Out of the many ways in which Game Of Thrones defies genre conventions, one in which it stands out is that once you’re dead, you stay dead. There’s no logic-defying resurrections here (unless you count Beric Dondarrion); the only way you’ll see departed characters again is via flashback.
Which is exactly how you’ll see Eddard ‘Ned’ Stark again. Last seen with his head on a pike in King’s Landing after falling afoul of King Joffrey, Watchers On The Wall are reporting that Ned will make his return in Season 6, although this time it won’t be Sean Bean playing him. No, this version of Ned will be his younger self (presumably seen via flashback form).
Moreover, an actor has even been linked with the role. According to the same source, 13-year-old actor Sebastian Croft is on board as the young Ned. Already a veteran of the stage after roles in productions like Les Miserables, Matilda and Oliver!, he most recently starred in a musical production of The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4.
Exactly how Ned will make his return hasn’t been revealed. Although – SPOILERS AHEAD – his younger self is briefly visited by his young son Bran after the latter develops the ability to communicate with the past via trees. Alternatively, it could simply be a straightforward flashback scene, like Cersei had in Season 5. Only time will tell.
Game Of Thrones Season 6 will air on Sky Atlantic in the UK in 2016. For more on the biggest TV shows, pick up the latest issue of SciFiNow.
