Speculation: Who will Ian McShane be portraying in Game of Thrones Season 6?
It’s certainly been an exciting few days for Game of Thrones casting news. Just yesterday, we learned that legendary actor Max von Sidow was joining Game of Thrones for Season 6, in the recast role of the Three-Eyed Raven. Before that, on Saturday, it was announced that Deadwood star Ian McShane would also be joining the cast next year in an unnamed role.
Speculation as to who McShane will be portraying has been running rampant, with most people guessing that he’ll play either Randyll Tarly or Euron Greyjoy. However, there are so other roles that McShane could fill, and I feel even more speculation is warranted…you know…because science.
Randyll Tarly: Father to Sam, Lord of Horn Hill and head of House Tarly. Lord Randyll is described as a no-nonsense type of guy who takes a hard line approach to all of life’s problems. Remember, this is the same man who told Sam that he either could join the Night’s Watch or die in a conveniently timed hunting accident. He’s also considered to be one of the greatest military commanders in Westeros.
From the rumored casting call: Father: Aged 50’s to 60’s, he’s one of the greatest soldiers in Westeros- a humorless martinet, severe and intimidating. He demands martial discipline in the field and in his home. It’s described as “a very good part” for next year and that he’s “centrally involved” in a protagonist’s storyline.
This is a great role for McShane to play, as he’s no stranger to portraying a rough-edged leader—see his work as Al Swearengen in Deadwood. However, McShane is 72 years of age, and Randyll Tarly is at best in his 50’s. Lord Tarly is also described as being bald, whereas McShane has Kit Harington-level luxurious hair.
Why Randyll Tarly makes sense: It is more than likely that we will be introduced to Sam’s father as he comes to King’s Landing at the behest of his Liege Lord, Mace Tyrell. Once there, Kevan Lannister will probably appoint Lord Tarly to the office of Justicar (Master of Laws) and give him a seat on the Small Council. This means that the role of Randyll Tarly will probably have some great lines and favorable screen time that would be well-suited to an established actor, like Ian McShane.
Euron Greyjoy: Euron Greyjoy is the younger brother to Lord Balon Greyjoy, and nuncle (Westeros-speak for uncle) to Theon and Asha Yara Greyjoy. Euron is described as a stereotypical pirate. His ship, the Silence, is manned entirely by a crew of mutes, whose tongues have been ripped out by Euron. He wears a patch over his left eye, which is said to be black and shiny like that of a crow’s, while is other eye, the “smiling eye,” is blue.
As you can clearly see, I would rather we hold the Euron spot open for Mads Mikkelsen.
From the rumored casting call—Pirate: Man in his 40’s to late 50’s. He’s “an infamous pirate who has terrorized seas all around the world. Cunning, ruthless, with a touch of madness.” He’s a dangerous-looking man. A very good part this season.
Why Euron Greyjoy makes sense: With the Iron Islands rumored to be involved in Season 6, and with Balon likely already dead, or at the very least close to death, bringing in the enigmatic Eruon to claim his crown makes perfect sense. McShane is definitely charismatic enough to pull off the role, although I don’t personally think it will happen, as there is too much of an age discrepancy.
Septon Meribald: A wandering Septon, Meribald wanders the Riverlands, bringing the Faith of the Seven to the less fortunate people of that war-torn area of Westeros. Septon Meribald travels for a time with Brienne during her search for Sansa Stark in A Feast for Crows. Septon Meribald has seen the very worst that man can offer, and warns Brienne to be wary of “Broken Men.” With the High Sparrow and the Faith Militant having been introduced in Season 5, it would make sense to see a kinder, more loving side of the Faith.
From the rumored casting call—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.
Why Septon Meribald makes sense: We have an inking of an idea that Jaime Lannister will be traveling to the Riverlands in Season 6, bringing the King’s Peace to the last mainland region still rebelling against the Crown. If that’s true, then why not bring in some of the supporting cast from this part of the story, a role Septon Meribald could fill nicely. Also, Ian McShane has portrayed a priest before in Pillars of the Earth, so it would not be that much of a stretch to see him in that kind of role again. Lastly, Septon Meribald’s age lines up nicely with that of McShane’s.
Wyman Manderly: Lord-too-fat-to-sit-a-horse has been rumored to be a part of Season 6, and if Game of Thrones wants to bring in an actor that would absolutely nail that role, Ian McShane is their man. Now, the biggest problem here is Manderly’s weight. He is described as enormous in the books, so large that no one seems able to mention House Manderly without talking about it.
From the rumored casting call—Lord of Northern Stronghold: This northern lord is “ruthless and calculating” and will appear in three episodes.
Here’s the thing: HBO has no problem casting an actor with a completely different look than their book counterpart. Just look at Season 5’s Yezzan zo Qaggaz. In the books, he’s described as massively overweight, but the show cast the slim Enzo Cilenti in the role. Manderly’s weight doesn’t have to be an issue for McShane.
Why Wyman Manderly makes sense: We know from the casting calls for Season 6, that the North will factor heavily in the story. Ian McShane absolutely could pull-off a much thinner version of Wyman Manderly. He has the gruff Northern Lord look down, and of course possesses the acting chops to deliver a rousing version of Lord Manderly’s “The North Remembers” speech.
We want to hear from you: is there someone we’ve left off this short list? Please take part in our poll, and let us know who you voted for, or who you think should be on the list that was left off, in the comments below.
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