Further adding to its already strong cast, Entertainment Weekly are reporting that Deadwood star Ian McShane will be showing up in Game Of Thrones Season 6.
The exact nature of his role hasn’t been confirmed yet – aside from the fact that while important, his character will have relatively little screen time – but having read the books, we have our theories (possible SPOILERS AHEAD for anyone who hasn’t read the books or watched the shows):
1) Randyll Tarly
The father of Samwell Tarly (John Bradley), Randyll is as different as it’s possible to be from his mild-mannered son. The Lannister bannerman has a reputation as one of the finest soldiers in the land (Stannis recalls in Season 5 how he’s one of the few to best his brother Robert in battle), but he’s cruel and ruthless with it, having effectively threatened to kill his own son unless he joined the Night’s Watch.
2) Euron Greyjoy
It hasn’t even been confirmed that Theon’s borderline psychotic uncle will even be used in the show (his only mention to date has been a brief allusion during an argument between Tyrion and Theon at Winterfell back in Season 1), but McShane would be perfect for the role. Having been exiled from the Iron Islands in the books, he returns to lead them on to conquest, although considering the narrative elements that have been trimmed from the series to date, we wouldn’t be surprised if his tale is one that has been lost on the way.
3) Arthur Dayne
A more left-field choice here, but hear us out. A legendary knight of the Kingsguard, he served during Robert’s Rebellion, and was assigned to guard the Tower of Joy – which contained Lyanna Stark – where he was killed by Eddard Stark when the Lord of Winterfell arrived to rescue his sister. As the Tower of Joy is heavily rumoured to be involved in Season 6, could McShane play a more noble character than he is accustomed to?
4) Howland Reed
A massive enigma to fans of the books – he hasn’t physically appeared yet – the father of Jojen and Meera Reed is the sole survivor of the battle at the Tower of Joy (with Ned Stark having lost his head). His actions throughout the series haven’t been documented, but as the TV show overtakes the books, his appearance could be a real possibility. Is it McShane?
Game Of Thrones Season 6 will air on Sky Atlantic in 2016. For more on the biggest TV shows, pick up the latest issue of SciFiNow.
