Casting Varys

As casting continues, I think it’s time we continue our look at some popular fan choices for the upcoming roles. This time around we’re going to be looking at the role of Varys. For the role we’ll need someone who is a bit of a chameleon and who is willing to take a long-term series commitment. Oh, and they also need to be willing to go bald. I chose to feature Varys this time in part because there have been quite a few good suggestions for this role so far, but also because it seems the part has already been offered to someone, Eddie Marsan. Unfortunately, he turned it down. So who else out there could play the role of the Spider?

Stephen Fry – Actor, comedian, writer, director, and journalist, Stephen Fry wears many hats. This may come in handy for the role of Varys. I think Fry has a good look for the role (though I wonder how he will look bald). And he could bring a sort of comic charm to the Spider. Some have brought up the concern that Fry is pretty tall and that might not suit the role. I don’t think it’s ever said how tall or short Varys is in the books, so I don’t see too much of a problem there. Plus if they want him shorter, there are camera tricks that can be done to manipulate his perceived height. However, he is a pretty busy guy and might not want to get wrapped up into a long-term commitment.

Rowan Atkinson – To continue the British comedian theme, we have Rowan Atkinson. Atkinson is best known by American audiences as Mr. Bean. Before he was Bean though, he was Blackadder. It is from that role that the idea of Atkinson as Varys seems to originate, as GRRM himself suggested him as a potential Varys. Acting-wise, I can see it. However I just don’t think he looks at all like the Varys in my head. Yeah, he could don a fat suit and other make up to bring him more in line with the book’s description of the character. But why go to all the trouble when there are other actors out there that already look very much like Varys?

David Bamber – David Bamber (no relation to Jaime-candidate Jamie Bamber) is a British character actor with mostly TV credits to his name, although he has plenty of theater experience as well. He’s probably best known for his role as Cicero in HBO’s Rome. This means Nina Gold is, of course, well acquainted with his work. He’s pretty close to how I imagined Varys. Maybe a tad bit skinnier than the books describe him, but not as far off the mark as Atkinson. And just judging by his performance in Rome, I would say he has the acting talent. My guess is that he has a pretty good shot at the role due to his connection to both Nina Gold and HBO.

Timothy Spall – Another veteran character actor, Timothy Spall has an impressive list of TV and film roles. His most prominent and recognizable role would probably be his on-going appearance as Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter films. If he would be cast he would join Michelle Fairley as the only other Potter actor to appear in the series. Surprising considering the number of veteran British actors that have appeared in the Potter films. But I digress, Spall would be an excellent choice because of his acting abilities and his looks, which are dead on Varys to me. As to that all-important Nina Gold connection? He’s been cast by her six times, including very recently in the upcoming film The King’s Speech.

• Published on 05/12/2010 at 1:22 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/20/2016 at 5:14 PM CDT