The war for the soul of Westeros has begun with the announcement of the first major casting forGame of ThronesSeason 7. Much like in seasons past with the additions ofCiaran HindsandIan McShane(R.I.P. to both characters), HBO has brought on another celebrated actor in the form ofJim Broadbent, an Oscar winner for 2001’sIrisand films likeGangs of New York,Cloud Atlas, and even thatLegend of Tarzanmovie.
He also continues the grand tradition ofGame of ThronescastingHarry Potteractors.Natalie Tena(Osha) played Nymphadora Tonks,Michelle Fairley(Catelyn Stark) played Hermione’s obliviated mom,David Bradley(Walder Frey) played Mr. Filch, andJulian Glover(Grand Maester Pycelle) voiced the giant spider (a.k.a. acromantula) Aragog, to name a few.
EWwas the first to report this latest casting, though the magazine didn’t reveal whom Broadbent will play aside from his “significant” role. That said, there’s already a solid theory out in the air. Many onRedditbelieve him to be playing a maester, perhaps an archmaester, and it makes sense for where we are inGame of Thrones. Sam (John Bradley-West) arrived at the Citadel in Oldtown last season that marks where maesters-in-training go to study.
It should be noted that, when McShane was cast inGame of Thrones,the announcementreferred to his role as one “of key importance,” which turned out to be over by the end of his episode debut. Another example isRichard E. Grant, a celebrated actor who featured in the background as one of the members of the acting troupe with which Arya becomes infatuated. This isn’t to say Broadbent’s role can’t be a game-changer, though.Max von Sydowplayed the Three-Eyed Raven, after all–though that too was short-lived. Just know you’ve been warned.
We’ll have plenty of time to ponder his identity, regardless, asGame of ThronesSeason 7 isgetting a later production startand subsequent premiere.
