We have fresh casting news for you all today! Game of Thrones has added three actors to its already overflowing roster for season 6.
It’s been generally agreed since the first list of casting breakdowns was leaked that Sam’s family is joining the show, and now we have faces and names to go with the characters!
A very reliable source tells us James Faulkner, Samantha Spiro and Rebecca Benson will be joining the cast of the show, and are filming in Spain this week.
The report says that Faulkner will be playing Randyll Tarly, Sam’s famously stern and martial father. Spiro will be playing Sam’s mother, and Sam’s sister will be played by Scottish actress Rebecca Benson.
The new additions will join the previously announced Freddie Stroma, confirmed two weeks ago as Sam’s brother Dickon Tarly.
UPDATE 9/17: HBO has officially confirmed the casting of James Faulkner as Samwell’s father, Randyll Tarly, Samantha Spiro as Sam’s mother Melessa Tarly and Rebecca Benson as Sam’s sister Talla Tarly.
A little more info about the actors:
James Faulkner (shown above, on Downton Abbey) recently portrayed Lord Sinderby on Downton Abbey and played the role of Pope Sixtus IV on Da Vinci’s Demons for two seasons. The actor has a long and varied history in television, appearing over the years (often as the villain) in programs such as MI-5, Tatort, Highlander, La Femme Nikita, Covington Cross, and The Hound of the Baskervilles (Granada). He co-starred in the classic series I, Claudius as Herod Agrippa. On film, he had memorable comedic turns as Uncle Geoffrey in Bridget Jones’s Diary and the sequel.
Samantha Spiro, who will be playing Sam’s kind-hearted mother, will appear as Detective Taylor in BBC Two’s drama London Spy this fall. She’s played a wide assortment of women in two seasons of Psychobitches. She’s turned up on Coupling, M.I.T: Murder Investigation Team, Cold Feet and Grandma’s House, and was a victim of the Ripper in From Hell.
She’s also well known for her stage work, winning Olivier Awards in 2000 for Merrily We Roll Along and in 2010 for Hello, Dolly! In 2013, she played Lady Macbeth in Macbeth at the Shakespeare’s Globe theater.
Rebecca Benson made a splash starring as Eli in the National Theatre of Scotland’s Let the Right One In, a production that transferred to London and New York, to rave reviews.
The actress graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2011. She has guested on episodes of Shetland, Vera, and Holby City and recently appeared as a Maidservant in the new version of Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender.
HBO has declined to officially confirm the castings at the present time.
Thanks to our sources and to Javi of Los Siete Reinos for his assistance!
Holy shit he’s perfect
Wow, that dour, humorless face just screams Randyll Tarly haha. Awesome!
Loved Faulkner’s work on Downton Abbey. Such a d!ck. He’ll make a great Lord Tarly.
Whoador!
Now, this is awesome news indeed!
While I am not as familiar with the two actresses, James Faulkner will make an AWESOME Randyll Tarly!! He has the perfect look I always associated with the character… except no beard.
ETA:
Maybe he will grow a beard?
Yes, please!
http://www.hotflick.net/flicks/2005_Day_of_Wrath/005DOW_James_Faulkner_013.jpg
Exciting news! Their looks are certainly strong!
Do we know for how many episodes they’re appearing?
Well I guess Ian McShane is Septon Meribald.
He looks perfect!!
Also can’t wait to see Sam’s mother and sister.
Darquemode,
He can grow one if needed.
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3825523712/nm0269077?ref_=nm_phs_md_6#
Perfect Randyll, in my opinion.
KNGSLYRS,
Damn, thats even better!!!!!
Yeah, when I look at that picture of Faulkner, I can connect with everything Sam has said about his father lol
I know Randyll will probably be a recurring presence in the show and we’ll get to see him in King’s Landing and other settings but I wonder if we can get more of the others as well. I really hope Dickon gets to travel with him, because I love Freddie Stroma.
Mihnea,
Indeed…
Of course it is not necessarily ‘needed’, but I have always pictured Randyll with a short cropped beard. No worries either way.
Game of Thrones has the greatest cast in the history of TV. Even the ‘smaller’ roles are played by brilliant actors
Really excited for the Tarly family dinner scene. Faulkner is perfect. Poor Sam!
Don’t recognise the guy but he certainly looks the part. Can’t wait to see how he plays it.
This has been the best season for filming and casting news to date. There’s been almost two great articles every day for the past few weeks. Long may it continue! Great work WotW!!
Hi-Fi,
I really, really hope Sam interects with the rest of his family aswell.
Some scenes with his mother or sister should be preaty good.
He’s frightening me already 🙂
Looks just the ticket for poor Sam’s daddy.
The mum looks very young though. Must have been a child bride.
This should be good!
Damn atleast they cast Randyll Tarly right!
Bad ass looking MOFO.
Wow the mother and sister actresses look like family. And a perfect casting for Randyll.
That face is rather intimidating. Excellent! (Poor Sam!)
Scratch Tarly off of the list for McShane. What’s left? Looks like Meribald….
Very Colonel Mortimer!
Yup, perfect casting once again. I’m starting to think Nina’s Oscar nomination accidentally was for S6 instead of S5. 😉
Let-it-Snow,
Spiro is 47 , plenty old enough to have given birth to a 20-ish Sam or the 27-year old John Bradley for that matter! XD.
Woah. Samantha Spiro and Rebecca Benson could well be mother and daughter. That’s some fine casting! James Faulkner looks properly intimidating, too. I’ve seen him in a few roles. I wouldn’t have thought of him, understandably, but I believe he’ll do fine!
A good showreel video of James Faulkner’s works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEtOiAdJN4
Luka Nieto,
I never thought of him as Tarly either, but Faulkner was actually one of my favorites to play the High Sparrow. Jonathan Pryce has been brilliant as HS of course.. Now I expect big things of Faulkner as well.
Ha, ha, ha he doesn’t need to play Randyll Tarly he is Randyll Tarly! Yes, poor Sam!!!
OMFG!!!!
Lord Sindertarly……
Since Lord Sinderby is a similar role to Randyll Tarly and Faulkner did an awesome job on DA i have every suspicion he will nail the performance as Tarly. See the scene in DA at dinner table when he is served something else than everybody else…..
Holy. Shit.
If James Faulkner doesn’t scream Randyll Tarly, I don’t know who does.
I mean, hell, just seeing his picture made me feel like I should correct my posture and fold my hands neatly in my lap.
He has a perfect voice !!
Almost like Charles Dance!
Very apt-looking family. To me, the sister has a certain resemblance to Sam. The dinner scene should be a good one. I also expect Randyll to recur for more than this season.
I immediately feel sorry for Sam…………… This guy looks like such an asshole but I’m glad to hear from all you posters that he is a great actor, shaping up to be a fun season
Agreed. All of them are perfect. Also, they could pass for a family IRL. Top marks for the casting department – AGAIN!
Randyll Tarly indeed!
Intimidating face…
http://awoiaf.westeros.org/images/2/20/Sardag_randyll_tarly.jpg
Yeah… that’s a pretty damn good resemblance to my mind.
I was just thinking that today was a bit of a slow news day, but wow this is BIG!
I’ve seen both Faulkner and Spiro in a few things and they were both good, however I wouldn’t say I know a lot about them.
All three of them look great, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing Faulkner. He has a fantastic authoritarian look.
Congrats on the scoop!
With the beard, he looks just like he is portrayed on the ASOIAF Wiki.
http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Randyll_Tarly
WOW! They nailed it! Great job.
Great scoop guys and fantastic piece of casting again! I scrolled down literally expecting numerous complaints that James Faulkner doesn’t have 22″ biceps, isn’t 190m tall or doesn’t have one ear bigger than the other- but have been very pleasantly surprised 😉
Faulkner looks suitably disapproving.
Spiro and Benson are a good match, appearance-wise, too.
Darquemode,
Thank you. Yes she’s old enough though still a young looking 40+.
She and Sam get on well don’t they, if I remember correctly.
Has Sam ever mentioned his sister? I can’t recall that he ever has. But maybe
someone can remind me.
No
GoT nailed it with the casting of the Tarlys. Just awesome.
I’m glad to see who will portray Randyll but i have been checking here all day for an update on the battle on stairs between Jaime/Tyrells and the FM/Kingsguard. I need a pic!!! 🙂
James Faulkner tweeted this photo a couple hours of himself in S’Agaro (in Spain), so you can see what he looks like at the moment.
https://twitter.com/jamessfaulkner/status/644210705609191424
There he is! Randyll the Mandyll Tarly, at long last! And I’ll be damned if that’s not the most perfect casting on this show so far… I mean, just LOOK at him. It’s almost like George wrote the character with Mr. Faulkner in mind.
I also like Spiro and Benson. They do favor John Bradley in looks a bit, particularly the eyes.
I love his face in the picture.
“Sure, go on, son, tell me how you killed that White Walker thing…”
Greywind,
Me too, me too!
Just how I imagined Randyll Tarly. Great casting as always Faulkner will be very menacing haha.
Oh yes, he’s perfect for Randyll! And Sam’s mum and sister look great too. Although, Sam’s sister does look an awful lot like Gilly. Doesn’t anyone in Westeros know about hybrid vigour?
Sue the Fury,
So he will have a stubble. Not a beard, but still. Aha!
Sue the Fury,
Great!
I hope he will play a big role in a seasons to come.
He’s got the face for Randyll but he’s much older and not as physically imposing as I pictured the character. Not sure if I really like the choice, would of preferred an actor in his 50’s.
Let-it-Snow,
As Mau already pointed out, no. Sam has not mentioned her on the TV series…. At least not as far as I recall…..
There is mention of him having multiple sisters in A Storm of Swords though. I think it’s just before he releases the ravens when he is freezing cold that he thinks of his mother at home with his sisters and little brother.
Sue the Fury,
Oh that is perfect!
Thanks!
look for clips of him as Pope Sixtus IV in Da Vinci’s Demon, he is especially menacing in that role
Darquemode,
One sister is mentioned by name (in the books), Talla Tarly. So I guess that’s who she’ll be playing.
omg, that dude is a fantastic frigging actor. He has this certain arrogance that will really come across. Hell, he would have made an excellent Tywin Lannister too. Although Charles Dance was inimitable in the role.
When you look at the roster of talent on this show, including Charles Dance, Ian McShane, James Faulkner, Diana Rigg…jeez, it’s unprecedented.
I thought the same about Sam’s sister. Maybe that’s why he’s in love with Gilly because she reminds him of his sister?
Matt,
It will be interesting to see if they do keep the names.
They did with Dickon of course, but still.. I guess I always wonder if D&D will tweak a name until I see official news of the role….
ace,
I just followed the twitter link Sue posted, and it seems he refers to himself as “Popey.” hahahaha
Very cool news.
So who do we know is cast but don’t know their roles? Is it just Ian McShane at this point or is there anyone else I’m forgetting?
For McShane, I’m dubious about him being Septon Meribald, but I’m not sure what other remaining roles he could play. He’s certainly not going be Arthur Dayne.
*shakes head* There’s one in every crowd.
Great casting on Faulkner as Tarly, I was concentrating on actors 50-60, but his Pope in Da Vinci’s Demons was great. I remember him from Bank Job, Good Shepherd, and Martian Chronicles, all good films/programs. If he emotes some of his Pope Sixtus, it should be aewsome.
oh and…………………..TARLY’s! finally.
Fez,
Sue wrote an article about McShane’s role.
Yeah, upon seeing her I immediately thought that Sam must have had a thing for his own sis, Jaime style. But then again Gilly was his one opportunity… it’s not like he picked her from a long line of one-nighters.
You know, we fancast and fancast and say “So and so is perfect and would be the only X” and then…we see who is actually cast and now I can’t see anyone else as Tarly ever.
Spiro was in the movie From Hell (one of my favorite movies), she played the whore that is believed to be the first of the Jack the Ripper victims. She didn’t look much like the photo showed up top and she didn’t have much screen time….but she was memorable. If this role calls for her to do any screaming, she has that down. 😀
Hollyoak,
Yeah he would’ve been a great Tywin. I’m not moaning though because Charles Dance was exceptional, and now we have him as Randyll.
GoT seriously has the best cast on TV. Other shows have maybe one or two big names, GoT has had several.
The only thing that bugs me is that he shares his name with an Australian cricketer, but unlike that one I’m sure his performance will be electrifying in a good way.
HotPinkLipstick,
Well, Nina Gold.
Lord Sinderby was a proper sh*t, he’ll do nicely. I thought show Mum was dead tho, the thimble gift to Gilly and all.
Goodness, as far as looks go, this is ideal. I am not familiar with Rebecca Benson, but I already like the elder Tarlys!
Well done, well done *insert Dwayne Johnson clapping gif here*
Interesting. They have got a more famous actor (McShane) for what would seem to be a lesser role (Meribald rather than Tarly). Which makes me think again that McShane is more likely to be Howland Reed than Meribald. We shall see.
Blanche Holstein,
I think the thimble was a gift from Sam’s mother to Sam, before he left for the Wall. When he relays to Jon the story of how Randyll told him he was joining the Watch, he says Randyll said (paraphrasing somewhat) “You’ll have an accident and die, or so I’ll tell your mother. Nothing will please me more”. She’s never been mentioned as being dead. I figure she just gave Sam the thimble, or Sam took the thimble, to remember her by.
JCDavis,
I am not going to lie just to appease peoples sensitive feelings, I call it like I see. If James was 15 years younger I might be more delighted with the casting. Randyll is suppose to be a military leader who’s got the strength to wield a Valyrian sword in battle, so someone on the wrong side of 65 isn’t ideal IMO.
Samantha and Rebbeca look like mother and daughter.
Faulkner is fabulous in Downton!
Well done WoTW! 😀
McShane might not have wanted the larger role, or he might have been too expensive for the larger role. I think he’s dead on for Elder Meribald.
Al Swearengen,
The strength to wield a Valyrian steel sword? One of the hallmarks of Valyrian steel is it’s so much lighter than castle-forged steel.
Wow! Rebecca looks like she could be John’s sister in real life! Some great casting here! But then, in my opinion all of the casting has been spot on.
Thanks for the new info everyone!
Al Swearengen,
Huh? Valyrian swords are lighter. You may be thinking of Ice, which is heavy because it’s enormous. And have you ever actually picked up a sword, anyway? They’re surprisingly light. Common misconception.
Ser Florian,
Thanks, for some reason I had it stuck in my mind it was a sentimental remembrance of his deceased mother. Missed the one detail, glad she isn’t gone!
LordDavos,
I don’t think that famous actor equals big part. They are sure to have one or two big, dialogue-heavy scenes but that could be it (think of Burn Gorman, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and most likely our theater troupe).
Actor’s age =/= character’s age. Otherwise, Robert would be younger than Stannis in the show.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
Luka Nieto,
Indeed.
Plus, it’s noted numerous times that Randyll Tarly is slim or lean.. I forget the exact wordage. He can still be very imposing without having huge physical stature!
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
That still doesn’t mean you don’t need strength or physical prowess to succeed in battle. Waving a sword around for hours takes its toll on your muscles.
Like I said if he was younger I’d dig the casting, his age is just an issue for me, it’s why I was never keen on Ian McShane playing the role either. Randyll isn’t suppose to be that old, he’s still a capable warrior who’s out in the field during AFFC.
But I suppose they’re going for a more cerebral take on the character this time, if that’s the case, the casting is fine. It still doesn’t excite me or intrigue me as much as the Euron casting though.
Im thinking mackshane is not Meribald as well. His role is small but very important, a key to the series. Has to be Howland reed to confirm jon parents for the rest of the world.
OBS: i think we will have Meribald but not with Mackshane.
The actresses playing the sister and mother do look very much like they could be related, and both look like they could legitimately be related to John Bradley as well.
As for Faulkner, there isn’t a bad thing I can say about his casting.
Al Swearengen,
Huh… Actually, I’m pretty sure Randyll’s age is completely unknown. You might have imagined him younger, but I don’t think there is textual evidence to support that claim. As for his description:
“Randyll is a lean and balding man with a short, bristly grey beard. He is a narrow man but iron willed, shrewd and capable. He is considered one of the finest battle commanders in Westeros.” —ASOIAF Wiki
Lean. Balding. Short beard. Narrow. A great battle commander. He isn’t described as a big savage warrior, but as a Tywin-type.
Aguero,
Sue already wrote an article about his role. He will not be Howland Reed.
Al Swearengen,
Zzzzzzzzzz to the negativity. You’re totally entitled to that opinion (of course) but I’m happy to see you’re in the vast minority.
I was just about to call you on the age thing until I checked IMDB and turns out he is in fact 66/67 years old. That guy looks AMAZING for his age, and can easily pass for late 40s so I’m sure he will do a stellar job as Randyl Tarly.
Luka Nieto,
He is just trolling.
mau,
We don’t know that. We only know McShane’s character will meet the bandits and that it will be a brief role. We don’t know what, if anything, Howland Reed will do in TWOW, or Season 6.
Luka Nieto,
I pictured him in his 50’s, mature but not completely over the hill. I was never saying he had to look like a hulking shredded dude, just someone who looks capable enough to wield a sword in battle, that’s all. Someone like Graham McTavish.
Luka Nieto,
Well, we don’t know anything for sure, but a band of outlaws will 99,999% be in the Riverlandas, and they have that character that seems to be septon Meribald. Small but important role.
I don’t think that Howland Reed will appear in the show at all.
Al Swearengen,
No one said one didn’t need strength or physical prowess. However, you stated you thought he needed to look like he had the strength to wield a Valyrian steel sword, which as I and others have pointed out, is lighter than other swords, therefore wouldn’t need as much strength. Thus, that particular argument of yours doesn’t stand.
I’m sorry, you just seem to always have an issue with one thing, or another, so it comes off as more of…there goes Al complaining, again.
mau,
No I am not, I am just expressing my feelings on the casting, if you can’t handle that then that’s your problem.
Al Swearengen,
Graham McTavish would be great too. His kind of bullying would be more phyisical, rawer —This guy, in the other hand, is older, narrower, with more intimading eyes. It’s a different kind of bullying. I don’t know, I think both would work great, in very different ways.
mau,
Fair enough. I’m just saying, we can’t possibly discount Howland 100%.
No one cares how you pictured him.
He is not described in the book the way you pictured him, you can have Novak Djokovic for your head cannon, that doesn’t mean that that was the way that character looked in the books.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
So by your logic then Walder Frey would be able to wield Heartsbane? Just because Valyrian steel is a lighter material doesn’t mean any average joe could use a weapon crafted from it.
One thing I like about the casting is they have not been hesitant to have an older actor portray a role meant for someone a bit younger. It seems to have worked out quite well overall. As for the prowess of elder warriors, anyone ever hear of William Marshall or Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk?
Al Swearengen,
Okay, now you’re just trolling, aren’t you? Walder Frey is like a 90 year old man who is portrayed as having a bit of difficulty walking. Randyll’s actor, meanwhile, is a 70 year old man who looks intimidating and younger than he actually is.
This. If one was to go back through this thread…Mr. Al is the ONLY person who doesn’t think it is a good casting. Not that he doesn’t have the right, but it sure seems to stick out like a sore eye (loser) to me.
Mr. Al. No one, including me said you had to flow with the main stream. But I will say it would be nice if just once you didn’t show up and literally say just about the opposite of everyone else, it sure starts to smell like it is deliberate. Just sayin’.
“Was your father cruel like Craster too?”
“Different manner of cruel.”
One of my favorite exchanges ever in the series. My favorite John Bradley moment. This guy justifies the fear.
Very solid casting.
Al Swearengen,
I’m slow today, so I didn’t see what you added to the one post, or your subsequent posts before I made mine, so I’ll back off a little…but only a little.
Neener.
Neener.
JCDavis,
I was positive when the Euron casting was announced.
For the record I don’t flat out hate this casting, I already said he’s got the perfect face for Randyll, I just wish he was a little younger, that’s all. Yeesh.
Walder Frey is in his 90’s.
Try, again.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
But according to you Valyrian Steel is so light it takes no effort or strength to wield, make up your mind.
Greatjon of Slumber,
Enjoyed that too. Sam delivered the line as if Da might be listening in. Perfect.
We know about McShane/oulaws. The Neck is close to the Twins. We know about a son of Frey casting.
The thing is they have to give Reed something to do other than sit still. Why not give him a bit of the Stoneheart revenge plot?
Al Swearengen,
Please show me where I said Valyrian steel is so light it takes no strength or effort to wield. You can’t, because I said nothing of the sort. I said it is lighter than castle forged steel, thus does not take as much strength to wield.
Try again.
Or, actually, don’t, since you don’t seem to be in good form, today.
I seem to remember you being capable of making a decent argument, but that is certainly not on display, at present.
Greatjon of Slumber,
Randyll’s exchange with Brienne during her journey thru Westerosi Hell in AFfC was wrenching. The man may be a decent battle commander but he is a despicable human being. Tywin, pt II
Bet your ass it does. However, if Tarly ever had to resort to waving his sword (however heavy it may be) for hours he is a shitty commander. Which he isn’t. According the pooks.
When someone makes a negative post it only makes a wave when 10 people respond to it and get into the back-and-forth.
Is winter coming?
Cumsprite,
Maybe he was thinking of him waving around another kind of sword for hours? *angelic smiley*
Darquemode,
It’s interesting that Melessa Tarly (nee Florent) is Selyse Baratheon’s cousin. I just love those little details about this world. Not really expecting that tidbit to make the show but still cool.
All over my face.
Matt,
If they wanted to mention it, they probably would’ve mentioned it when Sam and Stannis talked to each other.
Colty,
Yeah, they nailed it.
Luka Nieto,
Or when Sam had his scene with Shireen and then Selyse in ep. 502.
awesome cast, it would be great if we could get to see a Tarly vs High Sparrow, like we saw between the latter and the The Queen of Thorns
Luka Nieto,
True. They probably won’t then. Not like it matters anyway. Cousins in Westeros might as well be strangers (save for big families like the Freys and Lannisters and Tyrells)
Greenjones,
Oh yeah. That would’ve been an ideal moment. Selyse throwing shade at her cousin’s “shamed” oldest son.
Perfect casting! 😉
O_o,
Maybe S7? I’m not sure about S6, but it can happen in S6 as well.
Just had a look back at the casting thread; big shout out to Boojam who was the only person to suggest James Faulkner.
Darquemode also liked that idea at the time (and now Darquemode,), but it’s great that so many people seem to like it now that it’s actually happening.
https://watchersonthewall.com/casting-speculation-season-6-randyll-tarly/
Concerning JF as a battle commander, Robert’s Rebellion occurred 20 years ago show GoT time. Mr Faulkner easily passes for 54-58, therefore his character was 34-40 when he won his battles. The character Tarly probably hasn’t wielded a sword much since then. So give him some slack, you’ll wish you’ll look this good at 67.
I’d probably shit my pants or meekly walk away if he gave me a stare down; he reminds me of my dad who could scare the crap out of people when he glared at them for some perceived wrong.
Samatha Spiro milf rating 9/10, plus she’s won Olivier’s, the UK equivalent of a Tony.
The actress has a gentle voice for some roles, perfect for Sam’s kind mother.
I want to hear Randyll telling Sam that Jon’s dead (as far as they know, that is).
I don’t know if the news of the Lord Commander’s passing will have time to make the rounds before Melisandre pulls off some resurrection party trick.
But if it does I could picture a heartbreaking scene with Sam trying to impress his father by claiming to be a close confidant of the Lord Commander, only for Randyll to callously inform him that his best friend had been killed.
I think John Bradley could play such a scene brilliantly, as Sam tried to maintain his composure in front of his father despite feeling utterly crushed.
It’d give the viewers a real reminder of what a stern and cold man Randyll can be too, especially when it comes to Sam.
Nina Gold, taking a victory lap on that long-overdue Emmy by gearing up to win another! These three actors look perfect for the roles they’ve been chosen to play.
I’ve seen James Faulner in a few things – most recently Downton Abbey – and I’ve always been impressed by his icy charisma and casual sense of authoritarian disapproval. He also has the range to play a more vulnerable side to the character, in the (highly unlikely) event that Randyll Tarly ever lets his guard down. Either way, watching him stare down John Bradley this season should be delightful.
On Heartsbane…I imagine it has a similar function as Ice did. Not used for many fight situations but more or a ceremonial sword. There don’t appear to be many fighters in ASoIaF that made effective use of a greatsword. Perhaps the two Cleganes and some guys from the past.
Matt,
Yep, it probably will not get mentioned, but I love the details and interconnections as well.
Honestly my favorite part of ASOIAF is the detailed world GRRM built filled with interesting characters. If it was just a linear A to B storyline about Dany and her dragons or an supernatural invasion it would not be nearly as interesting to me. That’s why I’m one of those that really enjoyed the last two books. I am in no hurry for the story to go directly to its endgame even though I know many are.
He certainly does! Frightening to the core. The malice this man gives off justifies every action of a soft/but smart person like Sam. If he said “Death or Wall” to any of us, we’d all be wearing black. Feel sorry for Sam, but won’t it be awesome to see him swinging some Valyrian steel at White Walkers? Shatter City, yes!
What’s Sam’s sister’s name? Or was it mentioned and I didn’t see it?
Great Job Nina! can’t effing wait for season 6
Thronetender,
Talla Tarly in the books, but I don’t think we have heard any official word on that name being used for the show…. Yet.
It’s effing 1AM where I am and I squeeled like a mad pig when I saw Pope Sixtus on the screen! It can’t really get any better (McTavish was a bit too cartoonish in my eyes) for me. The rest of the family also looks pretty much what I would expect to fit with Sam’s family. This is great, great news. “And the Emmy for Casting #2016 in a drama series goes to…”
In Nina Gold we trust.
Darquemode,
My guess would be that Sam’s mother keeps her name and her connection to the Florents, but the latter will probably go unmentioned and she’ll just be known as Melessa Tarly. Perhaps she’ll express sadness over her cousin’s death when news of the Baratheons’ defeat makes its way south, but it would be a small character-building moment, nothing more. I agree that it’s a cool detail, but with Stannis and Selyse both dead, that particular connection is of minimal relevance to the story.
Talla Tarly is being used as a placeholder, because she’s the only one of Sam’s three sisters whose name we actually know. But it hasn’t been confirmed what the actual name of the character will be. I believe that Talla is only named in the Appendices of one of the books, and the names of Sam’s two other sisters have never been mentioned in any medium.
At this point, it’s unclear if Rebecca Benson is playing Talla or a compilation character representing all three of Sam’s sisters. Either way, I’d say it’s about a 50-50 chance that she gets a new name in the show.
Sue, you know that
Any word of Brienne in the Riverlands? Maybe she could go there earlier.
Roger,
Haven’t heard anything so far, sorry. 🙁
Valyrian steel is actually lighter than other types of steel.
When reading I always imagined Randyll the Mandyll to be a lot burlier and I imagined him with mutton chops and a mustache, but I’m sure he will be an imposing Lord Tarly.
This is fantastic news.
Greedy as I am, I really wanna know who’s playing Aeron.
Sue the Fury,
Sue, I implore: break up with lossietereinos. I think none of you quite know exactly what kind of people are running that website. They are die hard show haters. I mean, ELIO AND LINDA-level haters. I used to visit the web when I started watching the show back in 2012, but last year I just had to leave. The community is way way WAY worse than the community at westeros.org, and the mods are part of the grouping rants. Really, every time you mention L7R in one of your articles, the image of this awesome site is damaged. You can go and watch it yourselves: D&D death threats, accusations of paying to the Emmys judges to get the nominations (really, I read it one hour ago), criticism of every scene of the show for not being like the books, accusations of machism… And the best of all:
http://lossietereinos.com/la-bebelplatz-de-benioff-y-weiss/
An admin of the site comparing B&B with the Nazis. His name? Javi Marcos, the man you are thanking in every article since the last months. If there is anyone who wants to visit the deeps of GoT “hatedom” (don’t know how to say it), just have to click on the link. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand Spanish, 90% of the words written on the site are insults (I think you call them “name-calls”?). I’m not exaggerating: Westeros is Disneyland compared to L7R, and none of the personal attacks on D&D there are deleted, unlike westeros.
I finish here, because I’m not an English speaker and I can’t express in few words how disgusting is the fandom, in first place, and the admins, in second place, of the site. I couldn’t believe it when you started to give credits to them, and now I prefer to think that you just can’t pass on the opportunity of having scoops in Spain’s filming.
One last question: would you do the same with Westeros and Linda in the place of L7R and Javi Marcos?
mau,
He’s the High Sparrow. And I don’t mean to keep bringing it up, it’s just that I feel like too much texual evidence points to it.
High Sparrow,
Wow. It really is quite horrendous.
Woaaaaah. Some of that is just… too much. I thought Westeros was bad. Fuck. The Nazi comparison is beyond tasteless. And the malicious assumptions (and downright lies!) about D&D’s reasoning for their decisions in that article are just horrendous! Disgusting.
Perfect!
Awesome casting job! Just from seeing his part in Downton Abbey… damn, he’ll rock that withering Tarly stare!
As for complaints about his age… good lord, we’ve been over this dozens of times since Season 1. EVERY character in the series (except for Walder Frey) has been aged up. Every one. This should not be an issue at this point in the show!
High Sparrow,
Wow….you’re right, that site is just all kinds of wrong. Uncomfortable. :/
Uhh.. He’s not “out in the field”, he’s commanding an army and that doesn’t require him to swing a sword at all.
If age is such an issue for you, look at Stannis. Stephen Dillane is ancient, but is the younger brother of King Bob, and we’ve seen him take a sword into battle multiple times. Concluding that the age of the actor, and specifically for this role conclusively does not matter.
You were fine with the Euron casting? Now that’s one where I’m still not sure off whether it’s the right actor or not based on look compared to Alfie, they can honestly pass as brothers, so the familiar-bond is there, but uncle-nephew is a bit of a stretch – and as opposed to you in this thread, I’m not the only one to think that.
Aaahhh.. The cat’s out of the bag now is it? Again, Tarly won’t swing a sword in battle, nor does he in AFFC, so the picture in your head is just faulty on so many accounts.
As others have said, Walder Frey can’t even walk properly.. -.- That’s like saying a living Maester Aemon would be able to wield a Valyrian sword.. When you pass the 90yo mark, you’re not an “average Joe”.
Ahh… I remember that speech well: “The gods made men to fight, and women to bear children. A woman’s war is in the birthing bed” I imagine that will go over well with the SJW’s.. I mean the guy is a raging sexist.
Could still happen.. Seems to me that Melessa is more family orientated than Selyse was. It also may be the sole reason why Stannis even took the time to talk to Sam, outside of granting himself the chance of smirking at King Bobby’s failures.
Hope that’s not the same kind of evidence that points to Euron = Daario. 😉
Luka Nieto,
But on the bright side, with Elio and Linda not watching s6 the Dragon can start regurgitating this guy’s opinions instead. 😉
Great stuff
Haven’t seen any of them but they all look the part that’s for sure
Just have to imagine not only Faulkner as Randyll Tarly having a good family get together with Sam early on, but being at the head of an army of Tyrell soldiers going into Kings Landing to smash the Sparrows and turning King Landing into a bloodbath (well, IMO)….and Faulkner looks as though he fits
We still support E=D! xD
I really like the theories that involve him being the Corsair King as well! xD
Greenjones,
To be fair, I don’t believe The Dragon Demands spouts his rubbish because he’s just parroting Elio & Linda’s words. I just think he agrees with them and, for some very strange reason, he believes that using them as a source brings an air of legitimacy to his arguments. Madness, I know. But I’m pretty sure that’s his reasoning.
No kidding. “Elio & Linda said…” is enough of a reason for The Dragon Demands to write about anything in the wiki, no matter how small their relevance —”their” being either Elio & Linda’s comments, or themselves as critics of a show they don’t even like nor will keep watching. But he agrees with them, so… case closed and no arguing!
I just swearangened all over my Al.
Gross.
High Sparrow,
I cite L7R when they provide information because that is what is appropriate, regardless of my personal disagreement with anything else they have posted. I’m not going to simply take the information they post and not source them. That is frankly what a lot of websites have been doing to WotW, because of their own moral judgments about us using fan photos and “pap” photos.
High Sparrow,
Yeah one thing I always notice on discussions is that while I get irritated, I always “wait and see” because something book readers and people who can dissect literature thematically etc seem to have struggled with is that Visual media has to explore themes differently
So, Jon at the Wall with the stare-off with Thorne makes sense, not for the stare-off but because of Karsi’s children in the background. The way they killed Selyse (Fire) may have been clumsy in terms of Stannis’s arc but taken with how the Wight kids killed Karsi (Ice) there is a theme being explored here that there is no children or rather future under either Ice or Fire, R’hlorr or Other etc and it needs to be understood that Jon is the only one working to preserve the future (Karsi’s kids)
Similar, Sansagate makes sense when seen over several episodes in terms of the Stark name and the Bolton name. Roose declaring it after he has flayed Lord Cyrwyn (brain explosion?), the whole “I’m pregnant with a boy” dinner table discussion, the wedding night brutality and the conversation about Ramsays legitimacy being based around Sansa’s Stark name given they rest on a case of one bastard legitimising another and Bolton military strength only so rapegate is a matter of trying to gain power within that relationship – we can’t have the long rambling Northern Conspiracy + speech to Davos but we have this instead
But book readers have an issue analysing one through a literature lens and the other through a media studies lens
The Dragon Demands,
Correct, Ser!
Luka Nieto,
I wouldn’t give him that much credit. I remember once on AFOIAF when he first learned that Daznak’s would be shot in a bullpit he enthusiastically suggested that the show ought to include a real bull being killed. It was only when he found out about Lindaario’s objections on the subject that he completely reversed his position on the matter and even included an anti-bullfighting portion on the article for ep. 509. So it seems he gets his morality from them as well as his opinions.
ace,
Agreed! Gave me chills, he was so creepy.
Greenjones,
I knew about his objections, didn’t know he was at first more than fine with it! Can you source it? I’d like to see that because then TDD is even sadder than I thought he was. Which is an impressive feat.
Here’s the Los Siete Reinos article through Bing translator if anyone wants to read it.
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=es&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Flossietereinos.com%2Fla-bebelplatz-de-benioff-y-weiss%2F
The translation is not good, but you’ll still get the gist of it. It’s typical hyperbolic book wanker bile. It disgusts me that so many prominent ASoIaF/GoT sites are comprised of people like this.
Greenjones,
I wouldn’t count on that. Book wankers say they’re done with the show all the time… only to tune in again next week/season. Elio and Lindaaa will be no different.
Maceless Fan,
I think so, too. I’ve been back and forth with HS=HR. It would be such a great twist.
Actually, there is no indication that Randyll Tarly is that great of a fighter himself. Nor do I recall there ever being any statement that you had to be particularly powerful to wield a Valyrian steel sword: on the contrary, isn’t it supposed to be remarkably strong for it’s weight?
What Tarly is supposed to be is very sharp tactically and very “no-nonsense” in his approach to life. He might never cross swords with anyone in battle, but he puts his troops where they need to be maximize their efficiency. To that end, he also comes across as the sort who would withdraw his troops rapidly as soon as he saw that the situation was hopeless: unlike, say, Lord Tyrell, there seems to be little false bravado to Tarly.
What will be interesting to see is if he has any affection for his younger son. Was his lack of affection for Sam due to his disappointment at what Sam became, or is he simply a man lacking any compassion? He is not well-enough developed in the books to make a call on that one.
He no doubt is referring to Hitler’s famous speech in which he declares that they will destroy Jewish culture by taking their best literature and deliberately making film bad adaptations from them……
/sarcasm
It is just as bad. Someone posted the putative “evidence” for it some time back. Every assertion was either based on things that did not happen in the books or was an incredibly illogical conclusions.
Overall, I’d say that it is on par with the Harry Potter fan-“theory” that Neville Longbottom’s toad was Dolores Umbridge in disguise…..
Simeon,
Hell no haha!
Sorry Wimsey, but I just can’t agree with any of that. The HS=HR theory has a lot more going for it, and it doesn’t take ridiculous leaps in logic. It does, however, take getting past the initial shock of how ridiculous is sounds on the surface. To introduce HR in this way is exactly in line with what GRRM has done through out this entire story. And as I’ve said several times before, to introduce him as just popping up out of the blue would come across as arbitrary and boring. The beautiful part about this is that with the ToJ flashback coming this season, all they need to do is visually establish that the man with Ned Stark at the ToJ is the same man who has usurped power in King’s Landing presently and his motivations will become so clear that even unsullied will have no problem connecting the dots. It’s fucking brilliant!
Maceless Fan,
I was so shocked to hear that people believed in this theory legitimately, as it is mostly the case with Daario = Euron (I think it’s a joke for most people…? It’s difficult to tell sometimes.) There is no textual evidence at all; only the logic of a conspiracy theorist.
Luka Nieto,
I disagree. Dario=Euron makes no sense mainly because the location of both characters geographically makes it impossible. A big part of HS=HR comes from the descriptions of HS and his septas (Maege and her daugters) through out AFFC and ADWD. Those little details are GRRM’s trademark and because they’re so little, they seem like a stretch. It makes sense for HS to seize control in KL if he’s HR and knows about Jon. Give me a way to introduce HR that you think would make perfect sense.
Maceless Fan,
The fact that the High Sparrow is like 70 in the show doesn’t bother you at all? Not that it’s the only problem with the theory, mind you.
B
But… But…. If Meera Reed is small and slim with a top-knot in her hair and the High Sparrow is small and slim with a top-knot in his hair they must be related, right? Irrefutable evidence!
I jest of course…
Honestly though, GRRM provides so much background information that sometimes it’s hard to know for certain if any given statement is intentionally misleading, laying a foundation for a future twist or simply just his style of writing…. or a combination of the three!! XD
I think many of the fan-favorite twists may be technically possible, but most are just not very probable IMO.
Luka Nieto,
Everybody is aged up in GOT and as far as the show is concerned, HR’s age has never been stated. Also, unlike Dario=Euron, we have no idea where HR was after he sent Meera and Jojen to Winterfell. There isn’t enough information at this time to 100% disprove this theory. If you don’t agree with it that’s okay, but how can you actually say that it’s impossible?
A couple points regarding swords and aging and such.
Al’s got it right that even a light sword gets heavy in battle. A half hour fencing lesson with a 300g epee can be brutally exhausting. I couldn’t see Faulkner as Randyll in an extended fight. That said, there are a ton of older fencers who can keep up with the young’uns; they may have lost a step and fence to 10 points instead of 15, but they have experience and technique and know how to take advantage of openings and punish sloppy bladework.
Then you’ve got the old goalie coaches who rarely put on their 40 pounds of pads anymore because their knees have been shot since they were 35, but they probably shoot a thousand pucks a day and have palms that look like they’re stuffed with rocks. (Somewhat off-topic, but goalies would 100% be the guys with greatswords. Get out of my crease, indeed!)
It’s very conceivable to me that Faulkner as Randyll could pull his weight in a battle, especially because, as has been said, he’s a battle commander. He’s not going to see a ton of action, and when he does it’s not even going to be a 10 touch bout; it’ll be one giant swing with a giant sword not made for an extended exchange. So someone busts through his guard once every couple of minutes, Randyll goes all Casey Jones with the leftovers, Randyll goes back to issuing commands.
Maceless Fan,
Look up Russell’s teapot. The burden of proof lies upon a person making unfalsifiable claims; you can’t just shift the burden of proof to others. Just because you can’t disprove something doesn’t mean there is any reason to believe in it. I can pick any character who we haven’t seen much or at all and invent anything about their actions or hidden identities; it doesn’t mean it will be true or even convincing.
Ironically, people only believe in the theory precisely because it is so flimsy in its evidence; we know so little about Reed and his whereabouts, and about the High Sparrow, that you can easily make up they are the same person. It’s not so much that the “puzzle pieces fit” as it is that “we don’t know the shape of the puzzle pieces, so who knows, they MAY fit.” Something being possibly true, especially when we are severely lacking in knowledge, doesn’t make it true.
With Russell’s teapot, there is no actual clues pointing to the teapot orbiting space. Just a person’s word and the fact the the opposing party can’t technically refute the claim. There are plenty of clues pointing to HS=HR. And Russell’s teapot refers to something presented as true, not a theory. I admit, HS=HR is a theory and it’s one that I believe. But can you give me anything that 100% refutes it? If you can’t, that may not make it true, but it doesn’t disprove it. And you didn’t answer my other question. How do you suppose HR can/will be introduced? How do you think Maege Mormont will be reintroduced?
Maceless Fan,
Of course I can’t 100% refute it. That was my point. The fact that it can’t be possibly refuted doesn’t make it more believable; it just points to the fact that it’s an unfalsifiable theory lacking any actual evidence.
As for Reed, I don’t know if he will appear (in the show, at least), and if he does I have no idea how. Because I have barely any concrete information to form a coherent, refutable theory.
You should look up Alt Shift X’s video about it, if you haven’t already.
I thought the Reeds worshipped the old gods? So is the High Sparrow just faking his piety towards the Seven? I’d sooner believe that Roose is a vampire.
Luka Nieto,
I’d have to wade through a bunch of AFOIAF pages to find it, so I’m not really going to inflict myself to that. It was in the summer or autumn of 2014 though, I know that much. I remember it very clearly though. It was him.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
Exactly. It’s not only because of Reed, but also because of the High Sparrow; in the books it’s not that clear, necessarily, but If I got anything for sure from Pryce’s portrayal of the High Sparrow last season, is that he’s sincere in his beliefs.
Luka Nieto,
You actually think that there’s a possibility that the show won’t introduce him? Knowing that he’s the only one that knows the truth about Jon and that we’ve met his kids and that they’ve talked about him with Bran?
Maceless Fan,
A possibility? Sure. Bran has magic powers of exposition; if necessary, he could handle all of it, and in that case Reed would only appear in a flashback. Indeed, I assume we will see a young Howland in the Tower of Joy, a scene which is confirmed (well, an unnamed extra with no lines, probably; but a Howland Reed stand-in, essentially.)
Will we meet Lord Reed in present day, though? No idea. I haven’t read TWOW and ADOS, and there is not much said about Reed in previous books, so I couldn’t possibly speculate.
Anyway, as Alt Shift X points out, the greatest flaw with the HS=HR theory is that Howland’s plan wouldn’t make a lick of sense. Again, it’s the kind of plan that conspiracy theorists assume governments plot; incredibly, unnecessarily contrived plans with not enough potential payoff to offset the absurdly large risk and unpredictability.
Meet the Tarlys. Sounds like a family sitcom with absolutely no laugh track.
Maceless Fan,
I think it is quite possible Howland Reed does not make the TV series…
He may be the “only living witness” to whatever happened at the TOJ, but I’m not sure how much that is worth honestly.
And of course there is the fact that Bran can see the events as flashbacks to inform the viewers… And we know we are getting a TOJ flashback for certain. Why would viewers need Howland Reed to tell them what they have seen for themselves watching Bran’s vision?
I think Jon’s lineage is important to the narrative and therefore to the viewers as well, but not the population of Westeros on the TV series. I don’t see him becoming King because he is a Targaryen bastard… or even a semi-legitimate Targaryen if Rhaegar and Lyanna married in secret.
Aryamad,
Ha!
So true! XD
Well, unless there is different evidence than the original poster (whoever that was) summarized, it all was. Much of it was flat out wrong (there is no indication that HS is a northerner, and he never is described as looking like Jojen or Meera) or illogical (equating anti-Lannister sentiment with pro-Stark sentiment is a logical fallacy because there are many reasons besides “pro-Stark” for being anti-Lannister, equating two people because they are short is a logical fallacy because many, many people are short), etc., and it ignores a lot of contradictory evidence. As Luka Nieto notes, it’s conspiracy theory rationalization, plain and simple.
As for how Howland Reed will be re-introduced given that he’s holed up in his swamps, well, it should take little imagination to come up with dozens of plausible scenarios. In particular, because Reed is loyal to the Starks and their general causes, he could well turn up to support Rickon’s attempt to reclaim Winterfell. Or he could simply work to oust the Boltons. Alternatively, he could go to the Wall with troops as reinforcements if Jon calls for them (again, loyal to Starks). After all, at some point there probably will be some uniting of forces against the White Walker. Alternatively, he could throw his lot in with Daeny: after all, if many of the R+L=J ideas are correct, then Howland knows that Rhaegar was falsely accused and his family was falsely deposed; if he is the sort of man that would so impress Ned Stark the way that he did, then he might well feel that he has a debt to the Targaryens. And, of course, as Howland is a follower of the old gods, and as a Stark who knew (and possibly ate one of) his children is now broadcasting on the weirnet, it is not difficult to imagine how he might get called into action, too.
One could go on and on. Indeed, in many ways, it is much easier to imagine how Howland in the swamp could become engaged with Jon than it is to imagine how the HS would. As Alt Shift F and Luka both have noted, Howland Reed as the HS really is not in position to do much for the Starks: and he is in zero position to tell anyone of importance about R+L=J. Rhaegar’s bastards are not claimants to the Throne, after all: and nobody there would accept Jon as a true Targaryen for one simple reason: it’s not in their interest to do so.
Luka Nieto,
How would Bran be able to convince the general population of this from that cave? He holds no sway over the people. HS does. We last heard of Maege Mormont going to the Neck to find him in ASOS. Since then, nothing. She and Howland would be of no use to House Stark just hanging out in the Neck all this time. But if they gained the support of the smallfolk traveling from the Neck to King’s Landing and and then usurped power through a combination of religious fanaticism and intimidation, that would do it. And I’ve seen Alt Shift X’s video on it and I agree, it makes no sense. As a long term plan. But much like Littlefinger’s machinations, they don’t need to work for the long run, they just need to hold for the a little while. Look, if it turns out that I was wrong about this then I will accept defeat and I admit that I was completely wrong. But if I’m not, I hope that you do the same.
Maceless Fan,
If I’m wrong, I’ll admit I was wrong, of course. However, I won’t admit the theory was convincing or supported by evidence, because it isn’t, sorry.
I love all of the crazy theories people come up with about this series. Most of them are total nonsense of course, but I still love reading about them.
Maceless Fan,
Why does the general population need to be convinced of R+L=J? Jon will never be king because of who his dad was. No more than Dany will be queen because of who her dad was. Jon’s parentage will come into play when it concerns the AA reborn/dragon has three heads prophecies. His destiny is to lead the fight against the Others, not necessarily to be king, especially through inheritance.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
Actually, he does need to be king. Melisandre told Stannis that he needed to be crowned before the Long Night, and that indicates that he must be king.
Why does the general population ever need to know? And what credibility does the HS have with the people who count (i.e., the nobility)?
If all of this is predicated on “needing” a mechanism by which Jon is accepted as King by Joe and Jane Smallfolk, then I think that it is less barking up the wrong tree than in the wrong forest altogether!
Luka Nieto,
There is evidence, it’s just all circumstantial evidence.
Darquemode,
http://postimg.org/image/z2twecnzj/
Not my best work but it gave me a giggle for a good few minutes. 🙂 I imagine this will be what a dinner scene will look like at Casa del Tarly.
But the dragon has three heads, which is something that Melissandre does not understand. Remember, Melissandre never knows that the portents that she thinks point to Stannis actually point much more accurately at Daeny. She is looking for “Azor Ahai” to be one person: but it will probably be a triumvirate. And at least one head will wear the crown. Of course, if Jon is crowned as “King Crow,” then he, too, will wear one of a sorts. (So, maybe our candidate for #3 should be someone who will also wear a crown of some sort or another.)
Maceless Fan,
I seriously doubt Jon will ever be King of the Seven Kingdoms. Jon could be King in the North or “king by blood” without ever sitting on the Iron Throne.
In fact Jon Snow could be KitN without ever even suggesting he has Targaryen blood. His Stark blood would gain more Northerners than Targaryen blood one might think.
Honestly though, while I doubt Reed will appear as strongly as I doubted Coldhands or Lady Stoneheart would appear, I have no idea what happens in the last books. Anything is possible I guess……
I just want Rickon and Dickon to team up. Errnight they be rickin’&dickin’.
If they are doing the TOJ scene, isn’t that a huge invitation for Howland Reed since he was there? And he could offer so much possible insight into what most of us thinks is Jon’s parentage.
But who knows 🙂 I’m hoping he does appear though.
The thing I have always liked about the HR=HS theory is that it solves the riddle as to how Jon’s history could plausibly be introduced to the public of Westeros in a manner in which many of them would believe it. Bran-vision completely fails on this count, so I doubt it can be the whole story as to the reveal. If not HR=HS, then something else has to provide a foundation for the spread of this information throughout the kingdom.
Aryamad,
Love it! XD
Or “King Crow”, or he might wind up acclaimed “King Beyond the (but now Sojourning South of) the Wall.” There are many ways in which Jon might wear a “crown” without being King of the Seven Kingdoms. And, of course, if it only matters that one of the three be a monarch, then Daeny (who is the one that matches’ Mel’s prophecies, not Jon) will suffice.
SciFiFantasyGirl,
For sure..
I meant appear in the current timeline… I was not clear, sorry.
Although, I’m not sure he is needed in a TOJ flashback either honestly. It depends on which scene/s they show. The battle before could mean he is introduced, but a scene between Ned and Lyanna does not require Reed at all.
Chad Brick,
Honestly I have never for a second thought Jon’s lineage would directly affect Westerosi politics in any way whatsoever.
Darquemode,
Even the time for Jon to “reclaim Winterfell” is in itself come and gone: GRRM burned that bridge when he had Stannis offer it to Jon, and Jon realize that because he wants it so much, he shouldn’t have it. Moreover, even if Jon were made legitimate, he would still feel honorbound to stand down for Rickon because, well, that’s the sort of person that Jon is. And if (when) Jon learns that he’s really Ned’s nephew, then he’d definitely stand aside for Sansa or Arya, too (should he learn that they are still out there): indeed, I think that he’d do it because he would feel that Catelyn’s progeny should take precedence over him. (Jon is very much the “I’ll be bigger than that” type of person.)
Jon’s going to play a huge role in this to be certain: but it won’t be as King of Westeros. That crown is for a different head!
(It’s too bad that there no longer are any Dayneites to descend upon the discussion with how we are all smacking crack because Jon is obviously Ned’s and Ashara’s son! That would liven up the place….)
Darquemode,
Isn’t there a quote from GRRM where he says Howland Reed couldn’t be introduced YET because he knows too much. He know secrets that need to be revealed later in the story.
Lisa0527,
Could be… It sounds familiar, but honestly I don’t follow GRRM very closely the last couple years since he stopped doing Froggy clues. XD
Assuming he did say that though, it still does not mean it translates directly to the TV series since D&D tweak so many aspects of the books. If Howland Reed’s role in the upcoming books is little more than revealing Jon’s parentage, I’m not sure he needs to be in the TV series. Bran’s flashbacks will do a better job revealing things to viewers than Reed’s words could ever do. If Reed does play an important role in the upcoming books (something other than just revealing Jon’s lineage) I can absolutely see him appearing in the TV series. If he turns out to be the High Sparrow for instance…
Without knowing the material in TWOW and ADOS I cannot rule him out I admit. That said, I feel the same way about Reed appearing as I did about Coldhands, Stoneheart, Victarion, and Euron appearing. So far I’m 3 for 4 I guess. XD
Yeah…after a few hours gabbing with HR, Benjen, Quaithe, Mushroom, and Patchface, most Westeros mysteries would probably be resolved and Sothoryos would be the next kingdom to explore and corrupt. It’s good to keep them in the shadows for a while yet, if only for the sake of plot.
I assume that Bran will happen upon the R+L=J info at some point…I’m looking forward to his reaction…and maybe BR already knows, or will show him how to dive deeper…
Hodor’s Bastard,
Of course Bloodraven knows. Who do you think is warged into Mormont’s raven? The same one who called Jon “King Jon Snow” in ADWD?
Darquemode,
Here’s the only like to the GRRM quote I could find. I seem to recall another quote where he says Howland knows too much to introduce now, but at least this confirms we’ll see him in the books.
http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1270/
Lisa0527,
Thanks.
Honestly, I have been looking forward to Howland Reed appearing in the books….. mostly for L+R=J confirmation. I’ve always assumed Howland Reed would provide confirmation in the books. Although in recent years I have been wondering more and more if maybe Bran’s visions or something in the Winterfell crypts will provide the confirmation. Just because Bran’s visions look to be the vehicle on the TV series does not mean he will reveal the truth in the books as well..
*Shrug*
Wimsey,
The other head is either fAegon (if he’s a real Targaryen or perhaps a Blackfyre pretender) or Bloodraven. I lean on Bloodraven because I think fAegon is an impostor, and because he’s been a huge player in the events of the series like Jon and Dany (even if it’s been mostly from behind the scenes).
Robb Snow,
The third head will be Tyrion. Think about it, he’s always dreamed of having a dragon, he has experience of designing unique customised saddles and tacking, he has experience of using wildfire on the battlefield. Now all he needs is a dragon.
Oh hang on? What’s that in the cellar…
I agree the series doesn’t Need HR, I mean everything that he knows he could’ve tell his children (Meera and Jojen), so Bran would have this Vision of the past and would wake up and say Meera “Woooaaa I had this crazy batshit look into the past!” and Meera would confirm it…
I agree to that Jon doesn’t seem so into being King (of Westeros, in the North or whatever) although there’s a big Chance he’s (SPOILER) Azor Ahai or whatever saviour character), my theory (concluded from the latest Scenes info) is that after resurrecting he is going down all over Westeros cutting the heads of everybody who doesn’t want to join his army (and taking well deserved revenge of course) and gatherin Forces because HE KNOWS he Needs a BIG fucking army against the White Walkers, and Wildlings and northeners alone won’t do…
BTW: How do I cover the Spoilers?
EDIT1: the actor to portray Sam’s father is great he has such an evil expresive face…
Yesterday was the last day of shooting in Girona, according to this article.
http://www.diaridegirona.cat/girona/2015/09/17/final-14-dies-rodatge/743762.html
SPOILERS: It describes the last scene, shot this morning. Google translation (corrected) below:
The recording was done in the morning, had twenty extras citizens of the capital and twenty extras that made a soldier. The scenes focused on a transfer of a Highgarden army to the capital, King’s Landing. The star of the day was actor Roger Ashton-Griffiths, who plays Mace Tyrell, and who was on a horse.
Last day of filming of the series Game of Thrones in Girona. HBO came to the city on August 24 and after several days of preparation filming began in fifteen public spaces. There have been fourteen days of intense filming, where extras have required medical attention for exhaustion and dehydration, which culminated yesterday with a scene in the square of the Apostles and in the streets behind the cathedral. The hero yesterday was Roger Ashton-Griffiths, who plays Mace Tyrell. Just moments of tension and the scene corresponds with the Sept scene from episode six of the sixth season.
Also, here’s a nice video of the Tarly home:
Wow. The actor playing Lord Tarly is like straight out of my imagination. Just perfect.
I had thought of William the Marshal but you have pre-empted me Blanche. AS does tend to be “agin’ the government” though. For my part I think the actor looks like he can play the part. As ever thanks to WOTW for the information.
Sweet.
Dutch Maester,
Also sweet.
So after this place is done, what’s next? And what’s happening in NI? Saintfield?
He also played the Swiss banker that Magneto tortures in X-Men: First Class. Funny that I was watching that movie last night!
Hah! Love it!
Corn! must have a deeper meaning.
@ Dutch Maester
Mace the hero? Eh gads, I think he’ll take the bullet for Marg or Tommen now.
I don’t know any of them, hope they are good actors, that’s all I care. Non of them afaik are supposed to have an iconic look, I’m confident their features were a secondary issue in the casting process, it’s always been like that 🙂 (except when some particular look was crucial to the character, and even then casting was really good).
Yaga,
Let’s see if I can help with that.
Girona is done. This Saturday the 19th they film again in Santa Florentina Castle (as Horn Hill) in Barcelona. Then, they move up North to the semi-desert natural park of Bardenas (as the Dothraki Sea, apparently), September 20th-25h. At Zafra Castle (as the Tower of Joy!), they will film for one week commencing on September 25th. Then they go to Peñíscola (as Meereen, probably), October 3rd-6th. Later in the Alhamilla Mountains in Almería (as Vaes Dothrak, it seems), October 10th-23rd, which is quite a long while. At the same time, they will film at Mesa Roldán (as who knows what) on October 18th and 19th. And then there are some locations I don’t think we have a date for: in Almería, the Alcazaba, the Tabernas desert and the municipalities of Sorbas and Pechina; and, in the Costa Brava, Montgrí Castle and Besalú.
zambi76,
He is the “hero” in the filmic sense that he is the focus of the shot, as he is the only main character present (the only character at all, apparently.) The whole scene is described (Mace and his Tyrell army arriving at the capital, to the shock of the people) and he doesn’t do anything —heroic or otherwise.
Off-topic as per usual, but if anyone here is a UK Sky subscriber and you get an email asking you to take part in a survey, it’s all about Game of Thrones. Seems they are looking at how to market series 6 and you get asked about why you like the show; what you thought of S5; how it compares to other programmes; rate which aspects are the most appealing out of action, characters, cinematic production quality, fantasy, historical and relationships; and to rate a trailer (all previously seen footage). There’s a few questions about which package you have and dull things like that but it’s a bit of fun if you want to try and influence their marketing campaign. Takes about 5-10 mins depending on how much you put in the free text parts 🙂
Luka Nieto,
Luka, that’s fantastic! I think the site should have a calendar (and make you in charge of it!). ?
So next week is Dany, the week after, Tower of Joy, and then Dany/Tyrion/Daario again? I’ll be looking forward to these.
And one more question – anything about the second unit in the North?
Yaga,
Honestly I just looked up the wiki’s section on production, which I wrote sourcing pretty much everything to WOTW, and wrote it all down. It’s all WOTW! They could have a calendar, though, that is true 🙂
As for Northern Ireland, as far as I know, WOTW hasn’t reported on anything new on Northern Ireland since the climactic Northern battle filmed in Saintfield. And I’m only an avid WOTW reader, I don’t know anything else!
I’m excited for possible leaks from other storylines as well. We’ve gotten so much from Arya in Braavos and from King’s Landing, it’d be great to get something from Dany, the Meereen crew, and the hyped-up Tower of Joy.
Jaime and ¿Mace?
https://twitter.com/NCW_Spain/status/644473594391719936
H.Stark,
Mace arriving in the city with his army, and Jaime receiving him. A prelude to the Great Sept scene, maybe even from the same episode?
It’s interesting that they are making such a great deal out of this. In the books, Margaery is freed until the trial “off-screen”; Cersei is told about it in her cell. It’s the mighty threat of the Tyrell army who do the job, too, but led by Randyll Tarly instead of Jaime Lannister. Maybe they are combining her liberation with a later event? After all, the big shocker of the scene is not that she is freed, but that…
So maybe they’re mixing up a few different events, one from ADWD and one from TWOW, to make this. It’s still a bit perplexing that all of this will take place in episode six. We don’t know much about TWOW/Season 6’s King’s Landing storyline, fair enough, but what will happen until then? For the Tyrells, in particular.
H.Stark,
Ok, so they’re still filming today then?
I bet in a “Red Wedding” type of dinner Sam is going to kill all his family out of rage for so many years of bullying… Poisoned probably… Btw the actor playinv his father is like evil reincarnated… at least some roles he’s played…
Anyway I think my last post wasn’t posted thanks to a couple of F-bombs dropped…
Thing is, I have this theory that Jon resurrected is going to travel all over Westeros to gather forces to mass a really big army to fight the White Walkers since HE KNOWS that wildlings and northeners alone won’t do… And of ourse he will have to cut off some heads along the way, ’cause after betrayal to him and his family he will be FINALLY really pis… sorry, angry and nothing will stop him this time, no oath, and would be of course the ones that won’t believe the White Walkers story and wouldn’t want to join Jon’s big bad… ss army.
BTW: can anybody please explain me how to use spoilers button?
https://twitter.com/juegotronosplus/with_replies
This Twitter page has lots of photos, also from last night when the cast (including Diana Rigg) went out for dinner!
Damn Sam’s mom’s a milf! And why do I see Mr. Bean in the 1st pic
Lulus Mum,
Oh I do hope I get one of those but I probably won’t 🙁
Though the good news is I can see the spoilers again, hurrah!
Dame of Mercia,
William Marshall was indeed a very great man. He should be more famous. Somebody please make a film about him.
LN=EG
Sullied by Knight,
Who is playing Rickard Stark? Would love McShane to play him.
I also think that there’s some kind of proof of Jon’s parentage in Lyanna’s tomb. In the books Jon dreams that he must go down there to do something he is afraid of, and it was not the custom to burry Stark women in the crypts, maybe Ned did it for a reason. Also in the show we have seen Lyanna’s tomb statue several times, maybe Martin told D&D that it is important? so they could go this way as well, who knows.
By the way, if we are getting the ToJ this season, any news about a possible Lyanna casting?
Where’s Gilly and da Baby?!
I’ll put it into form, because it’s just a bit messy:
– Girona: Done
– Castell del Santa Florentina: September 19th
– Bardenas: September 20th-25th
– Castell Zafra: September 25th-October 1st
– Peniscola: October 3rd-6th
– Almería (Alhamilla): October 10th-23rd AND Mesa Roldán: October 18th-19th
– Leftover localities: Almería (Alcazaba), Tabernas, Sorbas, Pechina, Montgri Castle and Besalú.
It could just be that they shoot at the Alhamilla from 10th-17th, move to Mesa Roldan, shoot for two days and finish with the Alcazaba in the 20th-23rd period. That would make at least some logistical sense. Tabernas, Sorbas and Pechina are all along the same highway, so those shoots being shot at the dates (10th-23rd) would make sense. It doesn’t make sense for them to leave for Bardenas before they have shot at Besalú or Castell del Mongrí. So either they’ve already done so, or are doing it in the next three days before the crew drives past Zaragoza and to Tudela (Bardenas), after which they’ll go south (on the A-23) to shoot at Castillo Zafra and than back to the coast (Peñíscola) and than back south on the E-15/A-7 to Almería.
Dutch Maester,
no, these are from yesterday. Chantal (the uploader) shared her videos, images and what she saw with us. We were waiting for her video to get uploaded. That’s Jaime and Mace from yesterday morning’s filming.
There’s a casting breakdown for a role called “Young Stunner” that some commenters here suspect could be for Lyanna Stark.
The Tarly family casting is spot on. Nina Gold comes through once again. Really looking forward to Sam’s storyline in S6.
Some OT gossip: Apparently Richard Madden and Cara Delevigne are in a Twitter feud. Heh. 🙂
Wolfwaif,
That’s an interesting thought. Do we know if he will appear in any of the flashbacks? He seems a little older than I picture Rickard when he died. I would hope they don’t flashback to his death scene. I really don’t want to see that!
Sue the Fury,
That’s good to know. So it is definitely Mace with that awesome royal costume.
But this also underscores why Jon does not need to become King of Westeros to meet the prophecy or at least part of it. One thing that is clear (or should be!) is that Mel’s visions give her clues, not exact details. She seems to have been shown that AA-returned would be a king. Given that her other clues pointed to Stannis, and given that Stannis was a claimant to King of Westeros, that was a simple explanation. (And, let’s face it: for all the complaints about Mel not being good at working out the future, she actually comes up with sensible predictions given what she knows and what she does not know.)
That written, I’m not sure exactly how Bloodraven would know. Were their weirwood trees by the Tower of Joy, or at some place where Rhaegar & Lyanna were? Without that, there really is not an obvious mechanism for Bloodraven knowing.
There is almost nothing left of Bloodraven: he’s an ancient old man who has mostly merged with a tree. And her certainly is not getting up and going anywhere anytime soon anymore than is Bran!
I had long (long!) assumed that Aegon was the 3rd head. However, the fact that the show seems to have cut him has made me rethink that. Of course, it is also possible that they will forego the whole “three heads” bit anyway, and just focus on Jon, Daeny, Tyrion, etc. If Aegon is the 3rd head in the books, then it will be pretty much the same: Aegon is never going to become a lead character and he will always be a character in someone else’s story.
I am pretty sure that they filmed that for the series premier already: they had thought to do a Lord of the Rings style introduction at one point. If so, then they would have the footage ready for any flashbacks already.
The relevant scenes also were filmed over a short period in early August without anything leaking out. (We learned of the casting call long after it came and went.) Given that this probably would have been set material, and given that they obviously would want to keep it under wraps, it is entirely plausible that this is what the part was.
Wimsey,
I very much doubt they would use that flashback scene. It was filmed 6 years ago. The show’s production quality has changed a lot since season one, let alone the original pilot (which D&D have said was completely shit; 1×01 has some of the pilot’s scenes, but a lot of it was rewritten and reshot.) Aside from objective production qualities, the show has simply “found its groove” visually in the last few seasons; the current style doesn’t really match the pilot.
Did someone mention Faulker’s age as 47 or did I misread that? Spiro is 47 and I don’t recognise her. She doesn’t look at all plump as described, maybe she’ll wear a fat suit? Although Lysa was supposed to be three stone heavier than Sansa, and she looked more like three stone lighter!! I guess it doesn’t matter, but it would help explain Sam’s weight (some of my family are overweight and some aren’t).
I couldn’t believe he was 47. I’m 50 and he looks more like my parents’ age (71/2). He could pass for 60 but not much younger (although there are some people who age terribly due to years of excess smoking /drink /drugs /poor diet /sun exposure eg Charlie Sheen who really do look a mess in their 40s/50s).
I remember him in the X-men scene. Love me a bit of Fassy, though.
Ashara Dayne,
He’s 67. He looks great for his age.
Luka Nieto,
Yes he does. But so do most successful actors. I kind of expect it and almost compensate for it. Like most of them are much slimmer than average people.
Luka Nieto,
Either way, thanks for the effort!
Ser Oromis Locke,
The geography is very interesting as well!
Although it seems pretty weird that they would be all this set and orderly – and then teleport in different directors for scenes from different episodes. But, hey, I’m not the TV production specialist here!
Next Up: Dothraki castings?
Freyjoy,
The next filming seems to be Dothraki-related, at Bardenas, so it would make sense that we learnt some of the Dothraki casting. And then hopefully the Tower of Joy casting!
Wimsey,
In addition to seeing through Weirwood trees, and I think you’re right, there wouldn’t be Weirwoods in Dorne, Bloodraven can also
Ashara Dayne,
I don’t think Mrs. Tarly being overweight is necessary to explain Sam’s weight. He’s been sedentary most of his life. He was never into physical activities. Between not being very physically active, and being treated like worse than shit by his father, not to go all modern psychology with it, but it’s perfectly understandable, at least in my mind, that he would eat his feelings/use food as a salve.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
True, but some people (especially young people) can eat tons of junk and do no exercise and still not gain weight. I think there must be something hereditary involved. Surely Sam wouldn’t be able to massively overeat at the wall anyway? Some people just have a tendency to gain weight very easily IMHO.
Let-it-Snow,
I’m the one who pays for it and get weekly emails from them about Sky-related things in general, so I guess that’s where they’ve got the names from. I didn’t realise it was about marketing to start off with and when asked what do you think of the show, as well as the good bits I also included some potential minus points like graphic violence and nudity. I don’t think that’s the sort of thing they are after to woo new viewers, but you never know 😉
Wimsey Look at this actors face good and long. I swear it is the face of Voldy in Sorcerers Stone. In the forest and under the turban. It was bothering me since yesterday. Yes? No? Am I smokin’ my tennis shoes again?
Sue The Fury I am back to not being able to see spoilers and when I hit the “show spoiler” button, it pops me to the top of the page. I am on a PC at work. Using IE.
Ashara Dayne,
Yes, they can, but I believe that has more to do with them having a very high metabolism, as opposed to young people who are sedentary, eat a lot, and gain weight having a predisposition to being heavier. In fact, at least in my experience, most people, young or older, who are not physically active and eat a lot, unless they have an unusually high metabolism, will gain weight. I also always had the impression they are well-fed at the Wall. Now, the one thing I think would support your claim Sam is predisposed to being heavy would be when he was out North of the Wall, walking, and walking, and walking, without access to much food, and not losing a lot of weight. With that exception, though, I think it more his “lifestyle,” for lack of a better way of putting it, than any necessary predisposition to being heavier. I guess what I’m mainly saying is I don’t feel there would be any reason whatsoever for Sam’s mother as played by the actress cast to have to wear a fat suit for the audience to understand why Sam is fat.
Do you, by chance, have where Sam’s mother is described as plump? I can’t find anything. All I recall about Sam’s mother is she is a Florent, and all I recall about the Florents is they have large ears.
Even better than Graham McTavish?
Graham McTavish seems fine and all, but he gives me much more of a world-weary vibe than I’d expect from Tarly. If McTavish had been cast ast Septon Meribald, that would work for me.
James Faulkner beats McTavish to the ground with JF’s expressions of contempt and disdain.
Darquemode,
Thank you. Yes I think I remember that bit now.
Nathalie Emmanuel tweeted to her castmates on Mazerunner: The Scorch Trials on Tuesday. I assumed she was filming GoT stuff in Belfast. Probably the rest of the Meereen crew as well, Tyrion, GW, Red Priestess, etc.
@missnemmanuel Sep 15
Sad I’m not there with my @MazeRunnerMovie gang in NYC for the premiere of #TheScorchTrials tonight! Sending lots of love from Belfast!
Wimsey,
Judging by a vision Bran sees of Ned in ADWD, I’d say there’s a good chance Ned mentioned it during his prayers in the Godswood(“Let them grow up as though they were brothers”). And as Nymeria mentioned, Bloodraven can see through the eyes of ravens/birds. I’d be surprised if Bloodraven doesn’t know. He has to have kept a close eye on his family all of these years.
Hannah Waddingham (Unella) is actually beautiful. Props to the GOT makeup people, because she’s virtually unrecognizable as Unella. Unella also has a permanent scowl on so that she won’t give away how pretty she actually is.
Someone on another board asked what on Earth Team Dany in Meereen could possibly be doing in Season 6. It sounds as if Varys doesn’t stick around, from the way Nathalie Emmanuel described the Tyrion/Missandei/Grey Worm dynamic in that interview, and the only new casting mentioned for Meereen is the Red Priestess…so what exactly are Tyrion, Missandei and Grey Worm going to be doing? Just Grey Worm and Missandei sitting around awkwardly while Tyrion gets drunk until Dany shows up?
M,
I don’t know if Emmanuel’s comments suggest Varys isn’t around, he’s just not one of the people left in charge, so that was the dynamic that she was talking about.
I agree, though, that what we know of Meereen so far makes it seem seriously under-populated. I guess Tyrion could start trying to do something about Viserion and Rhaegal, but last season ended by suggesting that the Sons of the Harpy insurgency was an ongoing issue, and it seems like it will be hard to do any effective dramatization of that issue without any Meereenese characters of note.
outdoorcats,
Graham McTavish was also my pick, but James Faulkner is more than suited to the role. He looks pretty much exactly like the description of Tarly from the books and most definitely has the acting chops for the part, having already played stern authoritarian characters in the past. He will totally dominate the role (as well as the characters onscreen with him!).
Sean C.,
Every year, there is fear that too few people have been cast in this or other storyline. Yet the show is already densely packed with main and recurrent characters; there really isn’t that much space for more. Meereen worked just fine last year withhout the Green Grace, the Shavepeate and others, traspassing their roles to other characters (Hizdahr, and Mossador and Daario, respectively, for those examples), and it will be the same this year. We know about Kinvara, and surely there will be a few other new tertiary Meereenese (maybe even Yunkai’i) characters; when all is said and done, there is not a place for more.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
Not in the books as far as I can remember, just I thought it was assumed that the casting call for a plump middle-aged woman was for Sam’s mum. No biggie, really, she doesn’t need to be plump any more than any character.
Ser Oromis Locke,
In the kitchen washin’ them dishes! haha
Aw, I didn’t think to add them until after I was done messing with it. Maybe I’ll squeeze ’em in there.
Wimsey,
in the books it’s said that there are other ways.
In the show I think it’s not been estabilished yet what a greenseer can see and how, so they basically can do whatever they like.
Vanity Fair strikes again – it posted the Tarly casting news on their website.
It credited WoTW.
🙂
I’ve always thought that fAegon was going to be a dead end. He seems to be an allusion to the ‘Princes in the Tower’ during the War of the Roses. Two potential heirs to the Throne were murdered to secure the Throne, but then a few men, including Lambert Simnel and later Perkin Warbeck, popped up claiming to be a surviving Prince with the story that the mother swapped him out with a commoner who died in his stead while he was spirited away to another country for his protection. Claims to the throne, aside, (and even with Margaret Of York claiming that he was legit). Nothing ever really came of it. After mounting a claim to the throne, he was killed.
What pics? If you mention something like that please link to that. Are they on twitter / instagram?!
That is a really good point. For some reason, I had the impression that weirwoods were critical to the TreeGods (Greenseers/Druids/Smelly Hippies) seeing things. Didn’t Leaf say that the Children lost a lot of their power because of the felling of weirwoods?
Still, what the show does and what the books do need not be the same: and if this is a cinematically effective shortcut for communicating R+L=J (or whoever and whoever else = J), then by all means they should do that.
Indeed, it is much more probable that adding more than one or two new characters would clutter the narrative and detract from the story.
Cross James Faulkner with Brendan Gleeson and that’s literally my mental image of Randyll Tarly.
(I realize that’s a contorted image)
Benjen Stark Owes Me Money!,
He plays a real dick on DaVinci’s Demons as the false Pope sixthus , gonna make a perfect Randyll, lol. # can’t wait!!
Ever since I read Storm of Swords and digested the Red Wedding — that, truly, no one is safe in this universe — the only happy ending I’ve ever hoped for is to see Sam Tarly to tell his father to pound sand. Maybe I can indeed hope.
Just to say well done on the scoop and making HBO have to officially confirm it.
Looking forward to seeing them all.
So their names are confirmed too. No changes: Melessa is the mother and Talla is the sister. In the books Sam has three sisters, and only Talla has been named, so it was expected. Still, nice to know!
So who will McShane be playing? Hmm, interesting.
He’ll play a merging of Meribald and Elder Brother
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.
Luka Nieto,
Indeed!
I always worry they will change names until I hear official word on the roles.
Nice reading we will have the original names!
I wonder how news of Meryn Trant’s demise will go down in KL? Cersei will be none too pleased, I’m sure. I wonder how Mace will address it, or will the Tyrells be suspect? Maybe Cersei will wonder if the iron bank is sending a message? Any thoughts?
To be honest I think his death will be lost in the chaos that is becoming KL.
But yeah, could be a nice plot point !
I suspect that the same way we will be seeing a Battle of Ice eventually in season 6 anyway we will be seeing battle of fire as well. Much different than in the books probably but I do not think they set up Volantis just for the Tyrion kidnapping. So Tyrion and crew would be preparing for that while dealing with Harpies. And Daenerys will return and the plot move to Winds territory by end of episode 7 I feel.
But there should be some Meereenese character just because they are there and it would help to keep us invested in the city with a local character. They should not have killed Hizdarh in my opinion, or kept some freedmen around. I hoped for the same reason that one of the dorthaki like Irri or Rakharo would be around, now the dothraki are almost forgotten. One episode per season for a dothraki character would have been enough. But with the Meereenese character there is also the problem who will rule the city after Dany leaves. So I would like Shavepate and Green Grace to be introduced, it would also ad a mystery plot of “who is the harpy”. They would not need much lines, they could just sit there on some events.
He’s a little old to be Sam’s dad, but he certainly has the look. Very well done.
I’m delighted we’re meeting Sam’s mother, who we haven’t in the pooks. It will be interesting to see how close to the pooks this is, because it is her father that is burned by Melisandre on Dragonstone… is Melessa still a Florent in the show? We’ll find out.
The Dragon Demands,
Yes, probably. He will do the Broken Men speech perfectly, may get him a guest Emmy nomination just from that speech.
Hi-Fi,
He should be, if you think about it in the books Randyll Tarly is basically in control at KL. Kevan is dead, same with Pycelle. Cersei is on trial, Tywin dead, Randyll beat Mace to KL to release Marg, he has the biggest army in KL until Mace gets there. but yeah Randyll is basically in charge at KL at the start of Winds.
Good question! Moreover, at some point, Cersei might learn that the Iron Bank loaned money to Stannis. Book!Cersei has no grasp whatsoever of the power of the Iron Bank: it’s beyond her comprehension that they hold no awe of nobility or that they actually have the power to topple thrones. Show!Cersei is vastly less clueless on this score, but it’s not like she’s exactly “clued,” either.
Of course, Cersei (Book! and Show!) might have much more pressing issues on her plate at this time…
Faulkner was awesome as Herod Agrippa in I, Claudius.
The Dragon Demands,
The Dragon Demands,
Probably a combination of septon meribald and elder brother