and the next moment I’m jumping over the place because of a casting call.
    I’m overly excited by Euron coming in, I’m pretty sure Vic and Aeron are out (which is sad considering the main interest of their storyline is their family relationships) but this still means there is hope for a decent Ironborn arc and some sass contests between Asha and her nuncle.
    Also, yay Tarly, and considering the show’s dynamic so far, I think Sam and him are gonna meet again, and that should be hella interesting to watch.

  47. Haldon Halfmaester,

    I don’t get this speculation at all… Granted, Damphair is a newly-religious man who was once a great warrior, but… he certainly doesn’t minister to the poor of the countryside, does he?

  48. Robert, Ned and possibly Benjen for the boys, I’d say.

    There’s absolutely no question on Pirate, Father/Mother/Brother/Sister
    Euron, hell yes. Let’s scrape Dorne off our boots and head north.

    Priest might be a combo Meribald/Elder Brother

  49. I always wanted them to get Tom Baker as Aeron. I mean … picture that.

    Wild-eyed, stentorian voice, he’d be terrific.

  50. Chris Benenati,

    In the books, yes. The show hasn’t delved into the mixed origins of the Dornish. I expect the Daynes, if they appear at all, to have the Mediterranean look.

  51. Lucius,

    Wouldn’t make sense to have Victarion with mixed ethnicity, considering he’s a Greyjoy. Maybe one of Euron’s crew (the one that blows the horn perhaps)

  52. I screamed like a little girl reading this news. Euron, Randyll and Meribald are in! Now, collecting signatures to the “Mads Mikkelsen for Euron now!” campaign. By the way, this post will easily reach 600+ comments.

  53. Luka Nieto:
    Haldon Halfmaester,

    I don’t get this speculation at all… Granted, Damphair is a newly-religious man who was once a great warrior, but… he certainly doesn’t minister to the poor of the countryside, does he?

    Not sure about it, but I seem to remember that the priests of the Drowned God are wandering types.

  54. YESYESYEYSYESYESYESYESYESYESYES WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE YEYSYESYEYSEYESYEYSYES WE DO NOT SOW YESYESYESYESY..

  55. I wonder where all the screentime for what’s shaping up to be a big Reach/Oldtown plotline is going to come from. Dorne being cut? Less time in the North? Less Arya? Less KL?

  56. Hmm. Looks like two of my S6 speculation (Euron Greyjoy & Oldtown) is correct so far.

    Nifty. Here’s to seeing more casting calls in the future.

  57. Wow. Very exciting and interesting news. Genuinely surprised about Euron. Goes to show he will be important in the plot (unlike Victarion). Casting is crucial here – the character cannot come across as GoT’s answer to Jack Sparrow.

    And I am 100% convinced that the suppositions being made about the septon are right and we will see a certain character once more. Hoorah!

  58. Valaquen:
    Mads Mikkelson is my dream Euron but I don’t see that happening considering he’s in Hannibal (though I remember a video from last year where he said he’d consider a role, since his friend Nikolaj is on it.) No doubt the casting will wow us regardless.

    Me too – I also hold out little hope, although you never know as Siddig was my dream casting for Prince Doran and it happened. Anyways, Iron Islands/Greyjoys/more Asha-Yara (I think that actress is tremendous and should have played Danerys) so fangirl SQUEE!!!!!!

    And ooh, Graham McTavish is a great choice for Randyll Tarly. I’m not such a fan of the Sam character (although most of that has to do with irritation with Gilly/never-aging baby Sam), but if we have to go there, we need an actor who isn’t just a weak imitation of Charles Dance. Graham McTavish is awesome on Outlander. May the Seven hear us 🙂

  59. I keep thinking boy with narrow face to be Howland Reed. He, Robert and Ned were childhood friends, right?

    Also – this is my nomination for Sue the Fury to be Awesome Queen of the Seven Kingdoms! Thanks Sue!

  60. M,

    I’m guessing less Dorne. The Sand Snakes will probably be out of town (on their way to King’s Landing) at the end of this season, so I don’t think we’ll se much more Dorne in Season 6. I think that we’ll spend significant less time in the north too, depending of the outcome of the Boltons vs Stannis battle.

  61. M: I wonder where all the screentime for what’s shaping up to be a big Reach/Oldtown plotline is going to come from. Dorne being cut? Less time in the North? Less Arya? Less KL?

    If I had to guess?

    Probably by folding Arya’s storyline into the Oldtown storyline. There is that Faceless Man hanging out in Oldtown (Pate), so why not swap Arya into that place instead? Her FM training is bound to be coming to an end soon after the Mercy chapter in tWoW anyway.

    Also, the Dorne storyline will probably be folded into other stories. One Sand Snake (Nymeria?) off to KL, one Sand Snake (Tyene?) off to Oldtown, and the third one doing whatever.

  62. Davos’ Luck:
    M,

    I’m guessing less Dorne. The Sand Snakes will probably be out of town (on their way to King’s Landing) at the end of this season, so I don’t think we’ll se much more Dorne in Season 6. I think that we’ll spend significant less time in the north too, depending of the outcome of the Boltons vs Stannis battle.

    And Dany will be in Westeros.

  63. A Rikkon recast seems more likely to me than baby Ned or “Little Littlefinger.”

  64. I totally ship Mads as Euron. Even though it probably won’t happen, I’ll just pretend it’s him in every scene. I always pictured him while reading the books too. <3

    DonalNoyesArm,

    Well some things in life just don’t have to make sense 🙂

  65. DonalNoyesArm:
    Valaquen,

    Why do people keep saying Mads though? He will look and sound completely different than his supposed siblings. I like him fine, but he would make zero sense in this role.

    I’ve never really understood it either. He does have a very distinctive look, but I don’t think he fits well for this role at all.

  66. Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

    I think this is a Dothraki warrior (Possibly Khal Mago recast- or another Khal that will support Dany on her return to Mereen).

    Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles.

    I think this is Aeron tbh. They can easily alter his backstory for the show. OR alternatively- could this be the High Sparrows candidate for Cersei’s trial by combat?

  67. What’s amazing is didn’t we think the Ironborn were gone.
    I mean except for two?
    Always liked the crazy Greyjoys, I think this opens up more casting.
    Tho God knows more show characters!?

  68. Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

    clearly a Dothraki Khal

  69. Regarding the seeming Septon Meribald:

    I doubt it has anything to do with Brienne and Pod — how would they ever get back into anything like their Riverlands story at this point? Much more likely that he’s a combination of Meribald and the Elder Brother (the “gruff ex-soldier” part is far more the Elder Brother than Meribald, who was really little more than a kid who followed along with the entourage), who will reappear alongside the Hound.
  70. Why would they bother with a flashback of an event that has already been described at least once in the show, i.e., the fight between Brandon and Littlefinger? More likely it will be something that hasn’t come up in the show yet, as was the case with the Maggy the Frog scene, if there’s going to be a flashback at all.

  71. Aeron may be a priest who is a reformed killer-type, but I wouldn’t call him “rural” or say he administers to the “poor of the countryside.” That sounds like a mainlander, not an Iron Islands character where there really isn’t any countryside.

    Given there’s no character name, he could be anyone- he just matches Meribald most closely. Elder Brother has a similar background but is more rooted to one spot, on the Quiet Isle. It would be interesting if they created a character who was an amalgamation of the two for practical purposes.

  72. Welp, I didn’t expect to see Euron or

    Sam’s Citadel arc.

    . No idea how they want to fit all this in 7 seasons.

    Yay for Septon Meribald (if it’s him and not Aeron).

    I do wonder

    if Euron’s introduction could mean Ramsay will bite the dust soon. GoT wouldn’t be the same without completely nuts characters to hate, so maybe Euron is included to fill the crazy quota for season 6. And I guess to provide some conflict in Westeros before Dany and the WW arrive.
  73. what’s all the fuss with the greyjoys? the two uncles were so boring (still funny that they ignore balon in this week episode with stannis).

    they didn’t have time for one more tyrell brother but they have for the tarly clan?
    its still bother me…why no north lords? they are truly missing in the show, with no north clans with stannis, no truly north remembers….isn’t they gonna bring rickon back? blakfish?

  74. EURON GREYJOY (almost certainly) CONFIRMED LET’S GO LET’S GO LET’S GOOOOO

    now pls cast Mads Mikkelsen

  75. I agree with the responses re: Stannis and the Boltons. It sounds like the Stannis/Bolton clash is going to come to a head in a big way in Season 5 to make all that room for the Oldtown/Reach storyline. Maybe this season will spoil the outcome of the Battle of Ice after all.

    I also agree that if Septon Meribald/Elder Brother makes an appearance, it will be unrelated to whatever it is Brienne and Pod are doing. The showrunners aren’t tethered to POVs, so they can just have a scene with

    Meribald/Elder Brother and the Hound

    without needing Brienne to be present.

  76. If they are casting a young Robert Baratheon, I hope somebody has the foresight to pick a kid that looks like a young Gendry as much or more than a young Robert.

  77. I actually don’t want Mads as Euron, since his English is heavily accented as far as I can tell, and I’ve never seen him do a British accent. That’s fine for the exotic Essosi characters, but the British-accented Greyjoys need someone who sounds more or less like them.

    Euron is a fun part, though, so I’m sure they’ll find someone good. There are lots of charismatic, talented British 40-50something actors running around who’d do a great job.

    The Internet has done a good job with predicting some characters–Alexander Siddig as Doran Martell, Gwendoline Christie as Brienne–but I just don’t see Mads as Euron, even though I love him as Hannibal.

  78. Especially after watching The Gift, I have to say, I love the ongoing focus that Sam is getting. I was worried he would fade into the background a bit in season five, in a way that might never be repaired; but I’m glad to be proved wrong! I hope they take similar pains for Davos’s sake.

  79. Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

    I have a feeling this is a Dothraki Khal that Dany will encounter.

    Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles.

    I think this is either Damphair (they can easily alter his backstory) or, wait for it……The Faith Militants candidate for Cersei’s trial by combat!

  80. Ross: I’ve never really understood it either.He does have a very distinctive look, but I don’t think he fits well for this role at all.

    Well, the actors playing Theon and Yara look absolutely nothing alike either, so I don’t think that’s a requirement. Same for actors playing Sansa and Robb, for example.

    For me it’s more that Mads looks eerie and exotic, yet also feral and threatening. Not your typical square-jawed blond Viking. It’s a rare combination, and perfect for the weirdness/toughness that Euron comes across with in the books. I mean, he supposedly went to Valyria, right? So he’s got a bit of a spooky factor.

    Re: Brian Cox as Randyll, I don’t know who suggested it but this is a great idea, he’s an awesome actor…but doesn’t he act very rarely now? Something about how he hates travelling to be on set, so he would be probably reluctant to locate to Croatia or wherever they’d be shooting his scenes…

  81. I’m really happy about the Septon Meribald casting, especially if it means we get to see more of the war ravaged Riverlands. They will probably include his speech too, which is going to be beautiful.

  82. WOW! I got work tomorrow morning, it’s 12:30AM here in Australia, and this news has just hit me harder than a fucking expresso coffee shot while I’m in bed trying to sleep. I don’t know how I can drift off now with all this excitement.

  83. “Fierce Warrior” is most likely a Dothraki – in S1 the Dothraki casting calls were all for “mixed race” people

    My guess: the leader of the Dothraki that Dany will meet – and whose Khalasaar she likely ends up taking over – after flying off on Drogon (or however that ends up playing out in the TV series).
  84. DonalNoyesArm:
    Valaquen,

    Why do people keep saying Mads though? He will look and sound completely different than his supposed siblings. I like him fine, but he would make zero sense in this role.

    Lena and Nikolaj are also not even real twins! Nikolaj, like Mads, is a Dane. He can do an accent.

    AngelWatch:
    DonalNoyesArm,

    Because he wore an eyepatch once. Not even kidding

    No.

    He’s capable being exotic and cultured with an undercurrent of brutality. I love those qualities in Hannibal and I’d like to see him a little more unhinged. That’s why I’d personally like to see him in the role. But, as I said, no doubt the casting will wow us regardless of who they get.

  85. Definitely think Ramsay is slated for death this season – or in the very very early season 6. The crazy-flaying-psycho-act lasts only this long, and people are starting to get tired of it, just like they were of Joffrey last season.
    In a narration-rythm point of view, it woud make sense to kill him off this season and to introduce Euron as the new antagonist.
    I’m thinking Stannis might be a goner too, there is a shitload of set-up for him to end badly, between Mel demanding Shireen’s blood for victory and Brienne repeatingly sayin she will kill him, this isn’t gonna end well.

    (And honestly, I don’t care anymore about the book spoilers. The show has drifted so far away that most of the things I’m excited to read about aren’t even there. Eh.)

  86. lalla:
    Could the priest be the Elder Brother? Gravedigger hype!

    This was my thought too. Though I’d not mind a bit of Merribald either.

    Gary Oldman for Euron!

  87. so we’re getting Oldtown and Oberyn said last season he has 8 daughters. So do they cast Sarella, Or does Tyene get sent to Oldtown by Doran?

    Also jacked for Cleganebowl. Hell. Yes. I wonder how long that’s going to drag out next year though since we know Cersei has her walk this year.

  88. LadyPineapple:
    Definitely think Ramsay is slated for death this season – or in the very very early season 6. The crazy-flaying-psycho-act lasts only this long, and people are starting to get tired of it, just like they were of Joffrey last season.
    In a narration-rythm point of view, it woud make sense to kill him off this season and to introduce Euron as the new antagonist.
    I’m thinking Stannis might be a goner too, there is a shitload of set-up for him to end badly, between Mel demanding Shireen’s blood for victory and Brienne repeatingly sayin she will kill him, this isn’t gonna end well.

    In light of this information about a huge new storyline in Season 6, which we suspected but has now been confirmed, I think that the Bolton/Stannis clash will be definitively resolved. I agree with your predictions about Ramsay and Stannis getting the chop either this season or early next season. With the Bolton/Stannis clash resolved, Euron can emerge as the next “big bad.”

  89. Cersei’s Brain:
    I keep thinking boy with narrow face to be Howland Reed.He, Robert and Ned were childhood friends, right?

    Also – this is my nomination for Sue the Fury to be Awesome Queen of the Seven Kingdoms!Thanks Sue!

    No, Howland Reed met Ned at the Tourney of Harrenhal

  90. DonalNoyesArm:
    Valaquen,

    Why do people keep saying Mads though? He will look and sound completely different than his supposed siblings. I like him fine, but he would make zero sense in this role.

    Who cares? Charles Dance, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, and Peter Dinklage also sound nothing alike. No biggie.

  91. Great news!

    I guess this means, we will see/hear of Balon’s death either in episode 10 of season 5 or in early season 6. With the Ironborns possibly attacking the Reach, we could also get a confrontation of Euron and Randyll since the Tyrells would likely send their best commander to counter the threat. I am still trying to figure out Sam’s part in this but I guess he will stop by Horn Hill before going to the Citadel.
  92. LadyPineapple,

    M,

    I love this idea that Euron will become the new main antagonist. But whether Ramsay dies or not, I think they have to keep Roose around for a bit. The transition from Joffrey to Ramsay as the main bad guy worked quite well because Ramsay was introduced a full season before hand. If they kill all the Boltons and then immediately focus on Euron it could feel a bit cheap/manipulative.

    So yeah, actually, having said that I’m starting to feel pretty bad for Stannis. Maybe there can be no true victory for him.

  93. Sue the Fury:
    Aeron may be a priest who is a reformed killer-type, but I wouldn’t call him “rural” or say he administers to the “poor of the countryside.” That sounds like a mainlander, not an Iron Islands character where there really isn’t any countryside.

    Given there’s no character name, he could be anyone- he just matches Meribald most closely. Elder Brother has a similar background but is more rooted to one spot, on the Quiet Isle. It would be interesting if they created a character who was an amalgamation of the two for practical purposes.

    I’ve never heard this ‘salt-of-the-earth’ idiom, but Google tells me it means ‘basic, fundamental goodness… can be used to describe any simple, good person.’

    Doesn’t sound like Aeron, does it?

  94. Sheepstealer,

    I hope they show Balon’s death, rather than just do it through hearsay. I hate Balon, I want to see him die. And I love the actor who plays him. I think that guy deserves another appearance.
  95. Harma Dogememe:
    exciting stuff! i wonder if any of these more ambiguous roles (“priestess” and “warrior”) could end being part of Rickon’s comeback… you’d think when he shows up again it would be surrounded by typical Northern sorts, but he’s been wandering the offscreen void for so long, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he could find some “mixed ethnicity” friends.

    Better yet, maybe he will get caught up in the show’s version of an Ironborn invasion storyline.

    Cool ideas…I’d like to see the Rickon comeback, too. I guess they’d have to recast the actor though like with Tommen, to be older?

  96. In case you all are wondering why this role is not being broadcasted, I have already been cast as “Cock Merchant” in S6.

  97. I’m so hyped… But are we SURE this is not fake? Hate to be that guy, but the things people will do to create false hype is sad…

  98. The Rat Kook:
    LadyPineapple,

    I love this idea that Euron will become the new main antagonist. But whether Ramsay dies or not, I think they have to keep Roose around for a bit. The transition from Joffrey to Ramsay as the main bad guy worked quite well because Ramsay was introduced a full season before hand. If they kill all the Boltons and then immediately focus on Euron it could feel a bit cheap/manipulative.

    So yeah, actually, having said that I’m starting to feel pretty bad for Stannis. Maybe there can be no true victory for him.

    The writers have put him in an impossible situation, if you believe Melisandre that he can’t win without burning Shireen. Either he refuses to sacrifice his beloved daughter and loses, or he listens to Melisandre and does the unthinkable. Also, Brienne’s pretty close to Winterfell and has said that she’ll take Stannis out. And then there’s that shot of Selyse weeping in the snow.

    This sort of makes me wonder how Sansa winds up at the end of Season 5.

    She can’t pull a straight Book Jeyne and escape to Stannis’ camp with Theon if Stannis’ forces are wiped out. And she can’t hang around Winterfell if Ramsay is still in charge. So she…escapes with Brienne and Pod and they have wacky adventures? I dunno.
  99. Alins:
    Any chance the mixed race warrior could be Brown Ben Plumm?

    oooh, I like that idea!

    chameleon: Cool ideas…I’d like to see the Rickon comeback, too. I guess they’d have to recast the actor though like with Tommen, to be older?

    I hope not, just because i’m not a big fan of re-casting in general… but in all reality, it would be neither surprising nor a bad idea when you figure that all the other characters of his age have been “sped up” via re-casts.

  100. I think the leading actress (if the books are being followed) will be when Arya as a faceless man/woman) becomes an actress in a group of players

  101. Alins,

    Would they be casting “mixed ethnicity” for a character called “Brown Ben”, though?

    Mr Fixit,

    Ah, okay. I was just wondering, since that’s a fairly common expression, but that explains it.

  102. So excited that I have stopped working…

    This is great casting news: Euron, Please-Don’t-Name-Him-Randyll, Septon Meribald.

    Is it safe to say that if Septon Meribald and Elder Brother are combined, we will see Sandor again?

    Glad that Sam will be getting an expanded story line and that we will be seeing him in The Citadel. I love John Bradley. He is clearly taking Stannis’ advice and continuing to read, etc.

    LadyPineapple,

    I think that we will be done with Ramsay this season as well. Stannis, on the other hand, needs to hang around for awhile.

  103. The Rat Kook:
    LadyPineapple,

    M,

    I love this idea that Euron will become the new main antagonist. But whether Ramsay dies or not, I think they have to keep Roose around for a bit. The transition from Joffrey to Ramsay as the main bad guy worked quite well because Ramsay was introduced a full season before hand. If they kill all the Boltons and then immediately focus on Euron it could feel a bit cheap/manipulative.

    So yeah, actually, having said that I’m starting to feel pretty bad for Stannis. Maybe there can be no true victory for him.

    But what will Roose do in S6? I can’tt see what purpose will Boltons serve.

  104. M: The writers have put him in an impossible situation, if you believe Melisandre that he can’t win without burning Shireen. Either he refuses to sacrifice his beloved daughter and loses, or he listens to Melisandre and does the unthinkable. Also, Brienne’s pretty close to Winterfell and has said that she’ll take Stannis out. And then there’s that shot of Selyse weeping in the snow.

    Oh wow, when you sum it up like that. I’m very scared for him.

    And yeah I’m worried about how Sansa/Theon tie into it. Mainly because I love that Theon sample chapter in Winds of Winter, and the dialogue between Stannis and Theon-Reborn. They could theoretically do it in episode ten if they escape at the end of episode nine. But it seems unlikely that everything can be saved at this point (especially some potential Bran-involvement) if Stannis is dying this season.
  105. Sean C.,

    good point

    leading actress is surely about Arya the one who named Izammbro or something that i cant spell

  106. If the group of players shows up, I really, really hope that means we get

    the low-rent Richard III Tyrion play from the Mercy chapter. That seems like the sort of meta humour D&D love.
  107. Mustafa. S.:
    WOW! I got work tomorrow morning, it’s 12:30AM here in Australia, and this news has just hit me harder than a fucking expresso coffee shot while I’m in bed trying to sleep. I don’t know how I can drift off now with all this excitement.

    ikr? Best thing to happen to this fandom in a while, we’re all jumping up and down and speculating and having a ball rather than attacking and lecturing each other….My husband just walked by and asked what was going on because I’m squeeing and squirming and nerding out with everyone’s comments, I remember all the fun when we were fancasting last year! Way to go Sue and the rest of the wonderful folks running this site for the scoop!!

  108. everyone Saying Ramsay is out this season is wrong ..
    remember Three things:

    1…Ramsay was set up a season before joffery killed

    2..Iwan mention he did buy a new flat so hopes to keep the job for a while

    3..Alfie mentioning that boltons will be power to defeat in the future ..

    sad to stay this is really not looking good for Stannis …

  109. Hope springs eternal.

    I thought the three boys might be the squires that attack the Knight of the laughing tree (in a weirwood flashback), but the descriptions are too specific. I like the idea of Brandon, Ned and Robert as kids, but what about Benjen? Have D&D really forgotten about him?

    The mention of kids fighting with a wooden sword reminds me of

    Bran’s weirwood vision of Lyanna and probably Benjen in the Godswood at Winterfell. They might show all of the Stark kids or combine it with another scene.
  110. M,

    i thought Howland Reed too! There’s a story of him and Ned that Jojen tells Bran on their journey. Jojen seems very taken aback that Bran had never heard the story before. I have a feeling we’re about to see it unfold! 🙂 excited!

  111. Dropping off Gilly and baby Sam at home before telling dad to fuck off, he has a chain to forge and humanity to save?

    I saw the trip to Old Town happening in 4×09 but this…this makes me happy!

    And I’m pumped for the Iron Islands and knew they were just waiting for their conflict with the Reach to be a thing where they could introduce the southern conflict as one whole story. That meant getting Theon back, Sam on his way to OT, and Loras out of KL, I’m hoping. I need Vic, though. And I need it to be Ray Stevenson. As for Euron

    I’m down with any Mikkleson or Skarrrrrrrrsgarrrrrrrd.

  112. mau,

    we dont know what they do in WInds of winter thats why we dont what they has to do in next season …

  113. The Rat Kook:
    mau,

    Ha, yeah that’s where my logic falls apart a bit. Couldn’t tell ya.

    I think Roose, Ramsey, Stannis will die this season. Sansa will rule the North with LF.

    Dany and Tyrion will sail for Westeros.

    This will make space for new characters in S6.

  114. o boy. very excited to see bad ass dudes randall tarly & euron. i bet we see euron’s cool horn

  115. we should get the cast actors revealed by july during ComicCon. Remember last year? people cheering loudly when Jonathan Pryce came on screen.

  116. I knew Euron will show up in season 6. And Oldtown. Everyone gave up hope aside from me. I also suggested that Jon go to Hardhome.

    And that’s a damn good reason to listen to me now when I say “Priest” is Aeron (who’ll probably have a smaller role than in the books).

    Now where is Sarella and where are some Maester characters? Doesn’t really make sense to introduce Sam’s family and not them.

    Anyway, who else can’t wait for the big battle of Oldtown? Dany vs Euron do sho

  117. Marie,

    Arya in FM disguise as an actress would be wonderful. That advance chapter of George’s was a hoot because of the Bravoosi stage versions of Sansa and the evil Imp. The history of ASOIAF is being rewritten almost in real time by the mummers. Very meta.

    Also, as highlighted in the books (lookin’ at you, Bael and Abel), troubadors and actors are playing duel roles as spies and infiltrators. Why not as assassins?

    Arya as actress for the win!

  118. mau,

    Do whatever he does in The Winds of Winter if he survives the battle. Retreat to the Dreadfort, remain lord of Winterfell if he wins, or maybe even change skins if any of the theories about him are true.

  119. Also, Weirnet! Cool. I guess that means we WILL see the Ned flashback and a Sean Bean cameo is likely (especially since he consistently says he wants to do it).

  120. M,

    I think it’s more likely the Elder Brother, either way I’m hoping the Hound reappears.

    M:
    They’re planning on using Girona for three weeks, and they only had the Water Gardens for a week, so that gives some notion of how important whatever will be filmed in Girona will be. That screams a major, major storyline happening in the new setting which Girona will double for.

    I’m thinking Septon Meribald is showing up in Season 6 and not Season 4 or 5 because

  121. jentario,

    Huh? Aeron doesn’t administer to the poor. He isn’t in the countryside (there isn’t any in the Iron Islands.) He isn’t a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. So… unless they completely changed the character to essentially become Meribald / The Elder Brother… this Priest is one of those guys, or a mix of the two, but not Damphair.

  122. Sean C.,

    A conversation in spoilers-

    because I don’t think they can actually leave Sansa in the north, I wouldn’t rule out that Brienne and Pod will rescue her and they may all wind up meeting Meribald/Elder Brother Combo. I think she’ll have to cross paths with the Gravedigger , for a resolution (I don’t mean happily ever after)
  123. jentario,

    How about Tyene as Sarella/Alleras? With her short hair and tiny physique, she can pass for boyish with more gender-neutral clothing. (Or, they might dispense with the gender issue.) Tyene goes to Oldtown to get her Maester’s in Poisoning, no?

    (It’s been a long time since the book read; hope I’m not mixing things up.)

  124. mau,

    They can close other plots besides the Northern one.

    The Dornish might be stored away for some time if Jaime leaves. The Wall storyline could be gone for some time too if FTW happens this season and if Sam leaves for Oldtown.
  125. Boy that is large for his age, young Robert? Its exactly the same way the books describe Gendry when he is introduced, he looks too big for his age. He’s tall and bulky.

    The other two, 12 and 7 Northerners. Ned and Benjen? Its Lyanna that Benjen plays swordfighting with in the books though. Seems too young to be Brandon if that is the gist of the scenes.

  126. mau,

    No i think Surely there will be casualties

    STannis and his family for one thing will be gone ..

    i believe the Boltons will be killed by LF and Vale armies earlier next season making sansa Queen in the North

  127. Pirate, man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.”
    He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.

    Goddammit, I see they’re paying butthurt book purists fanwank money. <_<; I really, really hoped that this wouldn't happen on the show and that I wouldn't have to watch this redundant shitty storyline. Looks like I'll need to get my double-edged razor blades and draw my sleeves down. At least it's not crammed together with this season's Bland Snakes along with 4 extra episodes of Dany acting confused.

  128. The Rat Kook:
    flintwielder,

    It sort of feels like they just confirmed an eighth season in a way, doesn’t it?

    They might pull a BBad for the final season: Film +/- 16 eps and split them into two seasons.

  129. moe the nonbeliever:
    [quote]Pirate,man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.”
    He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.[/quote]

    Goddammit, I see they’re paying butthurt book purists fanwank money.<_<; I really, really hoped that this wouldn’t happen on the show and that I wouldn’t have to watch this redundant shitty storyline. Looks like I’ll need to get my double-edged razor blades and draw my sleeves down. At least it’s not crammed together with this season’s Bland Snakes along with 4 extra episodes of Dany acting confused.

    They´ll wrap this particular turd in 3-4 eps.

  130. Obsidian,

    Sansa is supposed to be playing the game of thrones, and the whole (lame) justification for her going north was to reclaim her home and rally the Northmen. If they seriously have her just run away, not just from Winterfell but from the whole region, that entire storyline will be a complete and utter disaster for the character, if it’s not already.

    Beyond that, Littlefinger is clearly planning to take Vale troops northward next season, and they seem to be setting up Sansa wanting to go to the Wall, as well as learning that her brothers are still alive. Sansa’s story elements all point to her remaining in the North now, not going to wander the Riverlands.

    Rodrik the Reader,

    That doesn’t seem likely to me, because Tyene has a role in TWOW in King’s Landing already, and with a plotline that has already been introduced — she’s supposed to go interact with/influence the High Septon.
  131. I am surprised we are getting more of the Iron Island stuff. As long as it isn’t crammed in, I am okay with it being there.

    A lot of characters are going to die in the next few episodes if they can bring in that many more characters.

    The North Remembers….

  132. Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles.

    Why hello, Sandor.

    (If only they hadn’t aged the Mountain down 20 years!)

  133. This news suggests that Daario is not Euron afterall.

    What if, though… Daario is Euron in the books, but because of the way the show had to be paced with the delayed Greyjoy involvement, they didn’t think it would make a good twist for him to be revealed as Euron because no Unsullied person would see that as significant.

    Sooo what if… they introduce Euron at the start of season six… and a few episodes later Daario is revealed to be… Victarion!?!?!?

    I’m either joking or being totally serious, depending on how you guys react.

  134. Oldtown matters. Lead the way, Sam! Be wary of Pate!
    Maybe a maester conspiracy as well?

    Oldtown on the map! 🙂

    Thx for this news, WotW!

  135. So much for the mindless drivel (mine included!) questioning the show’s ability to keep things fresh.

    High hopes for Euron as the Big Bad after the pesky Boltons are dealt with. Also that the new Iron Islanders will have a more auspicious debut than the SS.

    Weirwood.net also opens up a lot of opportunities. Little visual glimpses of the past would nicely supplement verbal exposition without requiring a huge increase in cast.

    Leaves me psyched for a peak at R+L somewhere down the road.

  136. Anyone else thinking that the Septon Meribald casting confrims that Brienne gets back on track with her book storyline and we might get an appearance by…LS? Meribald takes Brienne & Pod to Saltpans, where she runs into Biter, afterwhich she runs into the Brotherhood without Borders and then..

  137. mau,

    remember the cast saying that there will be something more than devastating than red wedding which means blood shed …

    a girl with a kings blood burnt by her mother and the mother is killed by the father …only to killed by ramsay
  138. Greatjon of Slumber,

    See this joke has had an “inception” like effect where now I really want to Deepwood Motte in the TV show. Graham McTavish seems like the go-to for matching the physical description of Randyll Tarly a.k.a. Sam’s personal Tywin, but Book Tywin was totally bald and Charles Dance wasn’t bald and he was a great Tywin. Tying to picture actors who match that “humorless martinet, severe and intimidating” description. My own is David O’Hara most recently as a guest spot on “Gotham” as I could buy him and John Bradley West as father and son and totally has humorless, severe and intimidating in his wheelhouse. Actually surprised there isn’t much more fancasting going in the comments so far.

  139. The Rat Kook,

    LOl i am sorry for making you nervous…its just that you may be joking …

    but some people will take it seriously and spread this theory again

  140. AngelWatch,

    Er, what I said there was that at this point it makes no sense to take Sansa out of the Northern storyline, if it’s to have any meaning at all for the character.

  141. dragonbringer:
    everyone Saying Ramsay is out this season is wrong ..
    remember Three things:

    1…Ramsay was set up a season before joffery killed

    2..Iwan mention he did buy a new flat so hopes to keep the job for a while

    3..Alfie mentioning that boltons will be power to defeat in the future ..

    sad to stay this is really not lookinggood forStannis …

    God, I hope not. Re: the new flat, I always remember Timothy Olyphant saying that when Deadwood was cancelled in the third season, it was particularly bad because he and much of the lead cast had just bought houses 🙁 Bad for Iwan but I’m so sick of the Boltons, it’s just one scene of torture porn after another. Love the actor playing Roose but that’s it. We need fresh blood for antagonists, pun intended…

    Stannis the character (not to mention the actor who is insanely great) is so much more multidimensional, I really hope we don’t lose him! So much to do still, including a turn away from R’hollor/rejection of Melisandre, working in a Rickon/Davos return storyline, he’s the only guy to recognize and respect the threat in the North Beyond the Wall…not to mention resolution of what he will do with Shireen (burn y/n?). Besides, what would we do without GOT’s resident Grammar Nazi?
  142. The Rat Kook,

    You know how the show gave “Reek’s” role to Dagmer because of timing issues with casting such a major role, but tried to put in the twist later by having Ramsay pretend to rescue Theon?

    Obviously the same thing is happening here, but they’ve changed the twist so that Daario is actually, bear with me, Varys.

    Think about it. Varys has been keeping tabs on Dan since the very beginning. He’s established in the books as being a master of disguise. He “lost” Tyrion on the way to Dany because he obviously couldn’t show up with Tyrion in tow as Varys and play Daario at the same time. And, the final and most damning piece of evidence:

    We’ve never seen Varys and Daario together in the same scene. Boom! Mind blown, right?

  143. Where do I sign to get Dominic West for Euron?

    Sorry but Mads Mickelson doesn’t fit for me. Perhaps it’s because he has only been suggested over and over and over again for the past ten years or so, to the point where I am desperate to see anyone but him, however good he is in other stuff.

  144. chameleon,

    Doesn’t Iwan Rheon have a budding music career on the side though? Unless the flat’s made out of gold I think he’ll be okay for a bit with or without Thrones. Not that I won’t be sad to see him go.

  145. mau,

    I don’t think Ramsey will die. Roose and Stannis maybe but not Ramsey. It’s already been stated above but Alfie mentioned that the Boltons will be a force. That sounds like staying power to me.

  146. About a screentime, well there will be casualties in Winterfell storyline and Dornish characters can be possibly merged with KL and Dany storylines. I also dont expect Oldtown will get more screentime then Dorne this year, it will get less most likely. Sam´s subplot+Ironborns vs Jaime/Bronn subplot+Dorne. Do the math.

    Other thoughts:
    Pirate – James Purefoy
    Oldtown without most liked Sand Snake who is half black? And without anybody else from that storyline? I can feel an outrage already from many sides

  147. mau,

    There will be Bloodshed, at the Wall. That storyline would be out for most of season 6 as well. Ramsay can die, but I don’t see Roose dying yet. I have no idea about Stannis though.
  148. Wow! I’ll admit that I’m a bit surprised after all of D&D’s talk of contracting and not expanding the universe of GoT. But hey, if we get to see

    Euron & co.

    in a way that still serves the greater story, I’m all for it!

    Sue the Fury when does news of returning actors usually come around? Interested in hearing about David Bradley

    (ok kinda confirmed to return already)

    , Clive Russell & Natalia Tena.

  149. Waxfoot:
    Where do I sign to get Dominic West for Euron?

    I’ll sign that petition, although I believed he turned down GoT in Season 1.

  150. The Onion Knight,

    Vic is so cut that he might as well be Strong Belwas. His whole arc (in Meereen) is gone from the show. Dany has her own fleet.

    Euron will likely command his fleet to attack the Reach and then Oldtown, and I guess Yara and (if I’m right about “Priest”) Aeron will be there so he’ll have people to talk to.

  151. Sean C.,

    Many mixed people are also brown? I am one such individual. In series, Brown Ben happens is descended from Wesrerosi, Summer Islander, Dothraki, etc.

  152. Dany:
    spacechampion,
    Hodor doesn’t look a “a clever boy”

    Not now, but what makes you think he was always just saying “Hodor” and wasn’t intelligent before? Every character has a story, and a story arc. Hodor is in it for a reason beyond carrying Bran.

  153. Not read all the comments yet so no idea if this has been said but my guess to the three boys is

    Ned, Brandon and Hodor (big, clever 7 year old). The three are practice fighting and either Brandon or Ned injure Hodor so badly that he ends up as we see him (I know in the book he was as he was since birth) but it makes more sense to me than a 7 year old Robert being at Winterfell.
  154. I still don’t really have time to put that much effort into comments, so I will just write a few short lines

    dragonbringer,
    I believe that Ramsay is out. Sansa will escape this season, and I don’t see where they could go with him. they need to cut a storyline, as others have mentioned, and this seems the obvious choice.

    I also don’t think that the “failure” of Dorne has much to do with no news of major castings. Part of the problem is that the story is basically just set up for next season. As others have said, the Sand Snakes (Well, maybe 1) won’t be there next season, and I think they will do better in their new locations, with familiar characters.

    I also guess we can make some guesses about what is important in TWOW. I think it was the right idea to cut the Iron Islands next season, but it is good that they have found a way to include an abridged version next year.

  155. Euron’s role will encompass nicely other fringe references to The Corsair King and The Shrouded Lord. I don’t see him just serving an Iron Island subplot, but the endgame itself.

    How about Malko as one of his established lieutenants rippin’ up the seas near Valyria (and its secret treasures)? Perfect setup for the Euron reveal.

    This way, we get a potentially huge influx of diversity that would please many. Ahoy, matey!

  156. satin:
    Many mixed people are also brown?

    Yeah, I’m aware of that. I just don’t think that, if Hollywood was looking for such a person specifically, they would advertise for “mixed ethnicity”.

  157. jentario,

    I’m convinced that the guy who cut Tyrion free was Strong Belwas. He’s a big guy with an Arakh like weapon.

  158. M,

    Or they could do what Loras suggested in the books when Euron attacked the Reach and have Loras take some ships to “stop” Euron. Loras vs Euron could be a great fight scene, and as good an end as show Loras could hope for.

    I’m guessing Euron’s appearances will be similar to this:
    -confrontation with Yara, she demands a Kingsmoot
    -Aeron holds the Kingsmoot and Yara loses (and I think he’ll mention Yara’s failed mission to the Dreadfort) and maybe we get the horn… Maybe.
    -The Iron Fleets sets off to attack the Reach, and goes offscreen for a few episodes
    -Loras demands to strike back when news reaches King’s Landing (after winning his own trial by combat, I guess) and then fights Euron and dies
    -Euron puts Oldtown under siege and Randyl and Sam (and either Arya or Jaqen) are there I guess
    -Dany and Dorne come to take Oldtown back and kill Euron

  159. Am I the only person who doesn’t like Mads Mikkelsen as Euron? When I think Euron, and I think swarthy pirate lunatic.. the last person who comes to mind is Mads.

    I have no idea how this trend started of making him top choice for the role, but it makes no sense to me. Luckily the chances of him being available to play the part are slim.

  160. I imagine most of these are already cast by now. They start filming in July, so they don’t usually leave everyone til the last minute.

  161. merkjames:
    Anyone else thinking that the Septon Meribald casting confrims that Brienne gets back on track with her book storyline and we might get an appearance by…LS? Meribald takes Brienne & Pod to Saltpans, where she runs into Biter, afterwhich she runs into the Brotherhood without Borders and then..

    Biter is actually dead, killed by Arya and the Hound in season 4. But I you are right and Brienne gets back on track with her storyline 🙂

  162. No casting for Aegon or JonCon so far, although that “priestess” reminded me to Septa Lemore’s description. I still keep some hope to see Aegon’s arc in next season, the casting is not over yet.

  163. Haven’t People read Inside HBO: Game of Thrones?? Here’s a link: http://i.imgur.com/Aml71EB.jpg.

    the only brother Balon has in the show is Euron. So there’s isn’t going to be a Victarion Greyjoy and no Aeron Greyjoy in the show. Only Euron.

  164. What if…

    Selyse, Stannis, and Ramsey do not survive the battle of Winterfell.

    Selyse is taken out by Stannis and Mel is banished to the Wall.

    Stannis is taken out by Brienne, but Pod dies in the process.

    Brienne is captured by Roose.

    Davos holds off the Boltons until LF and the Vale arrive.

    Sansa takes out Ramsay, takes over the North.

    Roose flees with Brienne and his wife to the Riverlands, seeing that the crown abandoned him.

    Theon tells Sansa about her brothers. She sends Davos and Shireen to find them and join their houses.

    Theon gets word of his father’s death and uncle’s return and goes to be a decent brother to his older sister for a change and help her take back their home.

  165. But I you are right and Brienne gets back on track with her storyline

    I’m not sold on this idea. It occurred to me too, but Brienne’s storyline in AFFC was about trying to find Sansa. In the show, she’s already found Sansa (and will probably be with her by the end of this season). I’m with Sean C on this one; I don’t think Sansa leaves the North, either. There have been two references to her becoming “Wardenness of The North” (by LF and Ramsay), and we know The Vale armies are headed North already. Tack those items along with her current knowledge about Jon being LC (which I thought was foreshadowing in the books as well); and the upcoming revelation (probably in ep 8) that her brothers are still alive, and I think Sansa stays right where she is. There’s no reason for her to be wandering around the 7K’s with Brienne, especially now that Winter has finally come.

  166. Renly’s Peach,

    Mads played a one-eye Viking in a low-budget film a few years ago and looked quite fierce; hence, the Euron push.

    I think he’s more naturally suited to cold, controlled, cerebral roles like Hannibal. Plus, can he do a British accent? Not sure what his range is…

    I also think the show should avoid the other touted possibility, James Purefoy (loved him in ‘Rome’!), and go with the kind of exciting lesser known actor that has become the show’s hallmark.

  167. jentario,

    I don’t think that could ever work. If Loras got off on the charges against him, Margaery by implication would too, and I tend to doubt that will happen.

    Plus, Loras on the show is a pure joke at this point, and has been since season 3.

  168. kevin,

    I’m not saying we’ll get him, but in season two Tyrion spoke about Theons uncles, so there is still a small chance for Victarion.

    Btw, how are the spoiler rules for this post? They’re allowed right? Since it’s all about next season?

  169. kevin:
    Haven’t People read Inside HBO: Game of Thrones?? Here’s a link: http://i.imgur.com/Aml71EB.jpg.

    the only brother Balon has in the show is Euron. So there’s isn’t going to be a Victarion Greyjoy and no Aeron Greyjoy in the show. Only Euron.

    When those family trees first went up all the Brothers were there but as you say only Euron remains.

  170. kevin,

    Those aren’t always 100% reliable (Shireen was on the Baratheon family tree in season 1, disappeared from it during season 2 and then reappeared before season 3), but I think that may be a pretty decent indicator that we’re only getting Euron.

  171. Valaquen: Is that “large boy”

    Young Sam might be a guess if they do some flashback involving the Tarlys. I’m not sure what that would be.

    Of course, the big problem here is that we don’t know what new minor characters are going to appear in Winter or what incidental characters beneath our notice are going to become more prominent incidental characters in Winter.

  172. Abyss,

    On the other hand, Tyrion also had Myrcella betrothed to Doran’s youngest son. His youngest of one, now.

    I guess show Tyrion just isn’t very good at keeping all of the family trees straight.

  173. The way they’ve upped Ramsay’s monstrousness the past couple of episodes after taking it down a few notches from season 3 last season makes me think Ramsay is not long for this world. I agree with whoever said that the addition of Euron next season further hints at this. I hope his death is painful and gruesome!

    I’m not to worried about Iwan Rheon’s ability to get work in the future. I’m watching him in Residue with Natalia Tena right now! GoT has been really beneficial to the cast’s careers. Especially the younger ones who weren’t well known before being cast.

    Is it at all possible that two of the boys are Big and Little Walder? I don’t know what purpose they would serve post battle of ice, but I’m still hoping for some pie action, even if someone other than Manderly is responsible for it.

  174. BryndenBFish,

    I would bet that the actress is tied to Arya’s storyline. The fierce warrior could be a Dothraki khal come to Dany’s side. The new priestess might be some R’hllorite come to Dany’s side, too. We have reason to suspect both things, given both book and show.

    Ah, but that’s the great thing to write: we can only suspect given the book! There are no spoilers now: only speculations.

  175. Well with this news it appears the show is going longer than seven seasons, adding Oldtown, Iron Isles stories and more of Brienne’s wanderings, except she already is up North, therefore atm I can theorize only three possibilities.

    1. She heads back south with everyone else because the WW have invaded.
    2. She heads back south with or w/o Sansa, probably because she needs Jaime’s assistance.
    3. Jaime takes her place in the Riverlands story and Quiet Isle (I like this one) as he journey’s north.

    Apparently throwing in Bran’s visions is a plus, more than likely these will lead to the
    rumored GoT spin off series.

    Perhaps all D&D were doing was restructuring books 4 and 5 to better suit the medium of television, and decided to introduce the other stories in different seasons so as not to overload casual viewers.

    This bodes well for not just a 8th season, but a ninth as well, you cannot fit books 6 and 7 in one and a half seasons, with the material above taking up half of one. Perhaps the show will take an hiatus of a couple years, fill it with a limited GoT spin off, then production commences on the material from book 6 and 7 that D&D don’t place in next season and season 7. This of course means contract restructuring, which I realize is often a killer for extending a series, but if there is one series that can go a long time (think Mash, Gunsmoke, etc, but not quite that long) it would be GoT.

    Concerning the pirate, James Purefoy is available this year, “The Following” was cancelled.

  176. kevin:
    Haven’t People read Inside HBO: Game of Thrones?? Here’s a link: http://i.imgur.com/Aml71EB.jpg.

    the only brother Balon has in the show is Euron. So there’s isn’t going to be a Victarion Greyjoy and no Aeron Greyjoy in the show. Only Euron.

    When those family trees first went up all the Brothers were there but as you say only Euron remains.

    His Door Solar Rack:
    A Rikkon recast seems more likely to me than baby Ned or “Little Littlefinger.”

    With the large boy being an Umber maybe.

    A variation of the Lyanna/Benjen vision seems more likely to me though.

  177. Dany,

    He’s short as an adult: that doesn’t mean he was short as a kid. Young Robert doesn’t work too well: he wasn’t supposed to be a fat kid. (Even on the show, they emphasize how fat he’d become.)

    Basically, we are pretty much clueless here! Sam sort of works: but why in the world would they have a Tarly flashback?

    I’m stumped.

  178. kevin,

    Those aren’t very reliable. Things get retconned on this show a lot.

    I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing Damphair in a lesser role. I think he’s a cool character in small doses. Victarion can go fudge himself, though.

  179. OOOOOOOOH
    MYYYYYYY
    GOOOOOD!
    EURON
    MOTHERFUCKIN’
    “CROW’S EYE”
    GREYJOY!!!

  180. Made up that it looks like we’ll be seeing Euron and Randyll Tarly 🙂

    My dream casting.

    Euron, I’d still love James Purefoy for the role (anyone who’s seen the opening scene of Solomon Kane can’t deny he’d be an awesome Euron!) but not sure it’s doable. But the more I think about it the more James Callis could work

    Randyll Tarly is an interesting one to cast. If they’re going for a similar look as the book then I’d love it if they somehow got Sir Ben Kingsley as he carries so much authority about him as an actor he’d own it. If they’re going to go a different route and have the actor look more like Samwell then John Rhys-Davies would be a fine choice. Both are just over 70 so may be too old but I think with the right look and make up their acting ability would make the age difference irrelevant.

    It could at a longshot be Damphair but I think that it will be a slightly altered Septon Meribald to tie in with the Hound’s story. I’d go for Paddy Considine purely because he’s an incredible actor and can carry off being an ex soldier but also a priest.

    Leading Actress, I’d go for Emily Blunt , Helena Bonham Carter, or Kate Winslet but they may demand a hefty fee! Maybe Claire Foy?

    Priestess. Mid-20’s to early 30’s. Lenora Crichlow is suitably enchanting enough to play a priestess 🙂

    Fierce Warrior, Manu Bennett would be perfect if this is for a Dothraki Khal.

  181. JamesL:
    The Following has been cancelled, James Purefoy for Euron! Start the petition!

    Purefoy is a great fan cast but there is only one Euron for me – Rufus Sewell!
    The eyes. The cheekbones. The menacing manner. He’d be perfect.

    For the Priestess, I would love to have Sophia Myles back on my television. She’s beautiful, magnetic and can really act. Make it happen, D&D!

    Oh…and Sandor is coming back.

  182. tyjon,

    This bodes well for not just a 8th season, but a ninth as well, you cannot fit books 6 and 7 in one and a half seasons,

    I don’t know why so many people are assuming the planned 7 season has changed because they are adding some new characters next season. There will be 7 seasons, an extended season 7 at most.

  183. Wimsey,

    But the casting says “not fat.” In fact, it specifically says “Big and tall but not fat” which would certainly describe how a young Robert has always been talked about.

  184. JamesL:
    The Following has been cancelled, James Purefoy for Euron! Start the petition!

    Exactly my thinking! James Purefoy would ve great as Euron! Can you imagine Jim with the eyepatch and the mean streak and everything!

  185. Before i read the countryside bit, I was ecstatic. That sounded so much like Aeron! Now I’m thinking meribald, even though he is definately not a no-nonsence type. Anyway both among my favorite characters so win-win

  186. His Door Solar Rack: With the large boy being an Umber maybe.

    Rickon would be a long-term regular or recurring role and there was no indication of that in the casting breakdown. Generally there is for that sort of role.

    That part is pretty clearly linked to the other two roles.

  187. tyjon,

    Be careful with that assumption. From here on out, D&D are not adapting full books but rather the outlines for major characters that GRRM has given them. I’ll also point to this season as an example of tons of pages (two books worth) being condensed into 10 hours of TV.

    I agree that these castings feel like a lot, but I still think it can be done in 7 seasons. Characters like Euron or Randyll won’t have their own extensive arcs but rather will be used to change larger situations in Westeros so that the main cast can be moved into the their correct respective positions for the end game.

  188. merkjames:
    Anyone else thinking that the Septon Meribald casting confrims that Brienne gets back on track with her book storyline and we might get an appearance by…LS? Meribald takes Brienne & Pod to Saltpans, where she runs into Biter, afterwhich she runs into the Brotherhood without Borders and then..

    Biter (and Rorge) was already killed on the show. The Hound killed Biter, and Arya killed Rorge. LSH isn’t happening, but there will be other ways for the Freys to get their comeuppance.

  189. LadyPineapple: The crazy-flaying-psycho-act lasts only this long, and people are starting to get tired of it, just like they were of Joffrey last season.

    What made Joff so indelible as a villain (besides how great Jack Gleeson was) is that after the deaths of Ned, Khal Drogo, Cat, Robb Stark, Renly, Lord Commander Mormont and several other second-tier sympathetic types like Ser Rodrik, Maester Luwin, and Yoren, it felt like, by that point in the series, that nobody who ever really deserved it other than redshirts (Kraznys, Orell, Pyat Pree, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the Tickler) were ever going to get their just desserts. Joffrey seemed particularly unkillable, given he was the most hated person on the show and an obvious target for basically everybody.

    So when he finally gets it, well, it feels particularly satisfying and just. Ramsay unfortunately suffers a bit from being Joffrey 2.0, with less power and more sadism (somehow). So it’s repeating a bit, and it gets a bit sickening, as people say. Yes, life is grim, and good people die, but after a while, it becomes relentless, and so a dash of seeing the likes of Styr and Tywin Lannister get it feels somehow like it keeps things in balance a bit.

  190. Bard: Why?

    Sigh. It’s a joke. There’s been a lot of that on these boards lately, people dying for some reason to see Deepwood Motte, when it barely matters.

  191. Delta1212:
    Abyss,

    On the other hand, Tyrion also had Myrcella betrothed to Doran’s youngest son. His youngest of one, now.

    No. Tyrion had Myrcella betrothed to youngest son of Dorne.

  192. I’m not much of a

    Euron

    fan(I was one of those who was glad we got Dorne instead this season), but I am very excited about

    Randyll Tarly, Septon Meribald, and the potential weirwood visions.
  193. Delta1212,

    I don’t see that necessarily as an error. We met one son, there could be others. As long Doran doesn’t say (and it’s clear that he tells the truth) “I only ever had one son.” in the show, everything is fine, if you ask me. 😉

    mau,

    Did he? Well, all the better then!

  194. KrakenDaughter:
    KG,

    It’s most likely a recast for Daario. they already did that once.

    actually they’re re-casting the Mountain. Figure why the eff not.

  195. mau,

    Perhaps there hasn’t been a male child born to the entire kingdom since Trystane, at least prior to Myrcella’s departure. Then that line actually makes perfect sense and is completely consistent with the rest of the show.

    I mean, Oberyn has eight daughters. Maybe there’s just something in the water.

  196. Randyll Tarly and Euron Greyjoy…..please excuse me while I weep tears of joy.

    Perhaps there’s hope left for this show after all.

  197. Rodrik the Reader:
    jentario,

    How about Tyene as Sarella/Alleras? With her short hair and tiny physique, she can pass for boyish with more gender-neutral clothing. (Or, they might dispense with the gender issue.) Tyene goes to Oldtown to get her Maester’s in Poisoning, no?

    (It’s been a long time since the book read; hope I’m not mixing things up.)

    After last week’s episode, I’d say the odds of Tyene passing as a boy are pretty slim.

  198. tyjon:

    This bodes well for not just a 8th season, but a ninth as well, you cannot fit books 6 and 7 in one and a half seasons, with the material above taking up half of one.

    No. Euron in S6 won’t be Euron from AFFC, but Euron from TWOW.

    And D&D confirmed that there won’t be S9 or 10.

  199. Abyss,

    Well, I know the casting announcement named him Doran’s heir. I forget, have they commented to that effect in the show yet? Because if they have, that sort of puts the kibosh on him having older brothers, unless Quentyn died sometime between Myrcella being betrothed to Trystane and now.

  200. Rodrik the Reader: High hopes for Euron as the Big Bad after the pesky Boltons are dealt with. Also

    A “big bad”? If we’re going to have a proverbial big bad, then let’s just get this done the right way, bring in Margo Martindale to play Mags Bennett, and have her poison Bronn while she’s in jail with the other Sand Snakes.

    “It was already in the glass, not in the jar.”

  201. With the new castings and returning characters there is going to have to be a hell of a lot of deaths! With story lines crossing over and characters like the blackfish, the Freys, brotherhood without banners available there does not need to be too many new characters introduced. For the first time this season has felt so short and we may end up with a situation like Dorne again where the characters and storyline are under developed.

    I think Theon is a goner and perhaps Pod too, like many I am getting sick of the Bolton’s and not sure what role Ramsey would play in season 6 if he survives. I can see Roose retreating to the twins when Winterfell is taken. As much as I want Stannis to survive (one of my favourite characters) and be the threat to the crown coming from the north; I can see Littlefinger taking this role with the northern lords/golden company in tow.

    How about Robert Carlyle as Euron as nobody does unhinged like he does.

  202. I guess my question is “Who’s going to get the chop to make room for this new storyline?” which is getting its own locale and cast. There are also a number of returning characters, from the sounds of it, who sat out previous seasons–Walder Frey, probably the Hound, etc.–and room needs to be made for them as well. Short of a massacre at the end of the season, Season 6 is looking to be pretty packed.

    If Stannis loses, I wonder what’s going to happen to Sansa and Theon. How can they escape as

    Book Jeyne and Theon did

    if there’ nowhere to go? What will happen to Brienne and Pod? I dunno, it all seems up in the air. For all that Alfie and Iwan have said, I can’t see the season ending with Ramsay triumphant at Winterfell and Sansa and Theon still imprisoned there.

  203. Waxfoot:
    Where do I sign to get Dominic West for Euron?

    Only if we get Wendell Pierce as Victarion, otherwise, GTFO.

  204. dragonbringer,

    Only thing is two of those boys are meant to have Northern accents, and neither Rhaegar nor Robert should. That fact alone, (plus the age gap, actually) makes me think Ned and Brandon. The fact that the third boy is large (but not fat) and about “Ned’s” age makes me lean toward Robert for that role, but I would be mildly surprised if the other two aren’t Ned and Brandon.

  205. Delta1212:
    mau,

    Perhaps there hasn’t been a male child born to the entire kingdom since Trystane, at least prior to Myrcella’s departure. Then that line actually makes perfect sense and is completely consistent with the rest of the show.

    Sons of Dorne are members of House Martell.

    Doran, Oberyn and Trystane.

  206. Josh L.,

    Don’t be so sure! If Maribald is in, Riverlands are in then why use something else, she is so anticipated. Even Euron is finally appearing.

  207. mau,

    Also, he didn’t say Dorne. Tyrion said “I’m marrying Myrcella to the youngest son of House Martell.” Which Trystane is, as well as being Doran’s only son and heir.

  208. Greatjon of Slumber,

    Margo Martindale is what Mel looks like without the ‘glamour.’

    Seriously, though, that woman would be one heckuva Deepwood Motte/Bear Island matriarch.

    Oh, and, let’s hope Margo doesn’t have to go topless in that Bronn scene of yours.

  209. MADS MIKKELSEN FOR EURON! PRAY TO YOUR GODS WESTEROS!!!!!!

    Uhum, now that I have gotten that of my chest, this is fabulous news. Although, I have to say that I am now mighty curious to read their series outline. I always assumed we would get an extended seventh season, but this still seems rather late to develop these characters. I’m curious to see the developments 🙂

  210. Delta1212:
    dragonbringer,

    Only thing is two of those boys are meant to have Northern accents, and neither Rhaegar nor Robert should. That fact alone, (plus the age gap, actually) makes me think Ned and Brandon. The fact that the third boy is large (but not fat) and about “Ned’s” age makes me lean toward Robert for that role, but I would be mildly surprised if the other two aren’t Ned and Brandon.

    Yepper. One is 12, playing a 12-year old with a northern accent. The other is 7-8, also northern. The other is a 12-year-old playing 7-8. (Never mind that Mark Addy has Sean Bean’s Yorkshire accent too, but, never mind…)

  211. Great news! Very uplifting after a mediocre season and much critique on the show.
    If we are really going to see a Ned and Cat flashback, this must be via the Weirwood or… Perhaps LS will show up in episode 10 this season and season 6 will start off with her flashback. She doesn’t speak, but she remembers. Imagine how awesome this would be! I’m having faith in D&D that they made/will make the right decision and include her. A fan favourite that needs resolution!

  212. Sean C.,

    From what the writers (including GRRM) have said , the characters, book & show, will reach the same end destination, but by divergent routes. However, that will mean that there will be key points where certain characters must meet, (or not) in service to that ending, as well.

    I simply feel that Sansa’s book storyline is tending toward affecting some very important developments in the riverlands and the vale, while I feel she would be unable to fill in for certain characters and developments in the north (which is not to say that other fill-ins, exclusions or additions might not be workable). My bet is that she will be needed elsewhere.

  213. Luka Nieto,

    Well, he’s “technically” House Martell’s youngest son… but that’s also a very weird way to describe the heir. Just saying.

  214. Hoping we don’t get another flashback as I thought the one this season has added absolutely nothing to the story. Could perhaps be a recasting of Rickon practicing with other northern youngsters? Who knows.

  215. Delta1212,

    Agreed. I’m not saying D&D were planning to scrap Trystane’s older siblings back in season two. I’m just saying it’s not a continuity issue, technically. They allowed themselves to scrap them by being vague.

  216. LOL, if the Sansa rape scene and Craster’s Keep had the audience fetching their smelling salts, I can only imagine what their reaction will be if the rape-happy Ironborn attack the Reach.

    I suspect that the North storyline’s resolution in 5×10 will have a whole mess of book spoilers. I think some pretty important heads are going to roll.

  217. Delta1212,

    Not that’s really that important, but no, younger children can be the heir to the House, it’s just that in most cases it’s the oldest son (see the case of Sam).

  218. TheTouchOfFrost: I thought the one this season has added absolutely nothing to the story.

    Seriously? It didn’t set up why Cersei is so viciously going after Margaery at all to you? I seriously doubt that the general audience is failing to make the connection.

  219. I always figured that the Greyjoys wouldn’t be introduced until

    Sam’s Oldtown

    story arch began because it would require heavy use of the boat set and boat related cgi and would probably be easier if all done in one season and it would also work better plot wise if they have

    Sam introduce the unsullied to Oldtown and The Reach before it is attacked by Krakens.

    Season 6 has always felt like the season of the Kraken for me, not sure why. But it looks like my suspicions were correct after all!

    I’m so excited, I just can’t hide it!

  220. Delta1212,

    Ah! Correct! For some reason, I read “and fat” in there: clearly I needed another coffee.

    Well, then, I think that Young Robert is an excellent guess.

  221. Kells,

    Purefoy is a great fan cast but there is only one Euron for me – Rufus Sewell!
    The eyes. The cheekbones. The menacing manner. He’d be perfect.

    I’ve never heard of him so I looked him up and he also looks great for the role. That is definitively the look they should go with for the character, middle aged but good looking with sex appeal. I know it sounds superficial but I do think it is better to get someone good looking especially for a character that has to carry a new storyline because I think it helps make the character more appealing to audiences rather than some ugly middle aged man.

  222. M: I wonder where all the screentime for what’s shaping up to be a big Reach/Oldtown plotline is going to come from. Dorne being cut? Less time in the North? Less Arya? Less KL?

    Without reading Winter, how can we tell?

    However, keep in mind that the showrunners have always kept the big plots centered on the protagonists. For all the grousing about Dorne, it has stayed beause they were able to recenter it on a protagonist. Something similar will happen here. So, whereever Euron and Tarly are (and those seem like very likely and probable guesses to me), then one of the main characters will be there, too. The new characters area all going to be foils for the old ones, just as they were this year, and last year, too. Really, we haven’t had a new lead character introduced since Season 2, have we?

  223. Greatjon of Slumber,

    Well played. Okay, then, no Alleras/Sarella for now, unless The Citadel goes coed. (The show did keep Maisie under wraps for a good long time, though.)

  224. S4E3

    Tommen Baratheon: Wisdom is what makes a good king.

    Tywin Lannister: Yes. But what is wisdom? A house with great wealth and fertile lands asks you for your protection against another house with a strong navy that could one day oppose you. How do you know which choice is wise and which is not? Any experience of treasuries and granaries? Or shipyards and soldiers?

    Great foreshadowing!!!

  225. Even better, leave

    Jon’s

    fate uncertain for an entire season and watch the world go mad….

  226. Its a phrase from the bible, matthew 5:15

    “You are the salt of the earth…”

    -your friendly neighborhood agnostic

  227. “A large boy, with an actor who is 10-12 but playing 7 or 8. He’s described as “a clever boy” who seems too large for his age. He’s big and tall but not fat. “Characterful squat features” are a plus for this part. it’s specified that this is a one-time appearance.”

    I hope this is a young Hodor. In Season 6, Bran and Hodor will be back, and it would be nice if Bran could see a vision of the past about his own Hodor, as a young lad. My bet is Ned or his older brother caused brain damage to young Hodor, who then grew up to be Hodor. This would introduce Bran’s past-seeing capabilities, and lead to a nice bonding moment with Hodor, to reintroduce the pair to the audience in S6.

  228. M:
    I wonder where all the screentime for what’s shaping up to be a big Reach/Oldtown plotline is going to come from. Dorne being cut? Less time in the North? Less Arya? Less KL?

    Good question. Something has to give.

    I think that we will have less time in the North if the Bolton/Stannis conflict is resolved this season. Also consider that if Jon is stabbed/resurrected in S5 or early in S6, he will leave the Wall and go elsewhere. But where?

    M:
    I suspect that the North storyline’s resolution in 5×10 will have a whole mess of book spoilers. I think some pretty important heads are going to roll.

    I think so, too. The S5 finale has the potential to move into TWOW territory in some story lines. And, yes, many will die.

  229. Davos’ Luck,

    Me too, it’s not that I wouldn’t miss them or am saying that to be an ass – I think it would be a fantastic punch in the gut. And would open up space for new/returning storylines.

  230. Kay,

    Hmm I’d considered Hodor but for some reason I thought he wasn’t that old when he got brain-damaged. It’s a good thought.

  231. mariamb: Good question. Something has to give.

    I think so, too. The S5 finale has the potential to move into TWOW territory in some story lines. And, yes, many will die.

    In that Stannis/Shireen/Melisandre/Davos/Selyse/Ramsay/Roose/Myranda/Sansa/Theon/Pod/Brienne pileup, I think there’s a massacre coming. Davos, Sansa and Melisandre are probably safe, but everyone else? I dunno.

    If 5×10 has Team Stannis flaming out (sorry) in spectacular fashion and

    Jon appearing to die

    , coupled with

    Varys murdering Kevan, or, as has been rumoured, Tommen

    , I think 5×10 could be the first truly bleak season finale so far, which might explain why Finn Jones tossed the script when he read it.

  232. Simeon,

    Pirate could be Victarion, and out of nowhere:
    Vic: “Sup brah”
    Euron/Daario: “nm m8 just usual shit”
    Vic: “kl”

  233. I wonder if they’ll rename Euron. The Unsullied would have a field day with either “You’re on Greyjoy” or “Urine Greyjoy.”

  234. This is absolutely great news!
    Could the priestess be a combination of Moqorro and the Dusky Woman?

  235. I haven’t read through all the comments, so I don’t know if anyone else mentioned this, but I think Viggo Mortensen would make a pretty kick-ass Euron. Alexander Skarsgard would also be really great, even if he is a little young.

  236. M,

    Agree with your scenario: safe is Davos, Sansa, Mel (at least temporarily). Don’t think that we will lose Stannis and Shireen. Same with Roose and Ramsay – one may go this season but not both.

    I’m more inclined to think that Varys will murder Olenna and not Tommen.
  237. Wimsey,

    I thought the scene itself was pretty poor but also no it didn’t. Not at any point have I thought Cersei is going after her because of that prophecy. The storyline already set in place and how her character has been built shows how evident her desire for power and to remain in power is. She’s been suspicious and mistrustful of Marg since she first appeared and I think the interactions between them have been more than enough to show Cersei’s motivation to get her out of the picture without the need for that flashback.

    JamesL,

    Plus his character is described as handsome in the books so that works too. Think Rufus would struggle with Euron’s sinister side though.

  238. It is not surprising that Euron is in. I think this development actually makes it more likely that we lose one or both Boltons this season. They are bringing another larger than life villain into the show.

  239. mariamb:
    M,

    Agree with your scenario: safe is Davos, Sansa, Mel (at least temporarily). Don’t think that we will lose Stannis and Shireen. Same with Roose and Ramsay – one may go this season but not both.

    The way Liam Cunningham and others have been talking about the North storyline, I think we’re in for something truly sick and horrific. What could be more sick and horrific than an innocent, sweet little girl being burned alive on her father’s orders? I also think Stannis is going down, whether it’s Ramsay or Brienne that delivers the killing blow.

  240. Wow! Awesome.

    I guess this proves a few things regarding Euron. Euron does not = Daario. Also suggests that Euron is pretty important to events going forward as I thought he would be in TWOW.

    It will be kind of weird if they include stuff like the Kingsmoot or any other stuff from AFFC that hasn’t been in the show yet. Will feel like we’re going back in time some how.

  241. mariamb,

    How about Littlefinger killing Olenna? I feel they are setting this up with Olenna threatning to expose his part in Joffery’s murder and her warning him if something happens to her.

  242. Nodor,

    It’s also a great Rolling Stones song:

    “Raise your glass to the good and the evil
    Let’s drink to the salt of the earth…”

  243. M,

    Good point, but no worries. The Ironborn attacks need only be alluded to but not shown, mostly for budget reasons. And what would be shown needn’t be all that explicit. Just some axechucking and noisy pillaging, as in ’50s movies like ‘Prince Valiant’ and ‘The Vikings’, only sans the cheesy (and historically inaccurate, apparently) horned helmets.

  244. M,

    I’m hoping that Liam was referring to the “Sansa in WF” story line rather than a Team Dragonstone one. Burning poor Shireen certainly fits that description but, IMO, pushes the misery quotient of this show a bit too far. Maybe its wishful thinking…

    sai,

    Possible, of course. Anything is possible with LF.

  245. Rodrik the Reader:
    M,

    Good point, but no worries. The Ironborn attacks need only be alluded to but not shown, mostly for budget reasons. And what would be shown needn’t be all that explicit. Just some axechucking and noisy pillaging, as in ’50s movies like ‘Prince Valiant’ and ‘The Vikings’, only sans the cheesy (and historically inaccurate, apparently) horned helmets.

    LOL, if they went full-on cheesy Prince Valiant vikings, that would be awesome.

    Actually, it’s not so much the battle scenes as sequences like that hideous bit in AFFC where the Ironborn have taken over some lord’s castle and are casually throwing women on the table and raping them. *shudder*

  246. Hodor’s Bastard:
    Veltigar,

    I knew you would be chomping at the bit regarding the “Pirate” description…

    Yes, I’m predictable like that. I would make a terrible Euron. Mads Mikkelsen on the other hand (did I ever tell y’all about Mads?) now that man would make a magnificent Euron!

  247. Wow, it’s a big surprise! I thought the Greyjoy were out of the show! Good!

    And the three boys, could they be the novices at the Citadel?? The fat one could be Pate.

    When someone in season 5 (I can’t remember who) talked about the Citadel, I knew that they were going to show it! It’s really exciting!

  248. Obsidian,

    The thing is, the show has written out the dramatic conflicts in the Vale. The Valemen are behind Baelish, they know who Sansa is, and Baelish is bringing them North now. Everything is aligned for Sansa to continue her story in the North. I haven’t seen anything connecting Sansa (books or show) to the Riverlands, by comparison.

  249. Luka Nieto:
    BTW, that priest could just as well be the Elder Brother, right? I’d always assumed they would merge those two roles anyway if any of them were to appear at all.

    Spot on! That’s exactly what I hear.

  250. M,

    Idk what to think. If Stannis doesn’t sacrifice his daughter, then Mel can return to the Wall as others have suggested in time to deal with Jon. Why would she leave if he agrees to burn her? Unless he still fails and she flees? I think it’s unlikely Brienne will change her mind; she’s killing Stannis or dying in the attempt. Right now, that doesn’t sound great. If Stannis sacrifices Shireen..? A lot easier to accept that Brienne taking him down is a good thing.

  251. TheTouchOfFrost:

    JamesL,

    Plus his character is described as handsome in the books so that works too. Think Rufus would struggle with Euron’s sinister side though.

    Ha, this is ironic considering he was cast as quite a few baddies back in the day given his looks, which are beautiful yet intimidating. See him as Fortinbras in Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, for one! Also a commanding stage actor.

  252. M,

    I shudder too and hope no one in the writers’ room reminds D&D ‘what a cool scene that would be.’

    We should recall, however, that the Ironborn have ALREADY attacked, sacked, and taken over much of the North in-show, and all we saw of it was Theon in Winterfell and that motley crew at Moat Caillin.

    A raven sent from the Reach to Kingslanding is all that’s really necessary, as in ‘Tommen, we must do something!’

    The other possibility is the High Sparrow converting those darn pagans to the Faith of The Seven. Axes into ploughshares (or… snow shovels?).

  253. I approve of Rufus Sewell as Euron. Charismatic and sexy as hell, but in a creepy way. A++.

    Honestly, that ghastly feast rape extravaganza bit with the Ironborn in AFFC disturbed me more than anything else in the books, and given Book Jeyne’s wedding night, that’s saying something. I really hope that goes the way of the Harrenhal rape cages.

  254. If we’re looking away from the main contenders and more well-known actors for Euron then I think Gary Stretch could be an excellent choice. Former boxer, did some modelling, good actor and he’s had experience in fight choreography in Alexander. Most improtantly he’s got a sinister and powerful presence about him.

  255. Fierce Warrior could be Jhaqo, Darkstar, Hyle Hunt or someone from Meereen.

    Wishful thinking 🙂

  256. There are a couple names on imdb episode 8 & 10 cast lists that would be spoilers, so I’d suggest not looking if you don’t want to be. (and no, Michelle Fairley isn’t one of them)

  257. Seems like they’re going to expand quite a bit. It would be nice to hear they’ve ordered another 5 seasons. The HBO execs were on record stating they wanted to do 10 seasons. 3 extra seasons would give them A lot of room to do some interesting stuff.

  258. Is it possible that Jon Snow and the wildlings could end up saving Stannis in the end? This is where Jon’s arc this season could rather than at the wall. I don’t think Ramsay telling Sansa Jon was LC was for nothing. Maybe he gets word shes there somehow and he comes and saves the day.

  259. Karen C:
    No..the boys are bband on and littllefinge!When Brandon humiliates him!Sounds like a lot of flashbacks!

    I feel like they were much older when that happened. Could be wrong.

  260. Pigeon: I’ll sign that petition, although I believed he turned down GoT in Season 1.

    If I’m remembering the rumor/news correctly: Dominic West was the first choice to play Mance Rayder in season 2, but turned the role down because he misunderstood how much time was going to be required for shooting. So he may well be open to a role, and Euron would be pretty awesome.

  261. Does anyone think that this somewhat unexpected (at least where I’m concerned) inclusion of Euron and Oldtown may mean there are going to be 75-80 episodes?

  262. M:
    I guess my question is “Who’s going to get the chop to make room for this new storyline?” which is getting its own locale and cast. There are also a number of returning characters, from the sounds of it, who sat out previous seasons–Walder Frey, probably the Hound, etc.–and room needs to be made for them as well. Short of a massacre at the end of the season, Season 6 is looking to be pretty packed.

    If Stannis loses, I wonder what’s going to happen to Sansa and Theon. How can they escape as

    if there’ nowhere to go? What will happen to Brienne and Pod? I dunno, it all seems up in the air. For all that Alfie and Iwan have said, I can’t see the season ending with Ramsay triumphant at Winterfell and Sansa and Theon still imprisoned there.

    This story line has become such a mish-mash, so who knows how the writers will wrap this up to make a lick of sense. But let’s say Brienne does help Sansa (and Theon) escape. Where would be a great place to hide out? The Quiet Isle. Untouched by war…a Priest being cast (maybe an Elder Brother/Septon Meribald hybrid). A tall, healing Gravedigger in attendance to offer his sword (and defend Sansa against FrankenGregor)?
    Yeah. Cleganebowl but not as we would expect. The SanSan girl in me coming out but I don’t think his arc is done and I don’t think the writer’s would wait more than one season to bring him back. Sansa needs not only swords but peeps she can trust.

  263. Great News! This is making me excited for season 6 already 😀 But I do hope some “old” characters come back too, especially in the Riverlands aka Freys, Brotherhood, BlackFish and Gendry. It would fit…

    Maybe Brienne saves Sansa and brings her to the wall, were Sansa decides to stay in the north with LF and Bri/Pod travel South with Sam and Gilly? I would love to see that 😀

  264. TheTouchOfFrost,

    Good idea! Though I would welcome both Purefoy and Mikkelsen, I don’t think they will cast either of them. As for Gary Stretch, I found him pretty convincing as Cleitus in Alexander, though the role was rather small.

  265. JamesL,

    Plus his character is described as handsome in the books so that works too. Think Rufus would struggle with Euron’s sinister side though.

    Oh, not at all. Rufus can play charming, engaging and sinister like a champ. See “Helen Of Troy”, a so-so tv adaption but he was perfectly creepy.
    I love the Purefoy fan cast, wouldn’t mind that at all, but for dark and sexy and creepy, my money has been on Sewell for a long time. Make it happen, D&D!

  266. M,

    like that hideous bit in AFFC where the Ironborn have taken over some lord’s castle and are casually throwing women on the table and raping them.

    I haven’t read the books in a while and skimmed a lot of AFFC so reminding me of stuff like this just makes me more annoyed at the hypocrisy of so many book readers who act like the show has upped the ante with this type of content. The big mistake the show has made is not having sexual violence but having sexual violence that is not an exact replica of what GRRM wrote. If they included the sexual violence that GRRM puts in the books these hypocrites wouldn’t be able to condemn the show because they would also have to be condemning GRRMs writing and they wouldn’t want to criticize his holiness.

  267. I figured a green eyed northerner would be a Reed. A flashback of them together would help introduce him later

  268. One of Roose Bolton’s leeches:
    Sue the Fury,

    What about the synopsis for episode 9 someone posted a while back? Was that fake?

    Meh, the synopses for every episode are starting to reach Mad Men-levels of vagueness.

    “Episode 5.09: A Dance With Dragons: Danaerys finds friends and allies. Tyrion offers counsel. Jon considers his options. Brienne stands up straight and glowers. Podrick does not have sex. The wolves (not pictured) eat food. Rickon is, um…ehh, fuck, we don’t remember.”

  269. Kells,

    I was so happy when we got over all the Sandor/Sansa bullshit (that creeped out Rory McCann to no end, as it should have) – I hope they never are in the same spot together again.

  270. Mr Fixit:
    Does anyone think that this somewhat unexpected (at least where I’m concerned) inclusion of Euron and Oldtown may mean there are going to be 75-80 episodes?

    No, because it is not unexpected. D&D foreshadowed Euron in S4.

  271. I know this is old but Purefoy already mentioned that he (along with Kevin McKidd) won’t be up for a role in GoT, even if the showrunners ask him. Let’s hope he has since overcome his grudge against the show.

  272. Sheepstealer:
    I know this is old but Purefoy already mentioned that he (along with Kevin McKidd) won’t be up for a role in GoT, even if the showrunners ask him. Let’s hope he has since overcome his grudge against the show.

    He said that it was a joke.

  273. mau,

    No. Euron in S6 won’t be Euron from AFFC, but Euron from TWOW

    There still must be a power struggle among the Ironborn ranks, even a truncated one, which would take up several episodes before

    the invasion of The Reach begins. Obviously Sam heads for Oldtown, and Tarly Sr. minus Tyrell’s must defend the land. Wonder if the show changes the reasoning behind the invasion to an alliance between Cersei and Euron, the Iron Isles get their autonomy back and they split the Reach.
  274. Balon01,

    Oh, really? I totally missed that. Thank’s for the update! Come to think of it, it pretty much sounded like a joke but anyway, I’m glad he’s an option.

  275. The two boys do sound like Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon.

    Sad that they decided to skip so many good flashbacks earlier in the series if they are beginning to add them now anyway.

  276. tyjon:
    mau,

    There still must be a power struggle among the Ironborn ranks, even a truncated one, which would take up several episodes before

    And that will be fast forward like Jon’s election. 5 minutes.

  277. Clob,

    I wouldn’t trust anything on imdb for something that hasn’t aired yet. It gets a lot of people putting in wishful stuff or just trolling. Whether anything “predicted” on there in terms of casting, characters, number of episodes people are in, etc turns out to be remotely accurate is a bit of a crapshoot.

  278. mau: No, because it is not unexpected. D&D foreshadowed Euron in S4.

    Euron foreshadowed in Season 4? I just recently rewatched it and I don’t remember that detail.

  279. Mr Fixit: Euron foreshadowed in Season 4? I just recently rewatched it and I don’t remember that detail.

    Yes. S4E3.

    Tywin Lannister: Yes. But what is wisdom? A house with great wealth and fertile lands asks you for your protection against another house with a strong navy that could one day oppose you. How do you know which choice is wise and which is not?

    This foreshadowed war between Greyjoys and Tyrells.

  280. mau,

    I was thinking that when I saw it… back then I still hadn’t read the books but thought that there might have been some sneaky foreshadowing in that scene. Brilliantly done if and when it comes to fruition next season.

  281. Delta1212:
    Clob,

    I wouldn’t trust anything on imdb for something that hasn’t aired yet. It gets a lot of people putting in wishful stuff or just trolling. Whether anything “predicted” on there in terms of casting, characters, number of episodes people are in, etc turns out to be remotely accurate is a bit of a crapshoot.

    I’d tend to believe it more when it’s this close to air, plus I’ve never been as distrustful of imdb as something like wikipedia. Sure there will be inaccuracies, but all but one name make perfect sense with what we ‘know’ about the storylines in the next couple eps. *shrug*

  282. mau,

    GRRM has been mentioning recently that Highgarden will make an appearance in TWoW, although the PoV is anyone’s guess. (Sam?)
  283. mau,

    That’s not really foreshadowing. It’s just a realistic example of the sort of choices a monarch must face. Tommen (or Myrcella) is not going to be making this choice: the Iron Born are in open rebellion against KL and thus not a possible ally for the current crown. Now, an alliance between the Tyrells and the Iron Born might be a remote possibility (given that Cersei seems determined on a course that will cause war with the Tyrells, although I suspect she doesn’t realize that it would be war and not just their capitulation). However, it would doubt that Olenna (who certainly is the eminence gris of House Tyrell) would want such an alliance.

  284. Wimsey:
    mau,

    That’s not really foreshadowing.

    It is. It foreshadowed war between Greyjoys and Tyrells. I don’t know what kind of choice Tommen is going to make.

    But you don’t know, either.

  285. tyjon: There still must be a power struggle among the Ironborn ranks, even a truncated one, which would take up several episodes before

    There really does not need to be any power-struggle. What Euron the plundering pirate does need not be directly related to what happens on the Iron Isles. Indeed, given that Theon is pretty much dead to his family, one would expect the possible heirs to the Iron Born crown to start trying to one-up each other in deeds of great bravado. The audience watching this show will understand a simple explanation like that pretty easily. Real history is replete with examples of this sort of behavior, after all.

  286. The north has to stay important because of the white walker threat.
    If Brienne and Pod help Sansa and make it through wouldn’t they just stay with her as sworn swords?

  287. A Faceless Man,

    To reply to the one poster, I highly doubt it’s Darkstar, as he’s described as somewhat thin, and in his mid 20’s. I think judging by the mixed background, and that he’s supposed to be a very large and powerful man, that it might be Strong Belwas.

  288. Best news so far this year I think! Wow!

    I love the idea of Rufus Sewell and Graham MacTavish for Euron and Randyll Tarly, but I will throw out a few other names not bandied about as frequently…

    Euron: Hans Matheson, Michael Nardone, or maybe Rudolf Martin?
    Randyll Tarly: David O’Hara, John Lynch, or maybe Douglas Hodge?

  289. mau,

    eh, I don’t think I’d qualify that as “foreshadowing.” There should be an ironic component to it, and there isn’t one here.

    At any rate, given that none of the main characters are either Iron Born (well, save for Theon, but he doesn’t count anymore) or Tyrells, this should not be a major plot focus unless one of the main characters is heavily embroiled in it. B&W have been very good about cutting plot lines that do not involve protagonists or rewriting them to include one or more protagonist: I’d be surprised (and disappointed) if they changed course now.

  290. Wimsey:
    mau,

    eh, I don’t think I’d qualify that as “foreshadowing.”There should be an ironic component to it, and there isn’t one here.

    Call it whatever you want.

    It is the same type of foreshadowing. as “People die at their dinner tables. They die in their beds. They die squatting over their chamber pots”

  291. TheTouchOfFrost: Not at any point have I thought Cersei is going after her because of that prophecy.

    Just because you have not does not mean that 99% of the audience has not. Seriously, this is low-hanging fruit for most people. Gun put on the wall, gun being fired: that is the way audiences think, and the way that they have always thought. Now, maybe you are not thinking like that: but that’s on you, not on the show-runners.

  292. LordDavos:
    The north has to stay important because of the white walker threat.
    If Brienne and Pod help Sansa and make it through wouldn’t they just stay with her as sworn swords?

    I would think so but I can’t see any of the characters just sitting in one place, at least not yet! Unless the Bolton’s are run out of Winterfell by the end of the season, I can’t see Sansa sticking around. If Sansa is rescued/escapes, I can’t see her heading further north with the weather being what it is. I think she would go south with Brienne/Pod (or on her own) but not so far south as to be in Lannister reach. Maybe Riverrun? I know I’m not alone in wishing for an appearance by the Blackfish. That is why I also thought the Quiet Isle would be a solid place to deposit her, while the battle rages north. She is sort of a sitting duck at Winterfell. While I get the importance of her being there, she needs a chance to regroup and let these two armies go at each other. When the dust settles, she can hedge her bets on the victor (as long as it’s Stannis, obviously!).

  293. sai: How about Littlefinger killing Olenna?

    I think that this is a definite possibility, too. Olenna as eminence grise for Westeros would be bad news for Varys and his ambitions.

  294. So glad that the ridiculous Daario / Euron theory has been put to bed. Still can’t believe people actually believed that. Also, I’m excited for Greyjoys. Also Deepwood Motte!!

  295. One of Roose Bolton’s leeches,

    I thought the exact same thing. When I saw the guy cut the chains, even though his appearance didn’t match the books, just the fact he looked pretty imposing, didn’t say anything except for a head nod, and the weapon he carried, not to mention he’s clearly a fighter of sorts, that I thought for sure it’s Strong Belwas.

  296. Kells: I would think so but I can’t see any of the characters just sitting in one place, at least not yet! Unless the Bolton’s are run out of Winterfell by the end of the season, I can’t see Sansa sticking around. If Sansa is rescued/escapes, I can’t see her heading further north with the weather being what it is. I think she would go south with Brienne/Pod (or on her own)but not so far south as to be in Lannister reach. Maybe Riverrun? I know I’m not alone in wishing for an appearance by the Blackfish. That is why I also thought the Quiet Isle would be a solid place to deposit her, while the battle rages north. She is sort of a sitting duck at Winterfell. While I get the importance of her being there, she needs a chance to regroup and let these two armies go at each other. When the dust settles, she can hedge her bets on the victor (as long as it’s Stannis, obviously!).

    Riverrun is controlled by the Freys.

    In any event, there is (supposedly) a bunch of loyal Northerners for Sansa to rally (which is what she should have been doing in the first place, but the writers needed her to go to Winterfell). It really doesn’t make any sense for her to run away from the North now that she’s there, and it especially doesn’t make sense to do that with the character’s arc.

  297. Although I agree that Olenna being murdered by Varys or Littlefinger in the finale seems quite plausible at this point, it does beg the question of why they brought Kevan back just for a couple of minutes of screentime at the start of the season. Of course, it could have just been a way of more firmly re-introducing Lancel, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevan suddenly popped up again next week.

    And Ray Stevenson’s got a major role in the next season of Black Sails, which just started filming, so I don’t know if he’d be available for a role on GoT.

  298. Lorathi Mazemakers,

    There’s no way the show would have bothered bringing Kevan back if they weren’t including his death. And I’m quite sure it will be Varys who does it; otherwise he’d be turning up in Meereen by now.

    Actually, now that I think about it, why would Varys suddenly abort his journey to Meereen just because Tyrion vanished? I sense an impending plot hole.

  299. Sean C.,

    In regard to your last part, presumably in both book and show the idea was that Jorah would take Tyrion to Dany. I don’t think Varys ever planned to be along for the whole trip.

  300. Jordan,

    Tyrion being abducted by Jorah was not part of the plan, in either book or show. Varys wasn’t even there in the books; the show substituted him for Illyrio and the Griffs, and he was stated to want to go the whole way.

  301. Sean C.,

    Well, to clarify it doesn’t really work with the book, but in the show I think you could interpret it as Varys deliberately dropping him off. Varys just happens to lead Tyrion to the brothel where Jorah has been hanging out and while he tells Tyrion not to wander off, he has good reason to think Tyrion isn’t going to listen to this advice.

    It would make perfect sense to me if Varys knew where Jorah was and set it up so Tyrion would be captured by him.

    One reason I say this is because it’s just such a huge coincidence in the books that Tyrion should happen to bump into Jorah and so I like the idea of it being deliberately set up.

  302. OMG OMG OMG! Sorry I’m super busy right now, no time to read 500 comments, but I can’t believe how psyched I am for season 6 already! Huge story for WotW once again 🙂 Love itttttt!
    Will be dreaming of Greyjoys and Tarlys and Stark boys, oh my! 😉

  303. Sean C.,

    There is speculation that Varys will show up in Dorne by the end of the season presumably because he and Doran have been plotting together. I’m not sure if it makes sense.
  304. Wimsey: I loved those synopses!They were like lyrics from old REM songs.

    Thanks for that, guess what song I’ve now got stuck in my brain *sings la la la…Radio Free Euron…* ;O)

    For anyone who’s baffled by that (practically everyone) and cares (unlikely to be anyone at all, but you never know): REM’s first proper single was called Radio Free Europe.

  305. Jordan:
    Well, to clarify it doesn’t really work with the book, but in the show I think you could interpret it as Varys deliberately dropping him off.Varys just happens to lead Tyrion to the brothel where Jorah has been hanging out and while he tells Tyrion not to wander off, he has good reason to think Tyrion isn’t going to listen to this advice.

    It would make perfect sense to me if Varys knew where Jorah was and set it up so Tyrion would be captured by him.

    One reason I say this is because it’s just such a huge coincidence in the books that Tyrion should happen to bump into Jorah and so I like the idea of it being deliberately set up.

    That also really doesn’t make much sense. If Varys wanted Tyrion to travel with Jorah, he could have introduced them. Allowing him to be abducted just increases, massively, the risk to Tyrion, when if they had been working with Varys they could have traveled there in proper conditions (say, on a passenger boat, or whatever).

  306. If they’re adding all of these characters, does that mean we’re getting 8 seasons now instead of 7?

  307. M,

    M:
    I wonder where all the screentime for what’s shaping up to be a big Reach/Oldtown plotline is going to come from. Dorne being cut? Less time in the North? Less Arya? Less KL?

    Arya is going to be in the Citadel plot. She’ll replace Jaqen’s roll in the books and infiltrate the Citadel. She’ll get there by hopping on Sam’s boat when Sam makes a stop in Braavos.

  308. Jaime’s girl,

    Same. Typical that when bug news happens I’m busy.

    I am happy that they’ve omitted the character names, because it allows us to speculate a little more.

  309. Sean C.,

    I kind of suspect that if Jorah had seen Varys he would have killed him on sight for screwing things up between he and Dany.

    I’m not saying this is necessarily deliberate (I’m kind of reading into things), but I sort of thought that Varys was basically getting Jorah to still work for him without knowing it.

  310. Jordan:
    Sean C.,

    I kind of suspect that if Jorah had seen Varys he would have killed him on sight for screwing things up between he and Dany.

    I was terrified that that would happen while I was watching ep. 503 and was so relieved when it didn’t.

  311. Great news, but I am more looking forward to news of Blackfish, Rickon, and Benjen being back.

  312. awesome news…stoked for any iron born castings…they should just rehire the drowned preist who blessed theon in s2 as aeron greyjoy..the actor kinda looked like balon lol..would add to overall picture

  313. Luka Nieto:
    Ser Duncan The Tall,

    Damphair isn’t a “rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside.”

    Brendan,

    It’s the entire Tyrell family, so this isn’t back-tracking to AFFC; this is unknown TWOW material.

    Sam sends Gilly to Hornhill, so we could meet his family through her.
  314. Can’t wait to see the Crows Eye in 3 episodes next season! I wonder if he’ll have as much screen time as Doran has had this season? Hopefully Randyl Tarly leads a Tyrell host to Kings Landing, and doesn’t just chill out at Horn Hill. Elder Brother better confirm Clegane Bowl(Get Hype!).

  315. Sheepstealer,

    He’s very good in ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ ( which is possibly the best British film of the 2000s). He seems a naturally quite imposing yet charismatic chap so I think it could work.

    Wimsey,

    Yet again , you show a certain kind of arrogance towards the show watchers. Pretty certain the majority are bright enough to work out that Cersei feels threatened by Marg and don’t need a badly done flashback to spell it out. It wasn’t effective for me and I’m sure it wasn’t effective for others as talking on here about the season and how the KL story is unfolding I can’t remember one person referencing the flashback scene when discussing the battle between Cersei and the Tyrells. Either way, I don’t think it worked, wasn’t really needed and was very forgettable as a lot of things earlier in this season have been sadly.

  316. I think there must be more characters to cast after this, because if Sam’s really going to go to Oldtown, then they’d have to cast a few members of the Citadel as well.

  317. Syrio:
    M,

    Arya is going to be in the Citadel plot.She’ll replace Jaqen’s roll in the books and infiltrate the Citadel.She’ll get there by hopping on Sam’s boat when Sam makes a stop in Braavos.

    I don’t think so. Arya is a major character and will ahve her own thing going on. I think getting rid of SH and the Griffs has freed up a lot of time and space as has combining Sansa with the North. Personally, I think there were things they could have shaved off this season that wouldn’t have been missed (the flashback, most of the stuff with Brienne, Dorne seeing as it’s not been handled very well and seems rushed anyway,Missandgrey) so if they’re a bit more focused they can easily get the good/relevant stuff in.

  318. Sean C.: Riverrun is controlled by the Freys.

    In any event, there is (supposedly) a bunch of loyal Northerners for Sansa to rally (which is what she should have been doing in the first place, but the writers needed her to go to Winterfell).It really doesn’t make any sense for her to run away from the North now that she’s there, and it especially doesn’t make sense to do that with the character’s arc.

    But does Sansa know this (re: The Freys in Riverrun)?
    I ask in all honesty because I don’t recall it being mentioned to book Sansa and as for the show, would it be common knowledge to Brienne and co.? If they head that way, maybe it could be a run-in with the Brotherhood? I’m just trying to think someplace she could go where she would be actually somewhat safe because if war comes to Winterfell, I don’t feel she would be there, at least not right now.

  319. TheTouchOfFrost: I don’t think so. Arya is a major character and will ahve her own thing going on.

    We don’t know that.

    If her arc from TWOW isn’t interesting for D&D they can send her to Oldtown, just like they sent Sansa in WF this season.

  320. mau,

    We shall see but in the last couple of seasons they’lll need to start getting the main characters in the right place for their end game and I don’t think sending her down there would work in that regard. People won’t like me saying it but Arya is a much more interesting character than Sansa and her storyline is interesting enough in itself whereas Sansa was doing the usual Sasna thing of sitting around doing nothing until they effectively (despite the ridiculous means of getting her there) threw her into the Winterfell action this season.
    I’m pretty sure at some point in the tWoW she’ll part from the Faceless Men anyway as she killed for revenge and has been keeping Needle stored so isn’t fully committed to becoming one. She’ll be out for revenge and there’s no revenge to be had in Oldtown.

  321. TheTouchOfFrost,

    I really do think that putting Sansa et al on ice for a season makes sense. Then when it picks up it’ll be far more interesting (I hope) and give the opportunity to other plots in the meantime.

  322. Moonlight,

    There are multiple castings put out each year. The biggest roles usually go up first though and the other casting breakdowns we see are for smaller one-off parts most of the time.

  323. Rodrik the Reader,

    Surely we’ll get Alleras the Sphinx if we get Oldtown. Alleras is the Sphinx! And Alleras is Oldtown.

    The following is a book and theory spoiler, although lots of people have mentioned it freely already:

    My fondest wish would be that they would keep the casting and the gender of Alleras/Sarella uber-secret, although I cannot imagine any girl who’d really be able to pull off being a man in this day and age when we are so good at detecting cross-dressers. But still, it would be a nice surprise for the Unsullied. And so that may be why we don’t see her in the call. But I definitely hope we get her!
  324. A smart analysis of rape in Martin’s books- proving what I said last time- that the tapes in the TV show and it’s use as a narrative element comes from Martin. Martin’s obsession with rape is worrying.


    Or, as Tafkar writes in a follow-up article:

    George R. R. Martin uses nameless women’s bodies as character development for male antagonists in A Song of Ice and Fire. Rape victims serve as props and set decoration to illustrate a man’s depravity. Social class does not protect them. The only raped women who tell us their tales, either directly through inner monologue or by telling their story to another character, are villains. Despite numerous claims, Martin’s portrayal of rape is not supported by history….

    There are also many people that argue that George R.R. Martin is only showing us what history was really like. However, the story is not directly reflective of history. While it is true that most of the horrific events took place in history at one time or another, Martin is using horrific events from over the course of a thousand years – but squeezing them into a story with about a 2-year span (so far). In addition to cherry-picking his horrors, he’s also cherry-picking the social elements of society in a way that doesn’t stand up to a historical analysis.”

    http://io9.com/someone-has-done-a-statistical-analysis-of-rape-in-game-1707037159

  325. Sue the Fury,

    Okay, thanks for letting me know 🙂 I suppose that means there’s little hope for Victarion, unless of course they found a big-name actor who was interested in the part, which I guess is possible.

  326. mau,

    Well, I imagine it’s not in Oldtown seeing as she’s not even close to being sent there in the books! I’ll wager she’ll end up killing a major character or be sent to kill a family member.

    Pigeon,

    I would have left Brienne on ice for this season and I would have said Sansa but quite enjoying the stuff at WF. Guess we’ll have to see how this season ends before seeing whether it’s a good idea or not!

    Jade Joon,

    I’d be more worried about your own obsession with rape when you’re bringing it up in a topic where it isn’t in the slightest bit relevant.

  327. Sue the Fury,

    I love the idea of getting some Hodor back story. But the thing that makes me not believe in this potential scene is that Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon from the show (Bean and Addy) are quite clearly at least 15 years older than Hodor (in my opinion at least). Hodor seems late 20’s, early 30’s tops in the show, yet Bean and Addy are mid to late 40’s at least.

  328. I am sorry for posting it here, but elsewhere, nobody will pay attention. And I have issues with the books in this regard but not in others and I am conflicted about following the show and the books. This is a forum for discussion and as like minded individuals with common interests this is perhaps a saner forum to have these discussions. Io9 covering this also puts it square in the zeitgeist, and as thrilled as I am about the show and the new casting information, does the show condone what Martin writes? I hope not but I’m not sure: this from the same article:

    “Rape acts in Game of Thrones the TV series (to date): 50

    Rape victims in Game of Thrones (to date): 29

    Rape acts in ASOIAF the book series (to date): 214

    Rape victims in ASOIAF (to date): 117

    The books contain over 4 times as much rape as the show (and probably even more; the method of analysis likely underestimates the rape in the books – see below).”

    So yeah if I posted this elsewhere I wouldn’t be able to discuss it with anybody on this forum and ask, if I’m the only one who has conflicted feelings about these things in the books.

  329. In season 6 there will be plenty of screentime for new characters to develop.Tyrion/Dany together,Jon’s death so the Wall arc will be put to ice for the time being or they can do the ressurection,but still D&D have said last scene will be from the books,so it can’t be ressurection.Most likely some schoking events in the Winterfell and Team Dragonstone storylines.

    Those boys seems to be Ned,Brandon and Robert.I wonder,what they have in store for this.Some sort of flashback is more than likely,but for what purpose?Brandon/Ashara theory is unlikely at this point given all the hints about R+L=J.

  330. So are we far enough along in this season to guess that Sansa’s “ambiguous” ending means…

    Pink Letter and FTW? The growing tension between Jon and the rest of the NW has been shown prominently throughout the season, and we also have Davos telling Jon that the best way to defend the realm might not be to stay at the Wall and now Ramsay referencing Jon in The Gift. We know that at some point there’ll be a battle between Ramsay and Stannis. Maybe that’ll happen early in the tenth episode, after Melissandre has left Stannis to return to the Wall in part because of his refusal to sacrifice Shireen, and will end inconclusively. If the season ended with Jon getting a letter saying that Stannis is dead and demanding Sansa and Theon back and then being betrayed and apparently assassinated after raising an army of wildlings to ride to Winterfell, that would tie the whole Northern storyline together and be as shocking as cast members have made it sound. Especially if Jon is revealed to be a Targaryan to the audience shortly before that, which seems likely given the hints this season.

    Could it be that Sansa will be the author of the Pink Letter? Maybe now that she knows about Jon being LC of the Night’s Watch, she sends it to him to bring him into the fight against the Boltons.

  331. wycoff,

    Not necessarily.Tyrion/Dany together,Jon’s arc could be put to ice for some time…you know why,WF maybe.There will be room for other characters and still this all can end up in extended 7th season.

  332. Pigeon:
    TheTouchOfFrost,

    I really do think that putting Sansa et al on ice for a season makes sense. Then when it picks up it’ll be far more interesting (I hope) and give the opportunity to other plots in the meantime.

    This. Despite all the interviews for, what, three seasons now with Sophie Turner claiming big things for the Sansa storyline, I don’t know if it’s the actress or the writing but she has yet to exert any agency, rather than reacting with sobs/surprise in that adenoidal tone over and over to all the shitty things that happen to her in the show. Would be more than happy to park her for a year while more interesting stuff goes on, but given that the producers apparently luuuurrve her, that’s not going to happen (same problem with Theon, could have easily parked him for a year as he transitioned to Reek off-screen, as in the books, rather than giving us the torture porn in S3 just because they love Alfie Allen). Plus Sophie Turner is becoming a big actress now and probably wouldn’t take kindly to being on ice.

  333. Pirate, man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.”
    He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.

    [JOYOUS SCREAMING]

    YESSS.

  334. A large boy, with an actor who is 10-12 but playing 7 or 8. He’s described as “a clever boy” who seems too large for his age.

    ¿Clever boy? ¿Young Rhaegar?

    Robert is supposed not to be clever

  335. @angel watch

    It seems that the background stuff-for example the rapes as Craster’s keep in the show were included in the count. Which makes sense- wouldn’t be fair only to count the rapes of main characters only.

  336. Kells: But does Sansa know this (re: The Freys in Riverrun)?
    I ask in all honesty because I don’t recall it being mentioned to book Sansa and as for the show, would it be common knowledge to Brienne and co.? If they head that way, maybe it could be a run-in with the Brotherhood? I’m just trying to think someplace she could go where she would be actually somewhat safe because if war comes to Winterfell, I don’t feel she would be there, at least not right now.

    They haven’t said either way what Sansa knows, but seeing as she rode through the Riverlands and is supposedly smart now, you would expect she would know the basic political setup. And Brienne knows, regardless; she was the one who said that Frey ruled Riverrun now.

    Sansa is supposed to be learning to play the game. Running off to hide at this point does not serve her story (though rerunning her season 2 plotline doesn’t either, yet here we are), and Littlefinger is going to be coming North with Valemen, which provides a basis for reuniting her with her original plotline in some form.

    Aethar:
    A large boy, with an actor who is 10-12 but playing 7 or 8. He’s described as “a clever boy” who seems too large for his age.

    ¿Clever boy? ¿Young Rhaegar?

    Robert is supposed not to be clever

    Robert was not an intellectual, but that’s not the same thing as not being clever. He was a brilliant general, for instance.

  337. I understand CleganeBowl is something that deserves hype. However, I feel like it has never ever ever been mentioned without the person also saying “GET HYPE!” Was there a memo I missed?

    Granted, I do miss a lot of memos. Such as whichever memo Axey received to make him familiar with the terms “fuckboy” and “fleek.”

  338. mau,

    Makes sense. They sent Bran to Craster’s Keep in S4, Sansa to WF in Season 5 and could sent Arya to Oldtown next season.

  339. Jade Joon,

    Go into the forums and start a topic there then. It’s rude to try and divert attention from the topic being discussed and, to be quite frank, the large majority of people on the forums are fed up of the topic of rape and the disproportionate amount of discussion time it takes up. I repeat that I would take a look in the mirror and think whether it’s you who’s obsessed with rape and not Martin ( the large majority of rape motivation is about power and control and seeing as the Game of Thrones is in it’s base form an unending power struggle then it’s natural that it will occur in his stories). Currently hating myself for responding to your rather blatant attempt to hijack this thread. So again, start a topic in the forums about it and let like-minded people who WANT to discuss it do so there with you. Everyone else in this thread wants to discuss the exciting news about casting. Join in with that or begone!

    Pigeon,

    Especially if they can shift about like Littlefinger!

  340. A Man Grown:
    I understand CleganeBowl is something that deserves hype. However, I feel like it has never ever ever been mentioned without the person also saying “GET HYPE!” Was there a memo I missed?

    You’re in for a treat. Go to youtube and search for Cleganebowl, and you’ll get the joke 🙂

  341. pntrlqst,

    pntrlqst: Robert, Brandon, Ned.

    That’s my guess as well, for a flashback. Also makes sense that Robert would be the one-time only appearance (as they shared time growing up but were not together all the time), while Ned and Brandon could potentially be featured in other flashbacks together (especially if they want to flash back Lyanna).

  342. Interesting…we’re heading back to the Riverlands. I’m sure this will please the people who will never give up hope that SHE will put in an appearance. And whole year more speculation on when she’ll show! Splendid. #sarcasm That pirate is unquestionably either Crow’s Eye or Victarian, who will likely be a blend of the two anyway. His role will probably be reduced to plaguing the west coast but it’s better than nothing. What’s interesting is if these predictions hold true, it feels like the story is still branching out in season 6 when it needs to be condensing. But since we don’t know how it ends, maybe Sam is still in Old Town at the finale of the final book?. Hmm.

  343. Daniel,
    I agree. It makes sense that they cut him out of the Tyrion arc (since that’s all talk until he turns back to Westeros), but seems hard to imagine that he’s not at all important to the rest of the story. Plus, from these casting notes, Season 6 looks like it’s shaping up to be the “stalled” season.

  344. Robson Green to play Euron.

    He and Mr Tyene can sing a duet together when the Ironborn and the Martell Army clash.

  345. This is probably the most exciting bit of casting news related to GoT in years, IMO. Some kind of Septon Maribald character (yes yes yes yes)? Some kind of Euron Greyjoy? Even if it’s not Euron, but a character substituting for his overall role on the story…as long as we’re getting him. Randyll Tarly, and House Tarly? Check. A possible Stark flashback involving young Ned? Oh my god, that would be amazing. Especially if they used multiple flashbacks to explore some of the most important bits of history (like Jon’s parentage).

    Speaking of which…

    if Melisandre isn’t at the wall, does anyone see where Jon’s story is going? Is he not going to die? Is he going to die and NOT get resurrected? Will Beric/Thoros make a surprise appearance at the wall to save his ass?
  346. Jade Joon: Martin’s obsession with rape is worrying.

    I don’t think that GRRM is “obsessed” with rape. Instead, I think that he’s depicting things as they were in real societies at similar levels of cultural evolution. This is a world in which all form of assault, including sexual assault, are common. By skipping the rape, GRRM (and B&W) would be whitewashing the violence, and just how horrible this world would be.

    Recall Sansa’s horror when Cersei tells her that there will be a lot of raping after Stannis’ men sack Kings Landing. Sansa’s whitewashed version of history omits these ugly things, and makes horrors look romantic. If you leave out the sexual assault, the physical violence, the torture, the maiming, etc., then you have Lord of the Rings: and while Lord of the Rings is a charming fairy tale, GRRM wanted to write a novel instead.

  347. outdoorcats: Some kind of Septon Maribald character (yes yes yes yes)?

    I do not remember Maribald: which one was he? At any rate, remember this is Winter: it is very probable that this is some Septon that we’ve never encountered in the books.

  348. Kevrob:
    Interesting…we’re heading back to the Riverlands.

    Maybe I missed something but why assume we are heading back to the Riverlands?

  349. Wimsey: I do not remember Maribald: which one was he?At any rate, remember this is Winter: it is very probable that this is some Septon that we’ve never encountered in the books.

    Septon Meribald, who Brienne met on her journeys in AFFC. His monologue on the after-effects of war is one of the best parts of that book, and one of the best encapsulations of its themes.

    However, the description of the character in the casting is a fairly clear merge of Meribald with the Elder Brother (who may be called Meribald). He would definitely be in the Riverlands, though.

  350. Sean C.,

    I agree that they will be merging Septon Meribald with Elder Brother but why can’t their story be moved elsewhere…like the Vale?

  351. chameleon: This. Despite all the interviews for, what, three seasons now with Sophie Turner claiming big things for the Sansa storyline, I don’t know if it’s the actress or the writing but she has yet to exert any agency, rather than reacting with sobs/surprise in that adenoidal tone over and over to all the shitty things that happen to her in the show. Would be more than happy to park her for a year while more interesting stuff goes on, but given that the producers apparently luuuurrve her, that’s not going to happen (same problem with Theon, could have easily parked him for a year as he transitioned to Reek off-screen, as in the books, rather than giving us the torture porn in S3 just because they love Alfie Allen). Plus Sophie Turner is becoming a big actress now and probably wouldn’t take kindly to being on ice.

    I get the feeling you don’t like her, huh? One reason I see for them not cutting Sansa for a season is that she is a part of Littlefinger’s plans. On the show, they choose to show him directly manipulating situations so show watchers know he’s the one doing things vs. him using catspaws while he’s miles away like in the books. They aren’t going to sideline him at this point because more and more of his plots are being revealed, so they won’t sideline her.

  352. A Man Grown:
    chameleon,

    If it’s the two videos linked on the KnowYourMeme page for Cleganebowl, I’m a bit…underwhelmed?

    I only know the ones on Youtube which I found hilarious…but then again, Blazing Saddles is one of my favorite movies so you see where my sense of humor is 😉

  353. Aisling,
    Anyone who thinks they’re going to sideline Sansa for a whole year is off the reservations. This isn’t anything like side-lining Isaac Hempstead Wright. Isaac is a nice, young actor, but Sophie is an ascendant movie star with a big year next year that includes X-Men and Frankenstein.

  354. Jade Joon,

    Perhaps go back to Harry Potter. They just cast a psycho pirate who cut out the tongues of the entire crew of his boat and named it Silence.

  355. Wimsey,

    Seriously. When you read in the NY Times about Boko Haram using mass rape as a means of control, and ISIS using sex slavery, I don’t feel like wasting one breath worrying about FICTIONAL rape.

  356. Aisling: I get the feeling you don’t like her, huh? One reason I see for them not cutting Sansa for a season is that she is a part of Littlefinger’s plans. On the show, they choose to show him directly manipulating situations so show watchers know he’s the one doing things vs. him using catspaws while he’s miles away like in the books. They aren’t going to sideline him at this point because more and more of his plots are being revealed, so they won’t sideline her.

    Yes, and she will be Queen of the North one day. You mark my words

  357. Also what annoys me about these comments is that a song of ice and fire is decidedly anti war and anti rape. Yes I’m sure there’s some nutjob a out there who love those scenes but GRRM is doing a Kubric. These scenes should remind normal people that war is not normal. It’s awful and yet with the lack of authority mankind will resort back to these behaviours. Never forget. And yet in a Clockwork Orange absolute government authority robs us of our humanity.

  358. Ravyn,

    Emilia clarke did fine with filming both game of thrones and Terminator ..so i dont think this will be a problem

  359. WolfDragon,

    When will this endless speculation about the years stop??? Benioff just did an interview this weekend with Entertainment Weekly where he explained the very reason they accelerated Tyrion-Dany meeting: “We don’t intend this to go 9, 10 seasons, never have.” And I don’t think he’s saying that as a negotiating tactic with HBO. This is done in, my guess, 7 1/2 seasons, with the last one a split one. But Benioff has been very clear they are heading for the finish line. All this new stuff, as another person here said though I can’t track it down at the moment, will be supporting stuff for the main characters we already have. They’re not going to get a lot of screen time on their own, if any. Look at the Sand Snakes: 7 episodes in and they’ve had about 12 minutes of screen time. The show, as it needs to be, has that ending in sight and every decision is heading towards that. They haven’t exactly been shy about saying it.

  360. Lanora Cuellar,

    Probably depends on what country you live in…and if
    Zeus,

    People always confuse showing (or telling) with condoning . If that were true, Kubrick must be pro-rape because of Clockwork Orange. Or George Miller, everyone’s favorite new feminist filmmaker, must be a pro-rape guy because of a gang rape in Road Warrior.

  361. dragonbringer,

    Yeah. I meant as release. From her Instagram feed, Sophie’s already filmed/filming X-Men and I think Frankenstein ( if it’s still on) is shooting after s6 commitments. Next year with GoT could be a real breakout year for her, that’s why they’re not sidelining her (assuming she makes it out of S5). That ain’t how Hollywood producers think.

  362. Zeus:
    Also what annoys me about these comments is that a song of ice and fire is decidedly anti war and anti rape.

    How do you figure? If the criteria for being anti-war and anti-rape is having a metric shit ton of it in your work, ASOIAF qualifies. If you catch some interviews where the author talks about medieval violence (I think the one he did in London a few years back is a good example) he salivates talking about historic battles where blood and gore churned the ground to mud and whatnot. He wallows in the violence like an adolescent. Ain’t nothing Kubric about him.

  363. Ravyn,

    If we whitewash the past we are condemned to repeat it. It needs to be shown so people are horrified. It’s actually why I loved the appropriately named a feast for crows. Everyone was dead but the carrion feeders were happy. I’ve argued with my friends on the Brienne chapters. She may be boring as all hell and there were too many but the way Septon Marobold and the Elder brother described the effects of war was very powerful. I hope the most likely combined character pounds those facts home.

  364. M,

    If Doran plans to kill Tommen so Trystane becomes King (by no means a given) Dorne and KL will be somewhat merged. Tyrion and Dany has been merged as well. Arya might/should join someone else’s party at least by mid-season.

    Beyond that, we’re in the dark.

  365. Cumsprite,

    Really? Please go back and read Feast again. These are nihilistic anti war books. The northerners who you’re supposed to root for burn rape and pillage. The lannisters who you’re supposed to hate did the same.

    All modern wars did the same from WW2 to Vietnam to Iraq. War sucks. Kubrick thought the same. Watch paths of glory or 2001 or full metal jacket. George is just pointing out the truth of war.

  366. Dothraki:
    hi guys,

    Anyone knows how to submit myself to a part in the season 6?

    Kind regards

    Me too! And I just started wearing an eyepatch two days ago, no joke! I assume D&D stalk my Facebook, saw me wearing the patch, and promptly decided to include Euron. 🙂

    I’m sure, though, that the way to be considered for a role is to build up an impressive body of work, and then have your agent try to get you an audition.

  367. Lulu’s Mum: Thanks for that, guess what song I’ve now got stuck in my brain *sings la la la…Radio Free Euron…* ;O)

    For anyone who’s baffled by that (practically everyone) and cares (unlikely to be anyone at all, but you never know): REM’s first proper single was called Radio Free Europe.

    Don’t Go Back to Casterly Rockville

  368. I’ve always thought Kenneth Brannagh would be a perfect Randyll Tarly, though he may be too tied up with his new theatre company(of which Richard Madden is a member, interestingly).

  369. chameleon: ikr?Best thing to happen to this fandom in a while, we’re all jumping up and down and speculating and having a ball rather than attacking and lecturing each other….My husband just walked by and asked what was going on because I’m squeeing and squirming and nerding out with everyone’s comments, I remember all the fun when we were fancasting last year!Way to go Sue and the rest of the wonderful folks running this site for the scoop!!

    Haha! Yeah I ended up sleeping, I’m going through the comments now. Some people have noted how Euron is going to become the antagonist instead of Ramsay. I find that interesting because it could very well mean:

    Theon might go with him as well this season (not necessarily together)

    The interesting part is that we’re going from a Greyjoy “victim” to a greyjoy “psychopath”. It would be interesting if we end up having a “Bolton” victim of a psychopath for the next two seasons.

  370. Huge News! Great work, Sue. Stoked for next next season already! S5 is for the unsullied, but maybe S6 is for us book wankers!

  371. Wimsey,

    THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. Why this doesn’t end all discussion on this topic, I do not know. Just my opinion. Anyone tempted to reply and try to argue any other reason/option/opinion to sway mine, give it up. You can’t convince me.
    ——————
    WOW WEEEEEE! Awesome casting news! Sue, you ROCK!!
    I’m glad that we’re not losing the Ironborn completely (otherwise, why did I have to slog through those chapters) but severely cutting back on them. Euron has a connection to the elements being introduced in Oldtown, so I never expected him to be out completely, nor did I think Oldtown would be cut, so this casting (and location news) is great. Anyone but Mads Mikkelson, tho. 😉
    Randyl Tarly! After all of the mentions, we have to have him, but the whole Tarly family? Perhaps for just one or two awkward and depressing dysfunctional family scenes while Sam drops Gilly and Sammy off at Granny’s house, but please, no more than that.
    As for the priest, I join with those who think that it will be an amalgamation of Septon M and Elder Bro.

    THE GRAVEDIGGER LIVES!

    Perhaps with an appearance by the BwB and/or the Blackfish.
    The casting of the boys is VERY exciting! It will be great to see Brandon and Ned as boys and get a glimpse into

    Robert’s actual relationship with Lyanna, as well as the bros relationship with her. Perhaps we’ll even get lucky enough to see a Lyanna/Rheagar flashback…

    Whoa! I have to rein myself in here. So hyped for flashbacks with some meat to them.
    The actress: my first thought was

    Arya’s troup.

    Perhaps this character will somehow provide her impetus to return to Westeros.
    The priestess: Hope that this is not a re-cast of Quaithe. I liked her. Perhaps she will be a representative of Asshai, though. We need to learn more about this locale, I think.
    The warrior: Hmmmm…a Dothraki Khal is as good a guess as any, since we have nothing else to go on. Brown Ben Plumm seems physically possible too, but for what purpose?

    Is there really a need for Brienne to

    venture back to the Riverlands?

    I say no. Someone above suggested that just scenes between the Meribald/EB character would work, or another suggestion that Jaime visit the QI, or, heck, even Gendry could pop back up there. Who knows? Not us anymore! 😉

    So hyped for the last few episodes! Why oh why does this time of year go by so fast?? Thanks again for the news, Sue! Wish I could be at ComicCon this year just to ask D&D or BCog if the guy that released Tyrion was a shout-out to Strong Belwas. Please, someone ask this!

  372. Kubrick was pacifist and a humanist- one look at the literature and philosophy underpinning 2001 will show you that. Martin is the opposite- deeply nihilistic philosophy.

  373. Daniel,

    Lemore is said to be in her 40s and the priestess description says 20s.

    Lemore’s personality though sounds a lot like the 40’s actress described above. Perhaps a little bit of misdirection.

  374. Greatjon of Slumber:
    Graham McTavish sounds like the right sort for Randyll Tarly. Big, bald, imposing. Yeah.

    Also, since nobody has said it yet, THIS CONFIRMS DEEPWOOD MOTTE!

    Hell Yeah! Deepwood Motte!!

    Get HYPE!

  375. The 40’s actress description reminds more of Lemore than anything else.

    The 20s priestess could be a Green Grace?

    Tall Warrior = Ser Archibald or Khal Jhaqo

  376. Zeus,

    Wild horses will not drag me back to AFFC. My contention is that a work needs to do more than depict buckets of blood and rampant sexual violence to be considered anti rape and war. I am very familiar with the works you mentioned and many more. I referred to Martin’s interview in London. It’s a long one and I don’t expect you to dig it up. Here’s a quick and easy one. In the appendix of either AFFC or ADWD, Martin describes Lolly’s son, a product of a gang rape, as “he of many fathers”. The appendix is not in-universe. This is Martin making a rape joke.

    How in the world is that anti-rape?

  377. @zeus no thanks, is rather read Philip K Dick, and other post modernist writers. Martin seems to me to play off the Iraq war, which is great, since that was pointless as the five kings war. However there are some great works that have dealt with these issues, without glorifying war and rape. Martin’s 200 plus count of rape itself is an indicator of genocide (violence against women was only recently added to the core measures and predictors of genocide, despite being in the first draft of the definition of genocide way back in 1945). Having said that, there are subtler and more effective ways to convey genocide than adding in 200 rapes. So as I mentioned, I’m very much on the fence, and wondering if anybody else has the same concerns. Aren’t we also implicated in some way?

  378. @Jamesl I’ve never been on those nor am I a member of whatever is required. I think Io9 gets the word out- at least I hope so.

  379. But seriously – the Broken Men speech needs to be given by somebody Bryan Cranston, JK Simmons level.

  380. Lulu’s Mum,

    Hey, I saw them when they were still a bar band! I thought they were pretty good, but I never would have predicted how successful they would become a decade later.

  381. @ whimsy I agree with you. However there is room for different versions of the same. The New York Times covers those issues as they are the world’s realities. Which is why they need to be spoken, published in the public sphere. Because they are true, and for them to remain true they need to be reported upon. However, fiction and by extension literature is an extension of ourselves, our humanity and how we see ourselves. These are stories that every individual tells of themselves in one form or another- spoken word , songs, myths, traditions. That’s why fiction is so important it is a subjective truth, while what the New York Times reports is an objective truth. And so what does that say about us when one of the most popular books of fantasy glorify rape and war?

  382. Jade Joon,

    I think Kubrick can be viewed in many ways. One specific philosophy is probably too generic for him. I would say the same for George RR but they’re both anti war for me. At least that’s what I got out of both of their works

  383. Jade Joon,

    I think if you can’t read about rape and think it’s worse than flaying or murder you might need to rethink your priorities. Asoiaf is clearly dark. If you don’t like it. Don’t read it. The world is dark and full of terrors

  384. Cumsprite,

    That book was totally anti war for me and I am extremely anti war. I’m very left politically and I’m sorry you didn’t take it the way I did. Those are the horrors of war. Hence a feast for crows. We are about to see nuclear war with a dance for dragons. It is still mind bogglingly to me that people have favorite dragons. They are actual weapons of mass destruction. Read on about the mass murder of the foresters by the Targaeryans

  385. ctid,

    what purpose would he serve …

    and why should he be mixed ethnicity ..we know dothraki are coming back ,…so we need to have a khal who oppose dany

  386. “Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles.”

    Septon Meribald? Meribald isn’t gruff, no nonsense and “salt-of-the-earth”. That sounds more like Damphair to me.

  387. Jade Joon: Martin is the opposite- deeply nihilistic philosophy.

    LOL.

    RS: Early on, one critic described the TV series as bleak and embodying a nihilistic worldview, another bemoaned its “lack of moral signposts.” Have you ever worried that there’s some validity to that criticism?

    GRRM: No. That particular criticism is completely invalid. Actually, I think it’s moronic. My worldview is anything but nihilistic.

  388. So if AFFC is such a god-awful book, why are the directors reaching back in time and snagging one of its minor characters to add to S6?

  389. Cumsprite: Wild horses will not drag me back to AFFC.

    REM is our theme band tonight. Come back next Wednesday for the Stones.

    Cumsprite: My contention is that a work needs to do more than depict buckets of blood and rampant sexual violence to be considered anti rape and war.

    It might seem to be a subtle distinction, but I would say that SoI&F is not anti-atrocity from a moral point of view, but instead from an ethical point of view. There is no real sense in the books that anybody realizes that “bad” people caused this mess and that “good” people should try to fix it or try to prevent this from happening again. The morality of “duty, family, honor” and “A Lannister always pays his debts” trumps this: it seems that the characters would consider it far more immoral to “dishonor” their houses by backing down from these sorts of conflicts despite the horrible side effects.

    On the other hand, we cannot accuse GRRM of making it look glorious or “good.” The lead characters might not recognize (or care) what a mess they’ve made, but the reader has to do so. And that in turn makes this an ethical comment: morality (“honor”) systems that put the concerns of a few over the welfare of the many make hundreds of people suffer for every one that benefits.

    Or, to put it another way: GRRM is saying that fairy tales are propaganda designed to make unethical behavior seem moral! 🙂

  390. Chad Brick: So if AFFC is such a god-awful book, why are the directors reaching back in time and snagging one of its minor characters to add to S6?

    One, we don’t know that they are doing that. Remember, there will be completely new characters in Winter who will appear in S6. Indeed, it’s just as likely that any character listed above is a new character as an old one: it’s just a good deal less probable that the “pirate” is not Euron than it is that the actress or the septon is not someone we’ve seen before.

    Two, how does it follow that a god-awful book (which is too kind: I would write “gods-awful”) cannot have a good minor character? A good book has to have a hell of a lot more than one good minor character. (A coherent story is nice, for example.) Indeed, it’s sort of says a lot that one of the only things that they deemed salvageable is a minor character!

    Ooh, I’m getting a Jojen vibe! I’m sensing that you shout at computers a lot when you try to write programs……

  391. Wimsey,

    Great great post. I think the point is that bad things aren’t always done by bad people but that we all have the ability to do bad things within us. Sometimes grey people do good things. Sometimes they do bad things. Good and evil are in most people.

  392. Simeon,

    This is a common failing of moralists: they cannot recognize ethical themes, but only moral themes, and even then only moral themes in accordance with their morality. So, either good people ultimately are rewarded for (what they consider to be) good deeds and bad people are punished for (what they consider to be) bad deeds, or it is nihilistic.

    That is one thing that the show has done very well, incidentally. Moralists will decry most HBO as depicting “sex without repercussions.” Thrones is showing that you cannot have morality without repercussions. Cersei just got bit badly on the ass by an attempted “one night stand” with the gods! (People write about Euron being an antagonist: but the High Sparrow should scare the willies out of us!)

  393. Really excited to see euron and any other greyjoys cast. I think the major actress might be jorahs ex wife reimagined as one of the braavosi paramours. I think the older man is not meribald but marwyn

  394. DonalNoyesArm,

    You are a freaking brilliant man- Cox would be perfect! Now that I have that in my head, I’ll be disappointed by anyone else in that roll.

  395. Zeus,

    My blushes! Oh, and I’ve always been a big fan of your work: you are, like, one of my 5 favorite gods!

    🙂

  396. I don’t understand how people don’t know why this makes this series of books and show the best. You’re suppsed to hate Jaime until you get in his head. You’re supposed to love Dany until she invades a foreign country for no good reason. This isn’t a black and white moral tale.

    Wimsey:
    Simeon,

    This is a common failing of moralists: they cannot recognize ethical themes, but only moral themes, and even then only moral themes in accordance with their morality.So, either good people ultimately are rewarded for (what they consider to be) good deeds and bad people are punished for (what they consider to be) bad deeds, or it is nihilistic.

    That is one thing that the show has done very well, incidentally.Moralists will decry most HBO as depicting “sex without repercussions.”Thrones is showing that you cannot have morality without repercussions.Cersei just got bit badly on the ass by an attempted “one night stand” with the gods!(People write about Euron being an antagonist: but the High Sparrow should scare the willies out of us!)

  397. A Man Grown:
    I understand CleganeBowl is something that deserves hype. However, I feel like it has never ever ever been mentioned without the person also saying “GET HYPE!” Was there a memo I missed?

    Granted, I do miss a lot of memos. Such as whichever memo Axey received to make him familiar with the terms “fuckboy” and “fleek.”

    I still don’t really know what those terms mean. I just take stabbing guesses.

    Also, I prefer a more 1960’scentric “Get hip!”

  398. For our “pirate” I’d like to suggest Marton Csokas. He just did a movie with Emilia Clarke so hopefully that gives him his “in”. I think Purefoy and Sewell would be great too (as would Mikkelsen but I think he’s too busy) BUT Csokas IMHO is the best choice.

  399. Yo ho yo ho an ironborn life for me! Shiver me timbers you land lovers and fear the KRAKEN!

  400. Renly’s Peach:
    Am I the only person who doesn’t like Mads Mikkelsen as Euron? When I think Euron, and I think swarthy pirate lunatic.. the last person who comes to mind is Mads.

    I don’t care for Mads as Euron. I’m all in the James Purefoy as Euron, but Purefoy pretty much scowled that away a few years ago.

  401. M:
    I wonder where all the screentime for what’s shaping up to be a big Reach/Oldtown plotline is going to come from. Dorne being cut? Less time in the North? Less Arya? Less KL?

    My guess is that Iron Islands and Oldtown will be one combined plotline rather than two separate ones, and the Kingsmoot will be either cut, or be very brief (we’ll probably have a better idea about this if we find out later this season what Yara’s been up to). The Kingsmoot isn’t really necessary, since it starts with Euron claiming the throne, and ends with him still holding on to it. It doesn’t really change anything.

    The Shield Islands battle can happen entirely off screen (expensive naval battle involving no established characters just doesn’t seem like a good use of time or money, and the “victory celebration” would completely reignite the controversy from S5E6 if they showed it as written). My guess is that Euron vs. Oldtown is going to be important in Winds of Winter, so I expect they’ll jump right into that.

    I could imagine Balon seeing Euron’s ship on the horizon just before falling to his death, at the end of this season, to set up Euron’s introduction next season.

    I’m also expecting Arya’s training to wrap up at the end of this season or early next season, and have her get merged back into one of the other storylines (not really sure which). Also, I expect that Jaqen H’ghar will head to Oldtown at the end of this season as well, to infiltrate the Citadel as in the books (unless they’re giving that role to Arya in the show)

  402. wot:
    “Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles.”

    Septon Meribald? Meribald isn’t gruff, no nonsense and “salt-of-the-earth”. That sounds more like Damphair to me.

    Damphair is not “a rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside”. And, as already posted, he’s probably a merge of Meribald and the Elder Brother, taking the former’s job and the latter’s character and plot function.

  403. Greenjones,

    I love the idea of Csokas as Crow’s Eye…
    I thought of him more as Victarion last year, but he looks like a cross of Euron and Victarion so he could be perfect for the theorized combined role!

    I wonder if his being cast on AMC’s Into the Badlands may interfere though?
    http://deadline.com/2015/05/marton-csokas-cast-into-the-badlands-amc-1201420634/

    I have not seen any info about their production other than it will be six one-hour episodes to air in the Fall of this year. I would guess 6 episodes could be wrapped up in time to film on Thrones if he is cast, but it may depend on when they want to start filming Euron scenes on Thrones….

  404. Interesting that two of the three boys have their hair and eye colouring and accents outlined but the third doesn’t. If the big boy was Robert, the right hair and eye colouring would be essential.

  405. LordDavos:
    Interesting that two of the three boys have their hair and eye colouring and accents outlined but the third doesn’t. If the big boy was Robert, the right hair and eye colouring would be essential.

    That is probably related to a smaller talent pool that can play the larger boy. It is more important to get that characteristic right (eye and hair color can be tweaked). But for more regular boys roles it is simply easier and cheaper to cast for types. These will likely just be very short appearances in flashbacks.

  406. Casso,

    The Kingsmoot isn’t necessary, but it’s one of those scenes in the books that are really memorable and awesome, and it’s the best way to introduce Euron and his intentions to go head-to-head with Dany.

  407. Darquemode,

    Ah shit, I didn’t know about him being in a show already. Hopefully if he’s considered for the part he can work around that then.

  408. Casso,

    Yes, people suggest that Arya should replace Jaqen in Oldtown to cut down on the storylines but:

    A) sending Arya to Oldtown means you can’t keep Jaqen in the show (because she’d take his role)
    B) it would mean cutting Arya’s storyline from the books, and so far they’ve been incredibly faithful to her storyline

    My guess for Arya in season 6 is that she joins an acting band, takes a ship to Westeros, returns to the Riverlands, passes by Meribald and the Gravedigger, possibly running by the BWB and eventually deals justice to Walder Frey

  409. I will consign the petition to cast James Purefoy as Euron Greyjoy. He truly is a marvellous actor and I would love to see another guy from Rome in this shebang.

  410. The Long Night,
    Just a few minutes ago someone suggested Rhys Ifans as Euron to me…
    He would be different than I pictured, but certainly interesting!

    That same person also had another Euron suggestion I liked, Jason Flemyng.
    He has that crazy/ dangerous look and plays psychopathic so well!

  411. jentario:
    Casso,

    Yes, people suggest that Arya should replace Jaqen in Oldtown to cut down on the storylines but:

    A) sending Arya to Oldtown means you can’t keep Jaqen in the show (because she’d take his role)
    B) it would mean cutting Arya’s storyline from the books, and so far they’ve been incredibly faithful to her storyline

    My guess for Arya in season 6 is that she joins an acting band, takes a ship to Westeros, returns to the Riverlands, passes by Meribald and the Gravedigger, possibly running by the BWB and eventually deals justice to Walder Frey

    This. This whole scenario = magic!
    I love that her arc has stayed, somewhat, faithful to the text but we need her back in Westeros sooner than later. A mid-season trip, across the sea, and her “list” can be re-born.

  412. Oh Yes!

    “It’s described as “a very good part” for next year and that he’s “centrally involved” in a protagonist’s storyline”

    Randyll Tarly – not just a cameo appearance either, Kings Landing the Sparrows will burn!

    I suppose the Fiersome Warrior is supposed to be Euron perhaps? I wasn’t certain going by that but a few commenters seem to think so

    If so I am happy if Euron makes his belated return

    Sparring boys is perhaps Ned and Brandon in a flashback?

  413. oracle86:
    I will consign the petition to cast James Purefoy as Euron Greyjoy. He truly is a marvellous actor and I would love to see another guy from Rome in this shebang.

    He’s the guy who played Marc Antony right? I can see him fitting though strangely he may fit as Victarion more, just as I saw the red-head guy as a good Jon Connington

  414. Delta1212:
    If they are casting a young Robert Baratheon, I hope somebody has the foresight to pick a kid that looks like a young Gendry as much or more than a young Robert.

    Same here, Renly was supposed to look like a young Robert, people just see a fat drunk instead of the charismatic leader of a rebellion

    If it is 7 or 8 then that is too young though, could be someone part of Arya’s troupe – or even a young Varys!

  415. jentario:
    Casso,

    My guess for Arya in season 6 is that she joins an acting band, takes a ship to Westeros, returns to the Riverlands, passes by Meribald and the Gravedigger, possibly running by the BWB and eventually deals justice to Walder Frey

    I like this. Sansa takes down the Boltons, Arya takes down the Freys. The RW is avenged.

  416. Never knew there were so many fans of those stupid Greyjoys.
    Took me by surprise just like LSH fans. Didn’t know that mute had followers

  417. jentario,

    Right now I think Arya’s storyline is one of the biggest unknowns for me (book and show). All we have is the Mercy sample chapter from Winds to go by, and the main events of that will basically be covered this season, even if the disguise and exact circumstances have changed a bit.

    In the books, I can’t really see her sticking around in Braavos too much longer. If Tycho Nestoris and Ser Justin Massey bring Jeyne Poole to Braavos, Arya and “Arya” could meet, and Arya could get pulled into the Northern storyline. If Harys Swyft returns to King’s Landing, Arya could potentially sneak onto his ship to go looking for some more names to cross off her list. She could also potentially be sent to Oldtown to train with Jaqen.

    Really, she could be sent just about anywhere with a bit of a stretch, though I think that having her go back to somewhere in Westeros would make much more sense than dragging her into the Meereenese Knot (or something really crazy and crack-pot like sending her to Valyria to assassinate Gerion Lannister, who is hiding out in a volcano with a glass candle, calling himself “R’hllor”, and broadcasting visions to manipulate people who stare into flames).

    I’m guessing that the show will send her to whatever storyline she joins in the book, unless it’s one that’s been cut.

  418. I do not understand the basis for people thinking the three boys are Ned, Robert and Benjen. If I remember correctly only Ned was with Robert in the Vale but only when they were a little older (see Mia Stone). For that reason if it is related to a flashback and they are in the same flashback (many ifs) I would much more expect this to be the boywolves of Winterfell (Brandon, Ned and Benjen) and, who knows, maybe even a little shewolf people would really love to see ?

  419. Ok what if the three boys are JOn RObb and Theon

    and it will be a scene where jon claims he is the Lord of Winterfell and Robb says you cant be Lord of winterfell and Theon Laughing …

    we May even Have Ned looking from far and praying old gods please let them be brothers and love eachother

  420. The Long Night,

    He’s older than the description, but he could be awesome in the role!
    I wonder if he would take such a small part though…. Interesting…

  421. Jade Joon,

    Would you like me to count how many there has been in the world in just one year? I don’t condone the act but we are watching fiction that does not shy away from the horrors of what life is like in Westeros.

    Some people has had ancestors that were slaves. Do you think I would run arround with signs and a stick up my ass screaming that Game of Thrones is promoting slavary too?

  422. Most likely it is two different scenes – the two northern kids in one and the big boy in another.

  423. Sue the Fury,

    If it’s Hodor, it can’t be Robert and Ned since they should be way older than him. Could this be Jon and Robb? I don’t know, something here doesn’t make sense age wise

  424. mariamb,

    How about this?
    -Stannis’s situation is bleaker than ever
    -Melisandre and Selyse sacrifice Shireen behind his back
    -Stannis angrily kills Melisandre, and Selyse falls in the snow (the shot from the trailer)
    -then Ramsay attacks, and the consequences are left as a cliffhanger
    -Jon receives the Pink Letter

    Or maybe this:
    -Stannis refuses to sacrifice Shireen
    -Ramsay attacks and kills Stannis, Selyse falls on her knees in the snow and is also killed, Shireen is also killed (to make the viewers feel that Stannis should have sacrifice her)
    -Melisandre and Davos escape to the Wall?
    -Pink Letter

  425. Lee Pace (Ronan from Guardians of the Galaxy) for Victarion. British accent, enormous dude, right look. Slap a black goatee (or whatever pirates find fashionable these days) and your casting is done.

  426. InfernoBox:
    Pirate,man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.”
    He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.

    [JOYOUS SCREAMING]

    YESSS.

    YEEEEESSSSSSS SALLADHOR SAAN RECAST!

  427. I could see Lee Pace as an intimidating Euron. He was a great Thranduil. He was also in a film called the The Fall. Great actor.

    The three boys might be: Brandon, Ned and Hodor, or Robert, Ned and Hodor. TV Jon has brown eyes and TV Rob blue, so it doesn’t work out.

    Maybe the scene is designed to tell us something of Robert’s / Brandon’s personalities in how they treat Hodor. Brandon was rash, and it plays an important role in the story.

  428. After thinking about it over night I wonder if these roles correspond to just a few of the regions to be shot early?

    – Sam’s family is obviously the Father, Mother, Brother, Sister roles.
    – Arya may just have the Lead Actress role…
    – Flashbacks would be the 3 boys.
    – Pirate is obviously Euron, could the rest be for the Greyjoy arc as well?
    Priest could be Aeron (fits his age and the salt-of-the-earth line could be a play on sea salt etc), Fierce Warrior could be a Silent crewman like Cragorn, and the Priestess could be a spin on Moqorro or Dusky Woman maybe?

    Maybe over thinking it, plus I would love Elder Brother at the Quiet Isle!

  429. Wimsey,

    Yes, and I would also say that Martin doesn’t overly care for political correctness, which is a plus from where I’m standing.

  430. Jade Joon:
    Kubrick was pacifist and a humanist- one look at the literature and philosophy underpinning 2001 will show you that. Martin is the opposite- deeply nihilistic philosophy.

    http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/george-r-r-martin-the-rolling-stone-interview-20140423?page=4

    I urge you to read this great interview with Martin. Talks about a lot of interesting things, but there’s also this:

    Early on, one critic described the TV series as bleak and embodying a nihilistic worldview, another bemoaned its “lack of moral signposts.” Have you ever worried that there’s some validity to that criticism?

    No. That particular criticism is completely invalid. Actually, I think it’s moronic. My worldview is anything but nihilistic.

    EDIT: ninja’d by Simeon.

  431. What about Howland Reed??

    Hopefully we get to also see some familiar faces again i.e. Blackfish, Greatjon, Brotherhood Without Banners, Gendry, Hodor and friends.

  432. I do not get it.
    Instead of narrowing the story down they keep it spread out by now adding the Ironborn?

    I think since were close to the end (season 7) the story should become more focused.

    I do not belive d&d would give in and film GRRMs filler and add 2 more seasons when they have seen how Dorne backfired this season.

  433. Priestess. Mid-20’s to early 30’s. Any ethnicity- she’s beautiful, intense, and magnetic.

    Seems they left off “full frontal nudity at least once per episode”. Or is that just a given at this point? 🙂

  434. pau,

    I hate that line. I think we will get a satisfactory ending and part of being satisfied is some sliver of happiness for the characters. Especially for the remaining Starks.

    …although with Sansa peaking this year and Rickon being the true heir of WF anyway, I fear she could be on her way out eventually.

  435. That rumor that Gary Oldman has great intrest in bein euron greyjoy , seems more likely than ever

  436. Annie Wilkes,

    Have you read the last two copies which are not yet released? I would like to know how GRRM focused on endgame via narrowing plot. Oh wait, you are just making assumptions out of nowhere just because they are casting two medium characters who are releated to Reach storyline.

  437. Just when I had come to terms with no LS they release this.. I dont see how Brienne will end up in the Riverlands though. Maybe Theon will tell Sansa about Bran and Rickon. And Sansa will tell Brienne to look for the two kids.

  438. Dorian,

    Was about to say the same thing! People really do read things far too literally sometimes. Why would he be angry at an unproduced show…especially as his character in Rome had already died!

    I sense the Leading Lady will be a cross between Blushing Bethany and the Sailors Wife (who many speculate to be Tysha) in Arya’s story only the character will be moved from a brothel to Aryas troupe.

  439. Annie Wilkes:
    I do not get it.
    Instead of narrowing the story down they keep it spread out by now adding the Ironborn?

    I think since were close to the end (season 7) the story should become more focused.

    I do not belive d&d would give in and film GRRMs filler and add 2 more seasons when they have seen how Dorne backfired this season.

    We just lost one story line (Dany and Tyrion merged) and are likely about to lose another (some mish-mash of Sansa, Theon, Stannis and co, and Brienne). Since S2, the number of TV “POVs” has remained close to constant at around 7 or 8. We currently have Meereen, the Wall, King’s Landing, Dorne, Winterfell, Stannis and Co, and Braavos for a total of seven, down from eight for most of this season. I see no reason that S6 won’t hold to the same model, and thus adding 1-2 more POVs (Sam/Oldtown and the Greyjoys, which will partly merge) seems about right. I don’t expect a serious funneling until well into the final season.

  440. Wimsey,

    It is so refreshing to read your comments. As one of them who hasn’t read the books I like the way you touch upon the subtlety of perspectives and dimensions that bring together books and show. Looking around the sea of one-dimensional, one-eyed if not blinded cyclops who rave in the prospect of a badass character swinging his sword or whatever else is available to swing it is a pleasure to read comments like yours that not only put things in perspective but also tackle with the complexity of important questions that refer to human actions and delve deeply into their repercussions and iimpact. One wonders where do you find the time 🙂 Thank you, anyway!

  441. dragonbringer,

    I’d love to see a mini Robb Jon and Theon scene, but would Robb be described as “‘a clever boy’ who seems too large for his age.”? Definitely sounds like it’s going to be Hodor or something. Maybe Brandon Stark at a push but I doubt it.

    edit: I guess it could still be Hodor + Robb + Jon or (what I want) Hodor + Robb + Theon.

  442. All this speculation of Elder Brother has me wondering if we should passively track the whereabouts of Rory McCann in the coming months. Maybe he’s learning the fine art of grave-digging?

  443. King in the North Carolina: Don’t Go Back to Casterly Rockville

    Only just seen this but…*virtual high five* :O) Could also swap most names into Disturbance at the Heron House and Letter never sent must fit somewhere?

    I’m not a book reader so don’t really have any expectations for these characters but as we’re suggesting our favourite pirates I vote Captain Pugwash, or Cut-Throat Jake if he’s not mean enough ;O)

  444. The chances of Euron appearing was always high given that he appears in the family tree on the HBO GoT sight, Vic isn’t on the family tree by name but there is another brother but his deceased (I forget his name), they could give Vic’s back story to this deceased brother and tweek it, Euron slept with his wife so he killed her and then killed himself and that’s why Balon sent Euron away, this gives you a good reason why Euron left, this writes Vic out and gives a reason why Yara hates Vic, she’ll just fill in Vic and Aeron roles. Simples!

    As for Randall Tarly, GRRM mentioned that the two older Tyrells brothers, Wills and Garland will play pivot roles in the future books and his not sure how the D&D would cover for that, so here you go, Tarly will fill in for them! Its obvious one of the brothers will switch sides and betray the Tyrell to fAgeon, so Tarly will fill that role but to Dani!

    I see next season being a mix of AFFC & TWOW with Dani arriving in Westeros back end of the season.

  445. YES YESSS YESSSS this is so very promising. I am so pleased we are finally getting some more Greyjoy action and super hyped for Tarly but let’s not forget the possibility of the HOUND being back !!!

  446. It’s funny – I’d never placed the other Tarlies as characters of any significance to the main narrative the books – so, assuming D&D aren’t departing into totally fanfic realms this forces me to reappraise my reading. Many have said the show will start to ‘spoil’ the books – there’s been evidence of it already and this is more.

    My candidate for Randyll Tarly would be Ray Winstone.

    It’s entirely logical that Euron is appearing in S6. From a logistical perspective, one can see how introducing both Dorne and the bulk of the Ironborn in the same season would have been too much. This is why they’ve been holding back

    the death of Balon

    , which I think will happen in S5E10. In S6 we’ll then have a streamlined

    Kingsmoot, pitching Yara and a random comedy pirate against Euron, before moving into post-Victarion plot territory.

    I like the suggestion made by others of Robert Carlyle for Euron.

  447. 8 seasons it is then. Awesome!

    Ian McShane for Randyll Tarly
    James Purefoy for Euron Greyjoy
    Lee Tergesen for Meribald

  448. For those interested in examining themes about violence, morality, ethics, anti-war, etc in the books there’s terrific writing at the Meereneese Blot website, particularly the essays on Dany which for me are spot on….

    Anyways back on topic, I love me some James Purefoy but for me he has the wrong vibe – there’s something eternally Puckish and boyish about his face and attitude, sort of smart-alecky. For Euron you need a man not a boy, plus the “woo-woo” eerie factor which Purefoy lacks as well.

  449. The suggestion of Robert Carlyle for Euron is the first ever suggestion that makes me reconsider the dream choice of Mads Mikkelsen…

  450. Raoul_Duke:
    I do not understand the basis for people thinking the three boys are Ned, Robert and Benjen. If I remember correctly only Ned was with Robert in the Vale but only when they were a little older (see Mia Stone). For that reason if it is related to a flashback and they are in the same flashback (many ifs) I would much more expect this to be the boywolves of Winterfell (Brandon, Ned and Benjen) and, who knows, maybe even a little shewolf people would really love to see ?

    People think it’s Robert because the physical description fits Robert, and he’s the same age as the young Ned — whereas it does not fit Benjen. Ned was sent to the Eyrie at the age of 8 or so in the books, but there’s no reason Robert couldn’t have visited Winterfell.

  451. oracle86:
    I will consign the petition to cast James Purefoy as Euron Greyjoy. He truly is a marvellous actor and I would love to see another guy from Rome in this shebang.

    Yes please, and while they’re at it…get Polly Walker in there somewhere–some villainous Matriarch role.

  452. Silver of Wyman,

    No. Just last week there was an interview in which D&D reiterated they wish to end it in seven seasons. This is not a last minute change; they’ve been outlining season 6 for months now. Euron won’t get his whole AFFC story; we may get an introduction based on AFFC (a sort of truncated Kingsmoot), but his Season 6 story will, of course, be based on whatever his TWOW story happens to be.

  453. IMO Brienne will take Sansa south to the Riverlands where she will meet up with Jaimie + the Gravedigger via Septon Meribald

  454. I have to admit that I find myself less excited about these castings than I should be…

    First off if the show really is going to be 7 seasons I feel like there really isn’t time for Euron and the Tarlys. For me, the series in either form has always been about the endgame – the song of ice and fire. I know a lot of people prefer the game, but I just don’t (Littlefinger is a great character don’t get me wrong, but really I’m just waiting for him to die, to be honest).

    So the endgame. Obviously can’t know the details but I think we can be pretty certain it’s going to involve in some way Dany, Jon, and Tyrion involved in some great war involving the WW, with all 3 Stark kids playing important roles. If Dany is going to sit the IT before she joins this fight (as is vaguely implied by the leaked outline IIRC), I feel like that’s got to happen mid next season if there are only 7 left. Otherwise we have less than a season to cover everything having to do with the great struggle and its aftermath which presumably will be extensive.

    After the last 4 episodes, I feel like the showrunners, unfrotunately, just like GRRM, have gotten caught up in these side plots. In particular they seem enamoured of Sam and Theon. They were enamoured of Jaime, too, but now they seem to have no idea what to do with him. These are great characters – but they simply don’t need their own plots if the goal is to wrap things up in 2 more seasons. They should be kept near to characters important to the endgame – heck, why not make them directly important to the endgame too?

    Specific comments:

    Euron – well, the character is interesting in a way. However by the time I got to him in affc my thoughts were along the lines of: “yay… yet another cartoonish psychopath serial murder/rapist, whoopie.” I don’t see his relevance beyond “things get worse before they get better”. Nothing to see here. I suspect he’s being kept in because of the aforementioned fondness the showrunners have for anything Theon.

    Tarlys – While it will be good character building for Sam to be sure, I just don’t see the larger relavence to “the song” aka the main plot. If Sam needs to get to Oldtown, say, to meet up with Dany or get a weapon against the WW or whatever it is, why not just have him go straight there? Otherwise, just keep him in the north where the action is.

    Dothraki fighter guy – it will be good to see some dothraki, they have been greatly missed on the show. I just hope in either medium they wrap up the “Dany unites the Dothraki” plot in whatever form it takes to a 1-2 episode/chapter arc. Get thee to Westeros.

  455. On another note – I always thought Septon Meribald and the High Sparrow were the same guy. Maybe my timing has got scrambled with the way AFFC and ADWD run in parallel and the way the show reorders stuff, but I had it in my head that Brienne & crew run into Meribald a lot earlier, who later on, walks to KL and gets elevated to HS.

    Is this tosh? Or is there a possibility this priest character for S6 could be a new one – invented for the show or who shows up in TWOW???

  456. Afeastfordances</stron
    M,

    Why does everyone think its septon merribald? He wasn’t an Ex soldier. Elder brother was. I kind of would rather see elder brother and the quiet isle. Possibly the hound

  457. Waxfoot,

    My buddy makes independent films in l a , and he swore to me before season 5 that Gary Oldman had a lot of intrest In
    Being on thrones , I never found anything online about it , but he knew Jonathan price was gonna be the high sparrow weeks before comiccon

  458. thremnir:
    On another note – I always thought Septon Meribald and the High Sparrow were the same guy.Maybe my timing has got scrambled with the way AFFC and ADWD run in parallel and the way the show reorders stuff, but I had it in my head that Brienne & crew run into Meribald a lot earlier, who later on, walks to KL and gets elevated to HS.

    Is this tosh?Or is there a possibility this priest character for S6 could be a new one – invented for the show or who shows up in TWOW???

    Brienne and those Hedge Knights come across the High Sparrow on his way to KL

    Later she leaves them but runs into Septon Meribald and his dog and then the BWB and Rorge and Biter

  459. Ghost’s Lunch,

    ah ok thx! Yeah I remember now – Meribald is the link to the Quiet Isle and they did meet the HS but at a different time – I had conflated them.

    On the subject of this casting then, might not the warrior turned priest be Elder Brother? Someone else suggested that above. Seems a better fit than Meribald.

  460. Hodor’s Bastard,

    The lovely thing is that after being in Banished and Slow West, his schedule seems to be pretty open. I’m hoping that someone has been dispatched to the wilds of Scotland to fetch him. 😉

  461. Queenofthrones,

    Randyll Tarly will basically be the means through which the Tyrells get their vengeance, Mace Tyrell in the show is a real buffoon so if Olenna wants to unleash the Reach Armies she will turn to Randyll Tarly

    This matters in terms of the show because basically they will turn Kings Landing into a bloodbath on the eve of a Walkers invasion, similar to Winterfell the northern Fortress of mankind being sacked

    Similarly the Tyrells will evict the Lannisters from KL in the process, pushing them back to Casterly Rock

    Euron is the main antagonist to Dany, and the main driver to bringing her to Westeros
    Both are centrally important to the main plot. They will probably warm him up though via the Kingsmoot, and then burning the Reach while Tarly is preoccuppied in KL

  462. It´s time to start trimming the storylines to the basics like Wall, Dany and Iron Throne.

    I don´t get why introduce Oldtown and Ironborn …?
    Sam, Tarly and co. can have their storyline in King Landing.

    I mean enough with it already if you take the Wall storyline for instance and calculate how much screen time they get per season i think it would add up to only 2 maybe 3 full episodes. :-/

    #CUTDORNE
    #CUTARYA
    #CUTIRONBORN
    #CUTOLDTOWN

    #CUTFILLER!

  463. Ghost’s Lunch:
    IMO Brienne will take Sansa south to the Riverlands where she will meet up with Jaimie + the Gravedigger via Septon Meribald

    Littlefinger is invading the North next season. Sansa will be staying there.

  464. Queenofthrones:

    Euron – well, the character is interesting in a way.However by the time I got to him in affc my thoughts were along the lines of: “yay… yet another cartoonish psychopath serial murder/rapist, whoopie.” I don’t see his relevance beyond “things get worse before they get better”.Nothing to see here.I suspect he’s being kept in because of the aforementioned fondness the showrunners have for anything Theon.

    Tarlys – While it will be good character building for Sam to be sure, I just don’t see the larger relavence to “the song” aka the main plot.If Sam needs to get to Oldtown, say, to meet up with Dany or get a weapon against the WW or whatever it is, why not just have him go straight there?Otherwise, just keep him in the north where the action is.

    I was also surprised to learn of Euron and Randyll in Season 6. The Insane Greyjoy Brothers seemed to be important for the dragon horn and the fleet by which Daenerys returns to Westeros. The fleet, numbering 93 ships, has already been provided courtesy of Daario and I presumed that the horn had been dispensed with entirely. Hence, no need for Greyjoys.

    Similarly, I thought that Sam in Oldtown was a way for Sam to learn something important at the Citadel, which the show can easily change (perhaps the knowledge is hidden in the library of Castle Black). The Citadel may also be important to the Grand Maester Plan, but that also seemed like something the show might well drop.

    Now that we will have those things, I must re-evaluate their plot importance. Seems like Mads… errr, Euron and the Citadel business may be far more crucial to the endgame than I previously thought.

  465. Queenofthrones: First off if the show really is going to be 7 seasons I feel like there really isn’t time for Euron and the Tarlys. For me, the series in either form has always been about the endgame – the song of ice and fire. I know a lot of people prefer the game, but I just don’t (Littlefinger is a great character don’t get me wrong, but really I’m just waiting for him to die, to be honest).

    If it is all about the “end game”, why don’t D&D just cut to the point and open the next episode with a Star Wars scrollover that says “Dany Wins!”? It would save us all the bother. Honestly, I find this general attitude to be rather baffling. The point of literature (and TV/movies) is the journey, not the end. If I wanted the latter, I could just read a short summary.

    Personally, I hope GRRM writes an entirely different ending that what D&D give us. One more twist of the knife, one more betrayal, one more layer to the onion, or one more revelation causing us to re-evaluate the past, and we can all be shocked at the end of ADOS. Given how comparatively simple the show is relative to the books, it seems GRRM would be able to pull this off without breaking a sweat.

  466. Ratj620,

    The Elder Brother is a monk slash Hermit and stays put at the Quiet Isle. The casting stated: “nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside.” It is Septon Meribald who travels a lot to minister to the poor. Although I do think D&D merged them into one due to budget and time constraints.

  467. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    They probably were going to cut these out, but pressure by HBO altered D&D plans somewhat, they more than likely added revised versions of the IB, OT, Reach back in so the show could go 8 full seasons. Tarly is now Oleanna’s ace in the hole and Euron will be Cersei’s counter to Tyrell’s.

    On casting ideas…

    Euron options – Rhys Ifans or Tommy Flanagan, Rhys would make a great Tarly too.

    My list…in order of preference

    Euron = Mads, Oldman, Rhys (dream casting – Daniel D Lewis)

    Tarly = Fiennes, Strong, Rhys (dream casting – Liam Neeson)

  468. Silver of Wyman: They could also make Season 6 longer, I guess.

    No, they really cannot. It takes them all year to make 10 episodes. This is equivalent to making three long films in one year.

  469. jentario:
    Casso,

    My guess for Arya in season 6 is that she joins an acting band, takes a ship to Westeros, returns to the Riverlands, passes by Meribald and the Gravedigger, possibly running by the BWB and eventually deals justice to Walder Frey

    The problem with this scenario is that it would make Arya’s trip to Braavos completely pointless waste of time and money, since it looks like she doesn’t really learn much this season. If learning how to act is everything Arya needs to learn in order to be whatever she needs to be in the future, why introduce the Faceless Men at all? They’ve taken a lot of time to reveal how the order works, so I don’t see Arya leaving the FM so soon and I doubt the order would send Arya anywhere as far as Westeros during her training, at least not alone.
    I’m not sure what will happen, but I’m inclined to think that Arya will stay in Braavos in season 6. Jaqen is a different matter, I could see them sending him to Oldtown if Arya is with the acting company for a while. Tom was promoted to main cast this season, so perhaps that means he’ll stick around for a bit longer (please!!).

    There’s so much uncertainty with Arya’s future arc and purpose that it’s pretty impossible to make any real predictions. Based on these casting calls, there is no way the show is wrapping up in s7.

  470. Chad Brick: If it is all about the “end game”, why don’t D&D just cut to the point and open the next episode with a Star Wars scrollover that says “Dany Wins!”? It would save us all the bother. Honestly, I find this general attitude to be rather baffling. The point of literature (and TV/movies) is the journey, not the end. If I wanted the latter, I could just read a short summary.

    Agreed. It’s the journey that’s enthralling, not the destination. I don’t necessarily want every single scene to be relevant to the endgame. I love watching the complex, sprawling world unfold. It’s this that will make this series hold up to repeated viewing in the long term.

  471. The Long Night,

    I just read this, so I give way to you bringing up Rhys name first, he would make a great Euron or Tarly.

    BTW its past time for Sam jr. to have a growth spurt, the child should be like almost a year old by now, therefore he will have to be a toddler by season 6.

  472. Mr Fixit: The fleet, numbering 93 ships, has already been provided courtesy of Daario and I presumed that the horn had been dispensed with entirely. Hence, no need for Greyjoys.

    But isn’t Euron supposed to have his own fleet off of the Reach? Whatever plot purpose that serves is going to come up in Winter, and clearly B&W think that it’s important enough to somebody’s story that they are including some version of him.

    What I cannot guess is, for which main character is Euron going to be important? The Tyrells vs. the Greyjoys would just be gratuitous plot, and B&W excise that rather than add it. Will Cersei wind up trying to throw her lot in with the Greyjoys in a desperate attempt to bring down the Tyrells? It would be idiocy, but, well, still not the dumbest thing she’s done. Will Euron somehow connect with Daeny’s forces returning West? Possibly: but that seems sort of arbitrary.

    I have problems seeing it being Sam simply he’s a minor protagonist only.

    Ultimately, the simple truth is that B&W know what is happening in Winter, and we don’t. The answer for a lot of the characters here is “someone we haven’t read yet” because of this, and the answer for the “why” of probably all of these characters is “something we haven’t read yet.”

  473. Chad Brick: The point of literature (and TV/movies) is the journey, not the end.

    Actually, neither of these are the point of literature or cinema. The point is story, which transcends either of these.

  474. Mr Fixit,

    Yeah, it was always going to drop. It’s how much it gets back next week that really matters.

    Also, I don’t know if anyone else if experiencing the site being realllllly slow. I’m guessing there might be more traffic, because of this topic, but I guess that’s good really.

  475. pntrlqst,

    Means nothing. Folks just watched it at different times, in between doing something special for their mama. I prefer watching GoT sandwiched between “John Oliver” and “Veep” anyway to lighten the night a bit.

  476. thremnir: I like the suggestion made by others of Robert Carlyle for Euron.

    Hadn’t even thought of him. Once Upon a Time has so much over-acting, but he definitely has the chops for a solid role in GoT.

  477. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    heh, I agree with all of that save Arya. She’s contributed key moments and key character development to each story. (And, yes, even to this year’s story: it’s been subtle, but it’s been there.)

  478. Maelina: Based on these casting calls, there is no way the show is wrapping up in s7.

    How does that conclusion possible follow from these casting calls? In no way does this mean that they will be doing Crows/Dragons material next year; if the conjectures here about who these characters represent are correct, then it only means that these previously incidental characters become relevant to the plot and to one or more main character’s story(ies) in Winter. That’s happened all the time in this series: incidental characters from Book 2 become supporting characters in Book 3, and then get cast for Seasons 3 or 4: but not before then.

  479. I still think and hope daario is euron…. i told myself if they keep the sce ne with daario asking dany to marry him it will prove it to me and they did. The casting may be for victarion although he def isnt cunning. Also what if jaime essentially takes briennes riverlands arc since he may go to find her after he hears about cersei and lancel and then he may save bronn by yelling sword lol.

  480. crabber son: i told myself if they keep the sce ne with daario asking dany to marry him it will prove it to me and they did.

    So, Daario would only propose to Daeny if he was Euron? A necessary correlate of this is that all the men who have proposed to Daeny are Euron in disguise. That seems like a pretty unsound principle to me.

  481. TheTouchOfFrost,

    Well to be fair to his joke, when it became obvious to the writers that Season 2 would be the last season, they spun what was several years worth of history/plot into a severely compressed Season 2, so if that hadn’t happened, he would’ve played Mark Antony for a few more years. 🙂

    It is totally ridiculous of course to think that Purefoy would turn down a major role on HBO’s most successful show ever for such a reason in any event – and his agent certainly wouldn’t let him.

  482. Simeon: Hadn’t even thought of him.Once Upon a Time has so much over-acting, but he definitely has the chops for a solid role in GoT.

    Well, that’s the principle core of OUAT (to over act, it’s part of the show’s signature and charm)… but yeah, Robert Carlyle would rock as Euron !

    He’s now my second fav choice ! After Mads of course !

  483. Cersei’s Brain,

    Yes, Howland Reed! It also fits with them saying that they’re introducing the character, which I take to mean it’s a character we haven’t seen yet, not just a character at a different age.

  484. Wimsey:

    What I cannot guess is, for which main character is Euron going to be important?The Tyrells vs. the Greyjoys would just be gratuitous plot, and B&W excise that rather than add it.

    Yes, that’s one of the reasons I thought we wouldn’t be seeing him (or Oldtown). The goings-on there never struck me as something warranting a separate plot in the show. Guess I was wrong; we’ll see.

  485. crabber son: I still think and hope daario is euron…. i told myself if they keep the sce ne with daario asking dany to marry him it will prove it to me and they did. The casting may be for victarion although he def isnt cunning.

    I still don’t get how this ridiculous Daario=Euron theory got started, and why some people cling to it so much. Why would he send his brother to fetch Dany and the dragons for him when he already was with Dany and the dragons? Not to mention all the problems with timeline and distance, etc. Makes zero sense.

    As for the casting, why would “Daario’s” younger brother be in his 40s to late 50s? Doesn’t make sense to be Victarion at all.

  486. Arkash: Well, that’s the principle core of OUAT (to over act, it’s part of the show’s signature and charm)… but yeah, Robert Carlyle would rock as Euron !

    Oh, I totally agree. That’s a lot of what makes it fun to watch!

  487. Sue, was the “Father” role the only that had even a vague hint at how much screen time the role would have?

  488. Jeb:

    Yeah, it was always going to drop. It’s how much it gets back next week that really matters.

    This week’s drop is in no way surprising. That’s not to say that I don’t find the general drop in viewers this season worthy of mentioning, because it has been quite severe.

    The biggest drop until now over multiple episodes within a single season was around 12%. This season has lost around 30% of viewers from 5×01. Of course, these are live numbers, while HBO cares only about the weekly figures (not even that actually; subscription numbers are their God). I doubt that the drop there has been anywhere near as large, but it does imply that GoT has lost a bit of its “appointment TV” lustre.

  489. Dorian,

    True but it was still an excellent show even compressed. But that anyone thinks he was serious about having a grudge against the show when it debuted at least 4 years after Rome last aired is crazy!

    With Nina Gold raiding Rome for previous characters I wouldn’t mind her going back there again to get Purefoy for Euron and whilst I’m thinking about it Polly Walker would make a good Mrs Tarly and Nicholas Woodeson would be a good Randyll if they’re going for his book look.

  490. Wimsey,

    Just my feeling at the moment, of course, I can very well be wrong. I’m just having a hard time believing that they’ll be able to finish the story in 20 episodes in a way that wouldn’t feel rushed. But you’re right, we don’t know yet how major storylines and how much screentime these new characters will get.

  491. Cersei’s Brain: I keep thinking boy with narrow face to be Howland Reed. He, Robert and Ned were childhood friends, right?

    The first time meeting of Ned and HR of which the books tell us was Harrenhal. That does not mean that they didn’t meet earlier: but we never are told that, say, Howland Reed was a ward of Jon Arryn’s. Reed did fight with Ned during the War, and he seems to have saved Neds life at one critical time.

    However, although nothing that we’ve read so far indicates that Stark and Reed knew each other as boys, there is no reason why they could not have met as boys, and no reason why the show should not include Howland Reed in some flashback sequence. If they are going to do something like they did this year, where they hang a major gun for a the arc of one of the main characters in a flashback, then this would be a good way to go about it.

  492. GoT down to a 2.5 and 5.5 million viewers this week, down sharply again from last week’s 3.1 (although down only 800k in live viewership totals). Memorial Day hit it hard, as predicted.

    Sorry if it’s already been mentioned, my laptop is archaic and so sifting through all the comments is tough.

    EDIT: Whoops, just a few comments above me, I see it now… lol. Sorry.

  493. Maelina: I’m just having a hard time believing that they’ll be able to finish the story in 20 episodes in a way that wouldn’t feel rushed

    I am sure that it will feel “rushed” to many people. However, I have also noticed over the years that what fans call “rushed” is called “good pacing” by critics and general audiences!

    This is complete conjecture, but I see the two remaining books and seasons as covering two parts of one story: conflicted choice of sides. I predict that next year (and Winter) is going to be about the characters casting their lots in with the primary claimants for the Iron Throne: and the primary source of conflict is that the main characters will either have to side with someone that they dislike against someone they dislike more, or side against someone they like because they cannot get two claimants that they like to reconcile. Which Stark scion gets Winterfell probably will tag-team on this: look for the three surviving Starks to wind up on three different sides.

    (And, no, Bran does not count as “surviving” anymore: he’s literally got roots growing through him! 🙂 )

    And I think that Dawn/Season 7 is going to be the same thing, but scaled up a notch. Now, it’s going to be White Walkers vs R’hllor vs. Trees. None of these sides are “good” or “evil”: quite frankly, they probably have their own morality systems that view humans as little more than talking monkeys, anyway. Now, the main characters are going to have to work out which side they should take because: 1) they cannot stand idly by and get runover by these forces; and, 2) any of these sides “winning” could be bad for humans.

    If they keep the focus on the main characters (Daeny, Jon, Tyrion, Arya, Sansa, Jaime, Cersei & Theon with contributions from Bran, Sam & Davos) then this can be done. It will be intense, and fans will call it “rushed” but the other 99% of the audience and the critics might well call it brilliant.

  494. Mr Fixit: it does imply that GoT has lost a bit of its “appointment TV” lustre.

    Given that appointment TV is pretty much an extinct concept now, it’s remarkable that it has it at all. The public wants to fit their viewing into their schedules, not make their schedules around TV.

  495. Darquemode: Sue, was the “Father” role the only that had even a vague hint at how much screen time the role would have?

    Pretty much everything is included up there. The descriptions included a lot less info this year- again, I’m guessing they learned from their previous mistakes. The casting breakdowns always leak, so this time they only gave out basic info and hinted at some roles being important.

    As for people asking about auditioning, we don’t have that kind of info. But I can tell you that these aren’t open auditions. You generally have to have an agent who gets you in to see the casting agency for a specific role, and it’s not easy.

  496. jentarion,

    Think you’ve answered your own question. They are all minor roles. I think Sarella could easily be replaced by one of the other Sand Snakes as after this season Obara at least and all of them at most could have little to nothing to do. Although after this season, I think a lot of people will just want them to disappear altogether!

  497. tyjon:
    Hoyti Von Totiy,

    They probably were going to cut these out, but pressure by HBO altered D&D plans somewhat, they more than likely added revised versions of the IB, OT, Reach back in so the show could go 8 full seasons. Tarly is now Oleanna’s ace in the hole and Euron will be Cersei’s counter to Tyrell’s.

    On casting ideas…

    Euron options – Rhys Ifans or Tommy Flanagan, Rhys would make a great Tarly too.

    My list…in order of preference

    Euron = Mads, Oldman, Rhys (dream casting – Daniel D Lewis)

    Tarly = Fiennes, Strong, Rhys (dream casting – Liam Neeson)

    Ok but why not have longer episodes then? I mean they really could have 1h30min per episode if they really tried hard and not think about just the CGI but the story.

  498. Ross: Agreed. It’s the journey that’s enthralling, not the destination.I don’t necessarily want every single scene to be relevant to the endgame.I love watching the complex, sprawling world unfold.It’s this that will make this series hold up to repeated viewing in the long term.

    Well put! If I want simple plot going to an endgame all the time, I’ll watch Law & Order. The journey IS key.

  499. One of Roose Bolton’s leeches,

    Yes. As sure as you can be. This is not a leak, it comes from Furys sources, which are almost never wrong. – In fact, I can’t rember a case where they were wrong, I guess they were at some point, but only about details, never about something like “Charachter X is cast.”, that I’m sure of.

  500. If we are getting another flashback I’m sad that we’re not going to see a young Lyanna.

  501. Carne,

    Oh, man, I couldn’t imagine anyone for the role and now you’ve planted a seed in my mind and it. is. perfect! Yes please, never enough Graham McTavish! Even when you hate him, you have to love him.

  502. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    D&D said that they barely manage to produce the 10 hours they have every year, so it wouldn’t be possible. D&D already said they would have liked to do 12 episodes per season but literally can’t

  503. tyjon: Tarly = Fiennes, Strong, Rhys (dream casting – Liam Neeson)

    Hmm. I don’t really love any of these, sorry to say. Ralph Fiennes too big a name for a role like this. Mark Strong comes across as awful debonair for a brute like Randyll Tarly, and Rhys isn’t the physique I’m thinking, myself. And I also feel like Bryan Cox seems way too thoughtful in his way of carrying himself for this, too. Randyll Tarly feels to me more like a brutish man who at one time may have even looked a little pudgy like his son, but willed all of the fat out of himself to become just chiseled and brawny. To me it’s more like:

    Tarly: The oft-mentioned Graham McTavish or Ray Stevenson. Dominic Purcell works too but he may be a bit young. Vinnie Jones would work, but he can’t really act. I’d say Vernon Wells of Commando, but he’s pushing 70.

    Euron: Can’t we have Riff Raff? Why wouldn’t Richard O’Brien work? Ok, he’s 73, but what the hell, right? 🙂

  504. pntrlqst,

    My guess is that the 3 boys could be an Umber, Rickon Stark, and another Northern boy and we may see a bit of Rickon Starks story line.

  505. I am very excited for the three boys casting, surely for a weirwood-flashback scene. Seems like it will be Ned, Robert and Brandon? It will be awesome!

    I am also hoping that Sean Bean will be back though for a scene or two though, THAT would be awesome.

  506. The boy with dark brown hair and green eyes has got to be Howland Reed. Seeing as both Meera and Jojen are described as brown hair, green eyes in the books it would appear to set that up thematically. Also, the color of Littlefingers eyes in the show haven’t mattered, and in fact I believe Aiden Gillen has blue eyes…. so why make a point of needing green eyes for a character when neither the current actor nor the story has made a point of it.

  507. FlyingMonkeySoup:
    The boy with dark brown hair and green eyes has got to be Howland Reed.Seeing as both Meera and Jojen are described as brown hair, green eyes in the books it would appear to set that up thematically.

    No, I would think the more obvious point would be that Sean Bean has green eyes and brown hair (on the show, in the latter case). This is a young Ned Stark.

  508. Greatjon of Slumber,

    I agree that I don’t think any of them would be a great Randyll but he doesn’t have to be a pure brute. As long as he’s imposing and authorative he can still be debonair!
    I depends on if they go for the books slim look or someone who looks a little heavier set and more Sam-like. If they go for the second then as I mentioned before John Rhys-Davies looks like and older gruffer version of Sam! I’d even throw Brian Blessed into the mix (seeing as us getting him as Manderly seems a no go!). He’s a very powerful, imposing and manly character who you could easily see Sam being intimidated by. Again, he may be a little old but if they’ve got the character down then the age shouldn’t matter too much. Plus anyone who’s punched a polar bear in the face needs to be in this show!

  509. Speaking of casting news…

    any possibility that IMDB could be accurate for episode 10??
    Titled “Winter” and has the Night King and Benjen Stark listed!?!

    Title makes sense with all that snow coming and “Winter is Coming” talk…
    We all assume the Night’s King would make another appearance at some point, with scenes north of the wall, could an appearance of Benjen Stark be possible?

    an article about it
    http://www.ibtimes.com/pulse/game-thrones-season-5-spoilers-nights-king-benjen-stark-yara-greyjoy-balon-greyjoy-1938569

  510. The Old Ones,
    Mine, too: but I wouldn’t bet the contents of my wallet on it!

    Hoyti Von Totiy,
    jentarion,

    To put it into context, the complete Extended Edition Lord of the Rings film runs just over 11 hours. The three theatrical releases run about 9.5 hours: i.e., about as long as a full season of Thrones. It took Peter Jackson & Company 18 months to do principle photography despite using 3 film crews at a time. The post-production took another year.

    Now, Thrones does not have quite as much production involved and the relevant production (CGI, etc.) is cheaper and faster than it was 15 years ago: but it’s still expensive and time consuming. So, they basically are doing a LotR trilogy per year: and another two episodes is like doing another normal length film with that.

    And, really, it’s not CGI that slow things up. (Moreover, we probably would not get any more story from it: instead, we’d probably just get a lot more detail, which in turn will obfuscate the story for many viewers.)

  511. Greenjones:
    For our “pirate” I’d like to suggest Marton Csokas. He just did a movie with Emilia Clarke so hopefully that gives him his “in”. I think Purefoy and Sewell would be great too (as would Mikkelsen but I think he’s too busy) BUT Csokas IMHO is the best choice.

    BRILLIANT! Martin Csokas is PERFECT!!!

  512. The Day’s King,

    IMDB is fan-edited, so NO. You can never trust it as a source, which the website you refer to shamefully does. The title for episode 10 has not been revealed, it is not “Winter”.

  513. The Day’s King,

    Wouldn’t it be nice? Unfortunately, Yara was also listed in Ep7 and didn’t happen. The Night’s King is listed for Ep8,9,10. Which isn’t impossible, really. Benjen would be absolutely awesome and a complete potential wtf moment, but I refuse to hope. 😉 (memories of ‘Hooded Woman’, although these are much more realistic).

  514. The Day’s King,

    I think it’s been pretty well established imbd is not a reputable source. Sure, some things on there have been correct, but some things on there have been obvious trolling attempts.

  515. Pigeon: Benjen would be absolutely awesome and a complete potential wtf moment, but I refuse to hope.

    Never lose hope!

  516. Dutch maester,

    I do realize how IMDB can be manipulated, I was just wondering if it was at all possible, unfortunately I realize that you are probably right… do you have a guess for the real title?

  517. I wanted Euron to be Daario Naharis, this would have been the only interesting thing in the dull daenerys storyline.

    Anyways i think Anson Mount or Mads Mikkelsen to be Euron.

  518. Pigeon,

    Completely agree with you, would love that wtf moment, but won’t get my expectations up on it.

    My follow up question you already answered, how bad has the listings been recently, your Yara example is perfect.

  519. Grand maester giz:
    Waxfoot,

    My buddy makes independent films in l a , and he swore to me before season 5 that Gary Oldman had a lot of intrest In
    Being on thrones , I never found anything online about it , but he knew Jonathan price was gonna be the high sparrow weeks before comiccon

    Interesting! Well of course, if it is so, and he does want to be in it, he more than likely will be! Doesn’t usually get turned down for parts, I don’t imagine!

  520. Hodor’s Bastard,

    I still hold out hope, but I have no expectation, especially given

    we haven’t learned of his fate in the books, yet (I know there’s the Coldhands is Benjen theory, which I don’t find entirely out of the realm of possibility…I mean, imo, it’s a helluvalot more plausible than the Daario=Euron thing, which I hope this casting announcement will finally put to rest).
  521. Zeus,

    I’ve been thinking on what you said quite a bit. I keep coming back to ASOIAF as Martin’s historical fiction of a fantasy world. I don’t see it going any deeper than that.

  522. Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    Hasn’t GRRM killed that theory? On his original manuscript (Or whatever it was) he said that they are not the same. He may have been lying of course, but I dunno what to believe exactly…

  523. Karen C:
    No..the boys are bband on and littllefinge!When Brandon humiliates him!Sounds like a lot of flashbacks!

    Brandon was already a man (18+) when he fought Littlefinger and LF was a young teenager, so no not the Brandon Litefinger fight

  524. Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    It has been confirmed as false. Someone posted a screenshot of page from aDwD w/ GRRM’s and his editor’s notes. She asks him if BS=CH and GRRM wrote “No.”
  525. Mr Fixit: Now that we will have those things, I must re-evaluate their plot importance. Seems like Mads… errr, Euron and the Citadel business may be far more crucial to the endgame than I previously thought.

    Yeah I suppose it’s possible this is the case. Well, i t will be interesting if that’s so. I just hope they are keeping them in for a reason. But I’m quite worried they will get as much character bloat as GRRM or do a half-assed job like with the SS.

    Chad Brick: If it is all about the “end game”, why don’t D&D just cut to the point and open the next episode with a Star Wars scrollover that says “Dany Wins!”? It would save us all the bother. Honestly, I find this general attitude to be rather baffling. The point of literature (and TV/movies) is the journey, not the end. If I wanted the latter, I could just read a short summary.

    You’ve missed the point. I’m saying that what I would like to see is a well-done portrayal of whatever it is that ends up happening up north, rather than toodling around with Theon, Sam, and other minor characters. Is Euron important to Theon’s story, and is Randyll important to Sam? Probably. But I don’t see what relavence it will have to more important storylines. And yes I’m pretty comfortable saying that Jon Snow, Tyrion, Dany, and Bran are more important to the story than Theon Greyjoy. I don’t really mind which of them win or lose or even all just die fighting the others, but I do want some payoff for the most important storylines of the series, and I don’t want it to be rushed or seem tacked on. If they are only going to do 2 more seasons, it’s time to trim more of the fat.

    And I do think that moving the story forward matters in the quality of a work of literature. Not all text is equal. There’s a reason why the AGOT-ASOS trilogy is widely considered masterful whereas AFFC and ADWD are mere shadows. The latter two novels are all “journey” and no story.

  526. Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    the cold hands is Benjen theory has pretty much been 100% debunked,

    I’ve read a while back how GRRM has mentioned that it’s more realistic that occasionally people in these times just disappeared and never heard from again.

    I hope Benjen is not one of these situations

  527. Zeus,

    Thankfully most people are mostly anti-war (Because very few people are totally anti-war, and it’s good to not be totally against war). Well that’s what I think (And hope) anyway, being from the UK and centre-right politically, it seems most people over here are against the wars in Iraq and Afghan etc.

  528. Ghost’s Lunch: Randyll Tarly will basically be the means through which the Tyrells get their vengeance, Mace Tyrell in the show is a real buffoon so if Olenna wants to unleash the Reach Armies she will turn to Randyll Tarly

    This matters in terms of the show because basically they will turn Kings Landing into a bloodbath on the eve of a Walkers invasion, similar to Winterfell the northern Fortress of mankind being sacked

    Similarly the Tyrells will evict the Lannisters from KL in the process, pushing them back to Casterly Rock

    This is a lot of really specific speculation, and not really supported by much. But If the point of Tarly is to burn down KL, Cersei can do that herself and likewise retreat to CR (and many have predicted this will be the case).

    Cut, trim, condense.

    Euron is the main antagonist to Dany, and the main driver to bringing her to Westeros
    Both are centrally important to the main plot. They will probably warm him up though via the Kingsmoot, and then burning the Reach while Tarly is preoccuppied in KL

    Euron is not needed to bring Dany to Westeros in the show (she’s got ships, she doesn’t need a horn) and given he’s only been introduced in the show next season, how can he be her “main antagonist”?

    Assuming Dany tries for KL, that would be either Tommen/Cersei/Tyrells or if she tries for the North or Dragonstone, then Stannis is her obvious opponent. Either of these meetings would be infinitely superior to Dany versus generic pirate psychopath. Heck, even Dany just skipping the Game of Thrones and heading directly for The North to fight The Others would be superior to generic pirate psychopath.

  529. Nymeria Warrior Queen,

    I love speculating about CH, but he is most likely someone who died “a long time ago” (according to Leaf). He was possibly a man of the NW, maybe even one who served with the Night’s King. 😉

  530. Ah, I didn’t remember what a few of you mentioned about Martin debunking it, but thanks, now that y’all have mentioned it, I do vaguely remember reading that somewhere.

  531. Love the suggestion of Robert Carlyle as Euron! Not sure how long filming goes on during the year for Once Upon a Time, and I believe it films in Vancouver.

    Also love the idea of Graham McTavish as Randyll…. Outlander just started filiming the next season a few weeks ago… It will be from the second book, Dragonfly in Amber. And Spoiler Alert if you haven’t read the Outlander Books :

    Depends on if the second book will be broken up into 2 “seasons” like they did with the first book or not, so maybe time to film GOT also?? OK, that’s not really the spoiler, but I wasn’t sure if i did it right so… :/

    My first time trying a spoiler.. hope it works!! 🙂

  532. jentarion:
    Cumsprite,

    I think GRRM is definitely trying to have an anti-war message

    Why do you think so and do you think he was successful? Zeus almost had me convinced upthread: you see, he is very anti-war and because Kubrick therefore the books are anti-war. Very compelling. (Sorry for the snark, Zeus).

  533. TheTouchOfFrost:
    Greatjon of Slumber,

    If they go for the second then as I mentioned before John Rhys-Davies looks like and older gruffer version of Sam! I’d even throw Brian Blessed into the mix (seeing as us getting him as Manderly seems a no go!). He’s a very powerful, imposing and manly character who you could easily see Sam being intimidated by. Again, he may be a little old but if they’ve got the character down then the age shouldn’t matter too much. Plus anyone who’s punched a polar bear in the face needs to be in this show!

    GORDON’S ALIVE????

  534. I’ve always loved the combination of blonde hair and brown eyes on people. Don’t know why. It’s too bad there are almost none of them in George R.R. Martin’s world.

  535. Carne,

    That would be amazing and he should be free as his character only returns towards the end of book 2 before the Culloden battle. Season 2 of Outlander should follow the second book if not split it up like GoT has done.

  536. I do hope that eventually they pick it back up with Rickon. It would be interesting to know what the heck is going on there (if anything…he could be playfighting with wooden swords with a peasant family and Osha, blissfully unaware of anything that’s happened with everyone else. Or eaten by a bear somewhere, I suppose. Time for a 3 years late Amber alert…)

  537. R,

    I was actually wondering if any of that was left off. Usually nudity and simulated sexual situations are added in a breakdown (then again I know of shows that leave that info out on purpose). Along with saying if the role is guest-starring, recurring, co-star, featured, etc.

  538. Grand maester giz,

    Plausable but not probable.

    Any A list, hugely in demand movie star is more than likely not going to appear, and Oldman is one of those. He may want to but I highly doubt his schedule would work out.

    Purefoy, West, McTavish are possibilities. Mikkelson could be depending on his Hannibal schedule. Cox I’d say 50/50.

    It’s like hoping Kate Winslet or Ralph Fiennes would appear. As a lead in a TV movie? Yes. But film is going to come first. That’s where the money is.

  539. This casting is really bizarre and kinda concerning. I’m really sceptical. Most of these characters were presumed cut. This is largely stuff from Feast for Crows. We’re supposed to be finishing Dance with Dragons around the end of this season. But it now sounds like that’s not going to happen until around the end of the next season. How can they possibly hope to finish the next two books within a single final season..? Unless they know that GRRM has very little content left and is bloating it.

  540. Greatjon of Slumber,

    Oh I hope not. In my head, Victarion is sexy and badass, not creepy like that guy. He may do a good job with the creepy part, but he’s not handsome enough in my opinion. Good idea, though.

  541. Wouldn’t it be great if the show introduces Euron next season with him wistfully reminiscing about those great times when he sexually molested his kid brother?

    Too soon?

    Okay, I’ll see myself out.

  542. I’m gonna pilfer the cast of The Hobbit movies!

    For Euron Greyjoy, you can’t go wrong with Graham McTavish! He played Dwalin as a badass orc killer, and he has that seaman feel to him.

    For Dickon Tarley, I want to say Richard Armitage. He had a few moments as Thorin when he was so self-centered, came across like a Dickon to me.

    For the elder Tarley, I think Ken Stott would be passable. He may be an asshole to Samwell, but he has wisdom and experience.

  543. Yara & Balon sighting before the end of the season would be good.

    Nights King at Hardhome? I could get behind that…

    Benjen Stark?

    Fuck man that would be amazing but I’m not gonna get worked up over IMDB listings.

  544. jesus vega:
    i am jesus vega , i am 36 years old ,i am ready.

    MY NAME IS OBARA SAND, DAUGHTER OF OBERYN MARTELL, AND I FIGHT FOR DORNE. WHO DO YOU FIGHT FOR?

  545. Denziloe,

    These may be characters first introduced in AFFC, but I very much doubt we will get much of the plot from it. It will mainly be TWOW stuff I would imagine.

    Besides, what would they do with the Wall, North/Stannis, & KL? These characters will be supporting characters for the established main characters, nothing more.

  546. Wimsey,

    Septon Maribald is the one who

    travels with Brienne, and takes her to the quiet isle, where she asks for info on Sansa and sees the Hound (the ‘Gravedigger’). Maribald is possibly the single most decent and selfless character in the books, or at least top 3, and he gets maybe the best monologue in all 5 books–easily the high point of AFFC. Though by the description the character seems to be a hybrid of Maribald and the Elder Brother (who is more gruff and ‘brutish’ looking because of his warrior past – probably a change made to make him bonding with the Hound more believable). The inclusion of such a character seems clear: to bring back the Hound, bring him over to the faith…and possibly bring to fruition that popular fan theory, ‘Cleganebowl’? (Cersei will request a trial by combat, she will be represented by Ser Robert Strong/FrankenGregor, and the faith will be represented by The Hound…so the Cleganes will finally fight to the death.
  547. Greatjon of Slumber,

    The man is force of nature! He used to be in the paras , is the oldest man to trek to the north pole, would have climbed Everest if he didn’t have to turn back to save one of his comrades lives and has survived a plane crash as well as his bear punching exploits! Basically, he’s Chuck Norris for real! Still put his HIGNFY performance on every time I need cheering up!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxkGIpmrYJo

    Anyway, back on topic!

  548. I read season 6 has already finished shooting. They shot the 2 seasons at the same time.

  549. There are different reasons why Mark Strong would be great as Randyll (apart from just being a good actor). He can do military bearing and athleticism. He can act scary and intimidating. He bears a general physical resemblance to Stephen Dillane which is good because Tarly is Stannis on steroids – all the rigid militarism but without any of the subtlety.

    So while Stannis connected with Jon like father/son, Sam would have seen a mirror of his father in Stannis. While in the NW he’s killed a WW and a Thenn but also had to deal with some tough – older – operators like Ser Allister and Stannis. All that should be there when he meets his father again.

  550. jentarion: What’s your opinion on the lack of Sarella, Pate and Maester characters? Last season all the big roles were in the first cast list

    I don’t think those would necessarily be big roles. We might see them pop in a later casting breakdown. If Sam’s spending a lot of time at Horn Hill on the way to the Citadel, there wouldn’t be a lot of episodes there. But I don’t think we’d necessarily see people like Pate anyway.

  551. <font><font>Waxfoot</font></font>:
    ¿Dónde me inscribo para obtener Dominic West por Euron?

    Mads Lo sentimos, pero Mickelson no encaja para mí. Quizás es porque sólo se ha sugerido una y otra y otra vez durante los últimos diez años más o menos, hasta el punto donde estoy desesperado por ver a nadie, pero él, por muy bueno que está en otras cosas.

    I agree, Dominic West is amazing! 🙂

  552. KG,

    Oh I agree. But then Rory is a good looking guy. And Thor is so jacked he’s not your average 26 year old.

  553. Did someone mention McNulty as Euron Greyjoy? that might work. Maybe add some Rawls to Randyll Tarly as well.

  554. Sue the Fury,

    Seriously, what are your sources?! You (Or WotW in general) must very well connected to get such info so early on into season 6.

    Thanks for all the articles and news by the way, it’s all very much appreciated.

  555. I think I could be useful for:Sister, in her early 20s. “She’s a kind, friendly and unpretentious woman.”
    It ‘d be a dream come true! !!!

  556. Cumsprite,

    By saying “Look how horrible war is for the normal people! Rape! Rape! Murder! Violence! More rape!” GRRM wants to turn people off war. How successful he is is up to the reader. I’d say he’s mildly successful.

  557. I nominate Thorbjorn Harr for Euron Greyjoy. His Jarl Borg in Vikings was so memorable. Calm and collected, charming with a nasty streak underlined with pathos. He would be perfect.

    If they go older for Euron: Michael Wincott.

    But I’d be happy with Sewell, Purefoy or Jason Isaacs.

    Randyll Tarly: Either Peter Mullan, Tom Wilkinson or Brian Cox. Alan Dale could work but people may see too much Tywin in him. Plus the guy is a busy character actor.

    Too bad Vincent Regan is on The Royals cause he would have been good as well.

  558. Denziloe,

    That’s bull. Euron and Randyl Tarly could easily have major roles in TWOW and beyond (books 7-9). The only character that brings scenes from AFFC is Meribald, and it’s not going to take up more than an episode or two (and necessary to set up the Hound and Cleganebowl).

  559. What about a Indian boy for the role of large boy or any other role for 18 years old boy with 6ft height

  560. I’ve always thought of CleganeBowl as a cool idea that would never actually happen (sadly, as Sandor is my favorite character), but since it has gone from ‘highly unlikely’ to ‘somewhere in the faintest realm of possibility’, I wonder how others think it could play out, since:

    Gregor is a headless (or not, the show has so far omitted this), half – zombie with ridiculous strength who somehow is even more brutal than before

    but

    Sandor is ‘at peace’ as a novice, ostensibly having let go of his hate (The Hound is dead), with a royally messed up leg, and not even Stranger around as he was in the books.

    Unless he snaps out of it, throws down his shovel and eats a flock of chickens in murderous rage, I just can’t see how ol Sandy will do it.

    Mind you, maybe a Faceless Girl will help.

  561. jentarion,

    Cleganebowl isn’t happening. Lancel is the obvious choice for the Faith’s champion and he is necessary for Cersei’s plot. Kin-slayer.
  562. Joshua Atreides,

    I’d forgotten about Peter Mullan! Ack!
    I even had him for the role on my casting post last year (maybe the year before)…

    He would be a great addition to GOT…
    He may make a really good “Priest” if the role is a combination of Elder Brother and Meribald. Mullan is a great mix of both physically and the man can act!

  563. Did anyone suggest this idea:

    Yara Greyjoy shows up in 508 or 509 at Winterfell. But she is not alone. She brought her father, Balon Greyjoy. He doesn’t fall from a bridge at Pyke but he dies in battle.
    That would be a good way in streamlining the Greyjoy plotlines for S6, wouldn’t it?

  564. Lion of Night,

    Cleganebowl won’t happen in Cersei’s trial but it will happen. Lancel vs Mountainstein will be setup for the big match

    Eta: what happened to my name?

  565. Peter Kay for Randyll Tarley. Needs to be. Make it happen. ‘Get in thur son.’

  566. I think I would be good for the role of Dickon. Im 23, athletically built (bodybuilder, 230lbs) 6ft3in. Ive hunted most of my life and know how to handle a bow, and I am interested in learning to sword fight. I know I would be great for this role, im a huge fan and know a lot about the series and characters. if there is some way possible for this to get around to whomever is doing the casting, all I ask is for a chance.

  567. You know, Jason Isaacs is oft mentioned for Euron (blasphemy of course, that role is Mads Mikkelsen’s by right) but he would also make quite a good Randyll Tarly in my mind. He’s pretty jacked in Case Histories and he can play military/deranged quite well as exhibited in the Patriot.

  568. jentarion:
    Lion of Night,

    Cleganebowl won’t happen in Cersei’s trial but it will happen. Lancel vs Mountainstein will be setup for the big match

    Eta: what happened to my name?

    Yeah, I agree. I really bafles me that people think cleganebowl will be a thing during Cersei’s trial. Lancel vs. Ungregor is pretty much a given in the books and I would imagine the show.

  569. I took a trip to Iceland last month and I spoke to a guy who works on Game of Thrones sets. He told me the are preparing for a lot of filming this summer. This would mean that season 6 is heavily set in the north.

  570. I love Mads Mikkelsen as much as the next guy, especially in Hannibal, but can someone explain to me why he’s so unanimously thought of as the likeliest candidate for Euron? I may be missing something. Maybe his accent is affected for the role of Hannibal? Can he actually fake a remotely British accent? Some have defended against this issue by pointing out the Lannisters have all different accents, but they are all British. Granted, Tyrion’s accent is fake, but it still sounds vaguely British, while Mikkelsen’s (again, in Hannibal and Casino Royale, anyway) is so incredibly thick that it’s sometimes difficult to understand. How are we supposed to believe he’s a Greyjoy? It’s just too incredulous. So, what am I missing? Has Mads faked a British accent in some role I am unaware of?

    Veltigar,

    One of the likely reasons Lancel’s actor has been getting so buff lately —when he reappeared in “The Wars to Come”, he was pretty much unrecognizable, looking nothing like that lithe young boy in season two. Maybe it’s of his own doing, but if so, it’s a happy coincidence, if Lancel vs Gregor is what will take place.

    That said, the prospect of “Cleganebowl” amuses me to no end. Not so much the event itself, but the theory and the anticipation surrounding it (“GET HYPE!). It’s a great meme, if nothing else.

  571. Sue the Fury,

    Are we to assume Sam will visit Horn Hill on the way to Oldtown? Do we know that for a fact? I had completely assumed this was TWOW material, that Sam will visit the place —maybe he has to flee the Citadel, after the ironborn raid Oldtown…?

  572. I hope we see Randyll in his badassness and not simply as a foil for Sam. He can be both, right? Right before Euron kills him, that is.

  573. Luka Nieto:
    I love Mads Mikkelsen as much as the next guy, especially in Hannibal, but can someone explain to me why he’s so unanimously thought of as the likeliest candidate for Euron? I may be missing something. Maybe his accent is affected for the role of Hannibal? Can he actually fake a remotely British accent? Some have defended against this issue by pointing out the Lannisters have all different accents, but they are all British. Granted, Tyrion’s accent is fake, but it still sounds vaguely British, while Mikkelsen’s (again, in Hannibal and Casino Royale, anyway) is so incredibly thick that it’s sometimes difficult to understand. How are we supposed to believe he’s a Greyjoy? It’s just too incredulous. So, what am I missing? Has Mads faked a British accent in some role I am unaware of?

    Well, first of all you have to keep in mind that Mads Mikkelsen is one of the absolute best actors working today. Far superior to any other actor often mentioned for the role (and there are a couple of heavy hitters amongs them). I can’t remember of the bat if he ever had to do a British accent, but I’m confident that he can pull it off, like he can do pretty much anything (on top of that, the accent really isn’t a big deal Show Euron could have spent nigh on twenty years away from Westeros, so naturally some strange accent may flavour his speech).

    Furthermore, Mads has proven that he can do a character like Euron justice. He’s a very versatile man. He’s brilliant in Pusher II, Jagten, Valhalla Rising and Hannibal and in all four of those he plays completely different characters (if you’re a cinephile, definitely check those three movies out, they are among the best films of the last decade).

    Particularly relevant are his characters in Hannibal and Valhalla Rising. Euron is basically a mash-up of those two characters (it’s really uncanny). In Refn’s Valhalla Rising he’s a one-eyed badass Viking, a real force of nature, a man without a past who’s just sheer martial prowess and fighting skills. A man reduced to his base instincts, more animal then man. In Hannibal he plays a serial killer with almost Lucifer like appeal. Euron has a similar appeal and he’s also an unstoppable Viking killing machine. Perfect mash-up for Mads to play.

    Mads also has the perfect look to play Euron. Here are some slighty changed images from him previous role that perfectly encapsulate what Euron should look like:

    https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2d/59/d9/2d59d9078865fe557d09bdceb7028434.png

    http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/324/6/a/mads_mikkelsen_as_euron_greyjoy_by_siriuscrane-d5lm5lr.jpg

    I do have to say that Mads is the best actor to play Euron, not the most likely sadly. Mads would like to take part in the show, especially if he’s able to share the screen (or even fight) with NCW, but he’s a busy guy. Pretty much every other fancast is more likely than Mads.

  574. Luka Nieto:
    One of the likely reasons Lancel’s actor has been getting so buff lately —when he reappeared in “The Wars to Come”, he was pretty much unrecognizable, looking nothing like that lithe young boy in season two. Maybe it’s of his own doing, but if so, it’s a happy coincidence, if Lancel vs Gregor is what will take place.

    That said, the prospect of “Cleganebowl” amuses me to no end. Not so much the event itself, but the theory and the anticipation surrounding it (“GET HYPE!). It’s a great meme, if nothing else.

    yeah, the meme is great, but I’m a bit tired of the dudebro’s freaking out over it 😉

  575. Veltigar,

    I agree that it might not happen, while there are no words to say how perfect it would be. However, those images you shared are worth a thousand words! It IS Euron. I’m crossing everything in the mad(s) hope it’ll happen!

  576. jentarion:
    Veltigar,

    Actually, yeah. He looks like he could be Sam’s father.

    Well, it’s close enough for TV standards anyway 🙂 I think that would be quite a trump for the casting department 🙂

    A Girl Will Obey:
    Veltigar,

    I agree that it might not happen, while there are no words to say how perfect it would be. However, those images you shared are worth a thousand words! It IS Euron. I’m crossing everything in the mad(s) hope it’ll happen!

    We shall keep the flame of hope alive 😀

  577. Luka Nieto: Are we to assume Sam will visit Horn Hill on the way to Oldtown? Do we know that for a fact? I had completely assumed this was TWOW material, that Sam will visit the place —maybe he has to flee the Citadel, after the ironborn raid Oldtown…?

    I don’t know, just speculating.

  578. jentarion,

    Sure he does. Euron needs to be sexy as fuck (check),and if they are combining Vic with Yuri, then Mark Killeen also has the brawn.

    I need a Mero. Im holding out for a Mero.

  579. Marcus Adams:
    Veltigar,

    What about Peter Kay for Randyll Tarly Veltigar?

    Gotta be worth a punt

    I can’t say that I’m familiar with him, so I can’t really pass judgement on that one 🙂

  580. Veltigar,

    I respect your opinion and will check out those films, which sound very interesting, but I cannot but be a cynic and think that not even half the people suggesting Mads would do so if he hadn’t played an eyepatch-wearing badass in the past. And honestly, I think you brushed aside the accent issue too flippantly. I don’t care how much they change Euron’s backstory; Mads has a thicker accent than all of the many Scandinavians in Game of Thrones, to the point that at first I had to use subtitles to watch Hannibal. He’s is an amazing actor, but I can’t see him as Euron (or any Westerosi, for that matter,) unless he can develop a better English accent.

  581. Rygar,

    Gary Stretch I’m telling you! The guy used to box and model! Perfect combination of ruggedly handsome and dangerous looking. Guy can act too (watch Dead Man’s Shoes) which always helps! Actually whilst I think about it, his co-star the glorious Mr Paddy Considine might work too. There’s not many actors who can do unpredicatable psycho as well as Paddy as can be seen in Dead Man’s Shoes and A Room for Romeo Brass. Only thing stopping it might be that he’s not obviously handsome but tarted up a bit his charisma could make him more os.

  582. Veltigar,

    Garlic bread!? I’m pretty sure it was a comedic suggestion…at least I hope so. Peter Kay is fun as a comedy actor but has no business in Game of Thrones!

  583. Rygar,

    Any excuse to try and get people to watch ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’! Awesome film and filmed in my neck of the woods!

    Maybe Peter Mullan as Randyll Tarly?

  584. Luka Nieto:
    Veltigar,

    I respect your opinion and will check out those films, which sound very interesting, but I cannot but be a cynic and think that not even half the people suggesting Mads would do so if he hadn’t played an eyepatch-wearing badass in the past. And honestly, I think you brushed aside the accent issue too flippantly. I don’t care how much they change Euron’s backstory; Mads has a thicker accent than all of the many Scandinavians in Game of Thrones, to the point that at first I had to use subtitles to watch Hannibal. He’s is an amazing actor, but I can’t see him as Euron (or any Westerosi, for that matter,) unless he can develop a better English accent.

    You know I would actually be surprised if people suggested Mads because of his role as One-eye. Valhalla Rising is a cultmovie and it hasn’t really got a very wide viewership. You have to be a pretty big fan of Refn (which I happen to be 🙂 ) to have seen it I think.

    Furthermore, I have to reiterate that he has never really played a Brit before IIRC . He’s most famous for playing Le Chiffre who was Albanian and Hannibal who is Lithuanian if I’m not mistaken. Plus, his brother Lars (another hugely talented actor, though not as good as Mads) had a good English accent in Sherlock, so I assume that Mads is able to pull it off. He’s comfortable playing in other languages (outside Danish, he acted in English and French at the very least).

    Add to that the fact that the show is generally considered to be quite terrible with their accents and the fact that Euron in show continuity will have spent almost two decades sailing in the east he’ll be more than convincing.

    TheTouchOfFrost:
    Veltigar,

    Garlic bread!? I’m pretty sure it was a comedic suggestion…at least I hope so. Peter Kay is fun as a comedy actor but has no business in Game of Thrones!

    Even after looking him up on IMDB I have no idea who he is, so I’ll take your word for it 😉

  585. TheTouchOfFrost:
    Veltigar,

    Garlic bread!? I’m pretty sure it was a comedic suggestion…at least I hope so. Peter Kay is fun as a comedy actor but has no business in Game of Thrones!

    Fair comment Veltigar – but Paul Kaye (no relation) is a comedian – and he got the Thoros of Mir gig – and did very well. Never say never.

  586. Rygar,

    Randyll never actually crossed swords with Robert in the Battle of Ashford. Although a great commander and capable fighter I don’t think he would’ve been able to take Robert one on one in his prime. But yeah, I guess a more imposing Randyll wouldn’t go a miss. I’m still firmly in the Brian Blessed or John Rhys-Davies camp! Sean Connery would have been perfect a decade ago but could he still pull it off at 84?

  587. Marcus Adams,

    To be fair, Paul Kaye had acted in a number of roles beforehand and Thoros is quite a jovial character. Peter Kay is completely wrong for Randyll Tarly. He’s not old enough, he’s too warm and not intimidating enough. Plus everyone in Britain, at least, will see him as Peter Kay (he tend to play the same character every thing he’s in) and I’m not sure how well understood his Bolton (place not Roose,Ramsay et al!) accent would be understood in the US!

  588. TheTouchOfFrost:
    Rygar,

    Randyll never actually crossed swords with Robert in the Battle of Ashford. Although a great commander and capable fighter I don’t think he would’ve been able to take Robert one on one in his prime. But yeah, I guess a more imposing Randyll wouldn’t go a miss. I’m still firmly in the Brian Blessed or John Rhys-Davies camp! Sean Connery would have been perfect a decade ago but could he still pull it off at 84?

    Connery has retired from the profession since that turd of a “movie” the league of extraordinary gentleman (or whatever it was called, the Alan Moore adaptation) with the exception of some voice-acting, he hasn’t done anything since 2003. I can’t imagine HBO being able to coax him out of his self-imposed exile.

    Marcus Adams: Fair comment Veltigar – but Paul Kaye (no relation) is a comedian – and he got the Thoros of Mir gig – and did very well. Never say never.

    Hmmm, a Bond reference right before Connery is mentioned :p You must be a psychic :p Seriously though, a comedian can do great in a drama role I agree with that. However, since I don’t really know the guy I have to rely on other people’s opinion here.

  589. Veltigar,

    If they did want him then it would be a good way of him going out on a high note plus I think there was talk of him being in cast in Skyfall until Sam Mendes decided it would be too distracting.
    I think he’s too old anyway plus he’s too busy sticking his oar into Scottish Independence despite not actually living there anymore as he’d have to pay more taxes.

  590. * Victarion
    Ray Stevensen
    Clive Standen

    * Randyl Tarly-
    Brian Cox
    Bring me Graham McTavish

    * Euron-
    Richard Armitage might do a great job

    * Aeron-
    Always been Chris Eccleston in my head

    * Mixed race warrior (possibly Khal Jhoqo???)
    Manu Bennet all the way

  591. The Drowned Goddess,

    Don’t agree with all your casting but Ray Stevenson would be excellent as Victarion alas I think Vic’s ship has sailed (forgive the pun). His Rome costar James Purefoy as Euron could still happend though.
    Glad someone else is in agreement as to having Manu Bennet as the Dothraki Khal if that’s what they’re casting 🙂

  592. Rygar:
    Luka Nieto,

    Mads is far from sexy. More scary.No no no no.We need full frontal sexylickable Euron.

    To each his/her own…I find Mads to be sex on a stick. And I’m sure I’m not the only one!

    Also, about the accent – Mads is a professional actor, and actors do accents all the time. Easier than learning how to swordfight convincingly, I bet (not that it would be a problem for Mads who is a former dancer and has a great physical presence). I am quite certain he can master an English accent, which isn’t the hardest in the world by far, to at least be at Dinklage’s level lol.

  593. May I please jump in on this and give a little ‘shout out’ to some Welsh actors if this casting and these characters are in the offing? I’d be thrilled if they thought of :

    Euron Greyjoy – Rhys Ifans
    The Tarlys:
    Randyll Tarly – John Rhys Davies (a little older now but what presence!) or Paul Rhys if they go in a different physical direction

    Lady Melessa Tarly – Ruth Jones
    Dickon Tarly – Alexander Vlahos

  594. TheTouchOfFrost:
    The Drowned Goddess,

    Don’t agree with all your casting but Ray Stevenson would be excellent as Victarion alas I think Vic’s ship has sailed (forgive the pun). His Rome costar James Purefoy as Euron could still happend though.Glad someone else is in agreement as to having Manu Bennet as the Dothraki Khal if that’s what they’re casting

    Fun fact Ray Stevenson is playing Blackbeard in the next season of Black Sails. Really looking forward to that, Black Sails second season was the best season of television I had the pleasure of seeing in quite a while, I hope they top themselves in the third season with Stevenson as part of their crew.

    TheTouchOfFrost:
    Veltigar,

    If they did want him then it would be a good way of him going out on ahigh note plus I think there was talk of him being in cast in Skyfall until Sam Mendes decided it would be too distracting.I think he’s too old anyway plus he’s too busy sticking his oar into Scottish Independence despite not actually living there anymore as he’d have to pay more taxes.

    Connery considers himself to be out of touch with modern filmmaking. His soul was crushed after he had turned down roles in the first Matrix and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, because he didn’t understand their scripts. The next script to come his way he didn’t understand was The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, he agreed to do it and then it absolutely tanked.

    That’s why he has decided to steer clear from acting all together after 2003. I’m sure some impressive scripts floated his way, things that would blow GoT out of the water, but Connery just doesn’t want to do it anymore.

  595. “I am The Pirate Kin, Hoorah For The Pirate King…And it is it is a Glorious Thing to be a Pirate King…”
    OK. Done with Pirates of Penzance and let’s take it to TV!
    Something has told me to grow my naturally blonde curly hair long before visiting Hollywood in June! This must be it! Should I also grow back my naturally Red beard too? When and where should I stop by?
    Sam.

  596. Veltigar,

    Well, he’s playing a pirate in soe=me show then I guess!

    Can’t say I massively miss him in films! He was a decent Bond and I enjoyed him in Rising Sun ,The Rock and Higlander…and that cameo in Prince of Theives! For an actor of his age and profile though he hasn’t done that much that’s been that good!

  597. TheTouchOfFrost:
    Veltigar,

    Well, he’s playing a pirate in soe=me show then I guess!

    Can’t say I massively miss him in films! He was a decent Bond and I enjoyed him in Rising Sun ,The Rock and Higlander…and that cameo in Prince of Theives! For an actor of his age and profile though he hasn’t done that much that’s been that good!

    Oh, I definitely agree Connery isn’t that great of an actor. I can’t really say that I have enjoyed many of his films. Only Highlander and Goldfinger spring to mind, although I remember that I also enjoyed from Russia With Love when I first saw it.

  598. chameleon,

    1. I was also wondering what this “Get Hype” was and where it came from
    2. Thank you for posting in response
    3. I laughed my fuking ass off and my husband did not laugh once

    CLEGANEBOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  599. Pigeon:
    Arianwen,

    I have a fondness for Luke Evans in there as well!

    Agreed, he’s great but I’m not sure what he would play (of the offered roles…) he seems too essentially kind for Euron.

    I love the Welshcasting! I have long wished for a character for Ioan Gruffudd, he would have made a great Loras (although I like Finn Jones), or even Jamie (hair can be dyed). And had The Americans not happened – one of the world’s greatest tragedies, to be sure – Matthew Rhys would have made an interesting and completely different Jon Snow. It’s to Kit’s credit that it’s difficult for me to think of anyone else playing Jon now….

    Speaking of fancasting: I know GRRM would never say, but it would be really interesting to know someday if he has his own fancast picks, or if he saw someone in a specific role when he was writing it. I’d like to think he knew only Charles Dance could play Tywin 🙂

  600. The Drowned Goddess:
    chameleon,

    1.I was also wondering what this “Get Hype” was and where it came from
    2. Thank you for posting in response
    3. I laughed my fuking ass off and my husband did not laugh once

    CLEGANEBOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    It’s just inspired silliness to a rap track, I don’t know why but it always makes me lfmaooo. Bonus points for the Moon Boy quote 20 seconds in 🙂

  601. chameleon,

    Matthew Rhys with a white wig would be an awesome Rhaegar Targaryen!

    And do you mean Matthew Rhys not playing Jon Snow is a tragedy? Or that The Americans is a tragedy? Because that to me is one of the best series on television right now.

  602. Here’s an idea for the Citadel, including SPOILERS, since the code does not seem to work in my preview, for some reason:

    Sarella will be replaced by one of the existing Sand Snakes. Pate will be Jaqen or Arya from the get-go. And Marwyn? Well, after Littlefinger kills Olenna and Kevan in King’s Landing, Pycelle, realizing there’s nothing to be gained from staying in the captial, retreats to the Citadel – he’s a survivor before anything else, after all. This way we’ll have an entirely new location populated entirely by characters from preexisting plot lines, all flocking to the new location at the same time. 🙂
  603. Tibatonk,

    If Sarella is getting replaced, I’m pretty sure Tyene is the likeliest candidate. Not so sure about Pycelle, though.

  604. Sharlto Copley for Euron.

    Actually, after seeing him in Maleficent, Copley might be a better choice for the Mad King.

  605. Luka Nieto,

    Neither am I. Neither am I.

    And I can’t quite make up my mind over which Sand Snake would be most likely to replace Sarella. I guess it depends on whether she actually goes undercover or not.
  606. Luka Nieto,

    Not sure as if they’re following the books Obara would be at a loose end. I think Nymeria would be a better fit in Oldtown. Tyene needs to infilatrate the church and Obara would make more sense on the small council. Although this is all based on their book roles and personalities…what there is of them. The show versions are pretty much blank slates at this point. Unless they still have something for Ellaria to do?
    Intersting ide about Pycelle if he doesn’t get killed off. Although does he really have the same personality as Marwyn? I think casting a new maester wouldn’t be that hard and wouldn’t matter too much as long as they got someone good.

  607. Father. Aged 50’s to 60’s, he’s one of the greatest soldiers in Westeros- a humorless martinet, severe and intimidating. He demands martial discipline in the field and in his home. It’s described as “a very good part” for next year and that he’s “centrally involved” in a protagonist’s storyline.

    Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles

    NO DOUBT one of these two is Howling Reed

  608. d,

    GRRM said that about Mago too; there will be ways around it. They cannot keep adding lots and lots of characters.

  609. TheTouchOfFrost,

    To be fair, despite what I wrote above – which I mostly put out there so I could tell people I told them so in the unlikely case that it actually happened – I find it much more likely that Pycelle will fall victim to Frankenstein’s Maester if he escapes his book fate. Might even happen before the Walk: With Cersei gone, Pycelle goes to confront Qyburn in the dungeons, only to be killed by the newly alive Gregor. (Who hopefully would not sit up behind him before strangling him to death. Because, seriously, that would be a bit too much.)
  610. Veltigar,

    Sean Connery had the misfortune of being an old school movie star in the modern era; that is, he was an actor of great depth and charisma within a narrow range. And, as mentioned, most of his movies just weren’t that good. (See ‘The Wind and the Lion,’ ‘The Man Who Would be King,’ and ‘Marnie’ for possible exceptions, as well as the earliest of his Bonds, of course.)

    That having been said, depending on whether we plunk a young, middle-aged, or old Sean in GoT, there are countless roles he could have played.

    In fact, Rory McCann is so much like a younger Connery that at least one critic (or reporter?) stated that if a biopic of Connery is ever made, McCann should play the part. (Scotland Forever!–as reads the tattoo on Connery’s forearm.)

    Ned, Blackfish, Euron, Victarion, Damphair, Benjen, Robert, Craster, both Mormonts–Connery could have done them all.

    I will forestall ridicule by not insisting that Connery could have been Oberyn as well but will note that one of Connery’s most popular roles in the ’70s was as a Berber (I think) chieftan in that movie I mentioned earlier, ‘The Wind and the Lion.’

    The Scottish accent wasn’t really a distraction, as by that time, to most audiences he didn’t sound Scottish–he just sounded like Sean Connery.

    His contemporaries Richard Burton, Michael Caine, Richard Harris, Peter 0’Toole, Oliver Reed, and Omar Sharif would have been wonderful additions to GoT as well had it been made back in the day.

  611. So the Pirate, Father, Mother, etc. I think is pretty obvious and it seems that everyone kinda agrees. But my thought on the boys is a flashback to the False Spring Tourney:

    My thought on the boys comes from the story that Meera and Jojen tell Bran regarding a Crannogmen that goes wandering and ends up at the Tourney at Harrenhal during the false spring. The boys may be a young Eddard, Brandon, and Howland Reed.
    If this is the case, then we may see an appearance of the long mentioned Howland Reed, and get some answers to the Tower of Joy… and maybe a confirmation of R+L=J (*crosses fingers for the last one). It does seem that the show is getting very close to the revelation of who Jon’s parents are either way.
  612. Euron: Richard Armitage
    Tall, dark hair, blue-eyed, menacing and cat-like ?
    Richard (Leo).
    YES
    Please & Thank you

  613. Ross,

    Chad Brick,

    Thank you for articulating exactly how a feel…
    if you love this show, you’d want the see as much of the world and characters as possible, not just rush to the conclusion.

    I actually think there is not enough scenes and moments that are NOT meant to progress the story… I’d like to see more moments for each character, their interactions, their personality and backstories, in turn… the more you do this, the more you are attached to the characters, only helping the end game anyway.

  614. Sharon,

    There ages do not fit: boys are said to be 7-9, Brandon was already over 18 at the Tourney and Robert and Ned a couple of years younger.

  615. Really exited about pirate and father in the casting call, even more so since i don’t think they’ll now tell the iron islands Part of FFC. That would be a step back storywise. Means i am really lookin forward to find out how Eurons story continues and about his Place in the big picture.
    Always pictured Mads while reading but but not sure how his accent would blend in.
    So far the Casting did not disapoint. Positiv they’ll stay on track.

  616. Yay.

    Randyll Tarly and Euron Greyjoy.

    And probably young Ned. That sounds promising.

  617. Tarly always looked like a younger version of Brian Cox to me. Someone who is respected by his men and other Lords. Noone cares of course how he runs his family.
    Thinking about it they might also choose someone with a leaner frame and go for a more militaryauthoritykindatype a la Stephen Lang or Ed Harris.

    Is there a 50-55 year old Brian Cox out there, waiting to gez casted?

  618. Jared,

    Is it possible that we might find out “where whores go?” and she’s (the rum loving, classy, middle-aged actress) Tyrion’s long lost wife?

  619. Valaquen,

    omg yes. mads is perfect for euron! youre probably thinking of that photoshoot he did. you either know it or you dont. when i saw it i screamed “euron!”

    but i would also accept a black haired tom hiddleston for the role… i just need tom hiddleston somewhere on this show to be totally honest. he would also make an excellent rhaegar considering how ridiculously over idealized rhaegar is the only man who could pull that level of cringe worthy disney prince-ness off is tom.

  620. I think the boys might be Brandon, Ned and Howland reed, the reeds have very distinctive green eyes in the books, plus only the second boy had to have a northern accent, which make me think Ned…..

  621. I think he’ll definitely die. The way Sansa was walking behind him like the Grim Reaper in that one episode? A whole season after Tyrion says “She hasn’t killed anyone…yet”? It’s foreshadowed. He’s going to die and Sansa is going to kill him.

  622. No one else thinks the “priest” role is hinting at Aeron “Damphair” Greyjoy? I suspect we are preparing for a season 6 Kingsmoot, which isn’t complete without the blessing of the Drowned God.

  623. A large boy, with an actor who is 10-12 but playing 7 or 8. He’s described as “a clever boy” who seems too large for his age. He’s big and tall but not fat. “Characterful squat features” are a plus for this part. it’s specified that this is a one-time appearance.

    Hmmm, I was all set to say obviously it’s young future king Bobby B, mainly because of the “big and tall but not fat”, and because of the possibility of Ned Stark as another flashback character. But that one word “clever”…

    12 year old boy, with brown hair and blue eyes. He needs to use a Northern accent. He has scenes where he has to spar with a wooden sword.
    The length of the role isn’t specified.

    7 year old boy with dark brown hair, a narrow face and green eyes. He also has a Northern accent. He also spars with the wooden sword, so it’s safe to assume it’s the same scene. This role is similarly open-ended, the description only stating that the character is being ‘introduced.’

    Brandon and Ned?

  624. mw99,

    could be Rickon. also I hope the priest who’s seen many battles is Thoros. I’d be happy to see the brotherhood make a comeback

  625. Hmmmm Kit says John Snow is definitely dead but we all know the Red Priestess can bring him back

  626. So, no one as mentioned this that I’ve seen, but I think it might be possible.

    Perhaps the warrior and priestess are Jon Connington and the Septa that trains young griff? A bit of a stretch since they were left out of season 5, but think about it.

    You can’t introduce all the characters. There are too many. We had a new Myrcella, and oh, idk, EVERYONE in Dorne. So maybe season 6 picks up where the Griffs land in westeros and we finally get even more confused buy Faegon.

    Thoughts?

  627. ROLE: 12 Year Old Boy

    Name: Leon Vervoort
    Age: 14 (But I look younger)
    Length: 170cm
    Weight: 52KG
    Eyecolour: Blue
    Haircolour: Brown
    Skin: Blanc / White
    Country: The Netherlands
    I am acting now for 2 years but didn’t play in a film yet. It really is a dream for me and I’d really do everything I can for it! I haven’t red the books but have seen all the seasons yet. I want to join Game of Thrones because I love the acting in it and sometimes I think that I see myself in that too. In real life I do Bilingual Atheneum on the CarmelCollege Emmen (this information because you asked for “a clever boy”). on school I’ve got Drama one time a week and I always stay for an hour longer to act with my teacher. I learn British English on school so to speak with a Northern accent isn’t a problem. Thank you already and you really won’t regret it!

  628. Everyone is skipping over the best one:
    “Priest, in his 40’s or 50’s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion….”
    Proposed to be Septon Maribald, but more like Elder Brother.
    ie: Gravedigger -> the Hound -> Faith’s champion vs Cersei’s champion

  629. Father. Aged 50’s to 60’s, he’s one of the greatest soldiers in Westeros- a humorless martinet, severe and intimidating. He demands martial discipline in the field and in his home. It’s described as “a very good part” for next year and that he’s “centrally involved” in a protagonist’s storyline.

    Bryan Cranston could be perfect for this. Right age, right screen persona, currently very popular, and he can do “severe and intimidating” to the point of being terrifying.

    Fierce Warrior, a tall man in 30’s or 40’s with a powerful physique. They’re looking for someone with “mixed ethnicity” for the role.

    Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan could nail this (actually he would’ve been great as Oberyn too), although it depends on whether the character is a major role. Here’s a general photo of Hrithik glaring into the camera, a photo showing his powerful physique, a video of Hrithik performing a “sword dance” at an Indian awards show, a short video of Hrithik at a fashion show modelling an outfit based on medieval Indian royal attire, and a video of an interview with Britain’s Sky News where Hrithik confirmed he’s very interested in starring in a suitable Hollywood production.

    Hrithik’s most acclaimed movie role was playing a real-life medieval Indian emperor (regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history). Here’s the official movie website with lots of photos if you click on “downloads” and “posters” at the top. Hrithik rightfully won multiple awards for his extraordinary performance. He would actually be perfect as the emperor/king of GoT’s version of medieval India, but it obviously depends on the storyline in Seasons 6 and 7.

  630. I was in the middle of a Banshee re-watch the other day and had an idea…
    Geno Segers for the “Fierce Warrior” role!

    The man was just intensity incarnate on screen as Chayton Littlestone…

    Hmm.. I wonder if he could pull off Shadow Moon for STARZ upcoming American Gods? Too bad Momoa is probably busy…

  631. A few more suggestions:

    Pirate, man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.” He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.

    Hugh Laurie, the “pirate doctor” House himself.

    Also, if Bryan Cranston isn’t available to play Randyll Tarly, Jeremy Irons could be a good alternative.

  632. Pedrissimo,

    No northern accent for Royce!
    Only one of the boys doesn’t have northern accent, and by the description, it ougtha be Robert Baratheon.

    Green-eyed is the youngest, but the same age as the large one (Robert) so I’m guessing it really is Ned.

    As for the older boy, also with northern accent, it probably is Brandon Stark.

  633. The fierce warrior’s role description has been butchered over the last couple of weeks, and crucial details about this character are removed!

    Legendary Fighter: A man in his thirties or forties who is a great swordsman and a paragon of knighthood. He carries a hugely famous sword on his back. The show is seeking a very impressive swordsman for the role- the best in Europe, for a week of filming fight scenes for a season 6 role. His ethnicity/race isn’t specified, unlike many other roles.”

    My guesses:
    Warrior is the Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur Dayne, bearing the famous sword Dawn.
    First young boy (“bigger” one) plays a young Sam Tarly.
    Second two young boys play young Ned and Brandon Stark.

  634. Sue the Fury,

    “Legendary Fighter: A man in his thirties or forties who is a great swordsman and a paragon of knighthood. He carries a hugely famous sword on his back. The show is seeking a very impressive swordsman for the role- the best in Europe, for a week of filming fight scenes for a season 6 role. His ethnicity/race isn’t specified, unlike many other roles.”

    Apart from the “minor” issue that he’s not in Europe, Hrithik Roshan could be a very good match for this role too, especially if it really is Arthur Dayne. It obviously depends on whether HBO can afford him, the number of scenes/episodes, his existing acting schedule, and whether it would better to keep him “in reserve” for a different GoT role down the line (“king of Asshai”, or whatever). According to international news reports during the past couple of months, Hrithik has already secured a major role in an undisclosed Hollywood production, although everyone involved is being very secretive about it. So there are definitely possibilities for starring in Game of Thrones too.

    Any thoughts?

    (My first comment here included a lot of information on the guy, so hopefully you’ve had a chance to check it out).

  635. Rickon? I mean he hasnt been in the show for years, DBW and DB know we can look up the actor so they couldnt just call rickon up. Game of thrones dosnt do flash backs except with Bran, but bran isnt recast in this season from s4 so i dont think its him. Its probably a bolton, castle black, skagos thing. Now that stannis is over

  636. Hi, my name is Axel du Peloux, I am a French 18 years old boy. I play lot of theatre, and I love it. I am blond with green eyes, 1.72m for 62kg, and I am good at acting wicked characters. Do not hesitate to call me on 0659262159, but because I am in France if you are calling from another country you would have to call 33659262159. My email adress is [email protected], I can also send you photos. Kind regards

    Axel du Peloux

  637. In Mercy, an excerpt from The Winds of Winter, Arya is in a mummer’s troop. It’s possible that the “Leading Actress” is connected to Arya’s storyline. Though I don’t see where her storyline is going in the books. But that excerpt is already used in the fifth season where Arya kills Ser Meryn Trant. So, can’t be sure about it..
    M,

  638. Afeastfordances,

    Regarding the possibility of a Sand Snake at the Citadel

    there is the theory that Sarella Sand is secretly becoming a maester at the Citadel

    I also wonder if the flashback might be related to the Tourney at Harrenhal?

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