As if Game Of Thrones wasn't already an embarrassment of riches when it comes to quality British acting talent, another solid gold coin has dropped into its coffers for Season 7. Jim Broadbent has been cast in an unknown role.
Somewhat naturally for Thrones, details about the role are being held in a dark dungeon for now, though Entertainment Weekly, which broke the news of Broadbent's addition, have discovered that it's a "significant" part. Given how many characters were – spoiler alert! – wiped from the story's chessboard at the end of this most recent season, there's certainly room for some fresh blood.
But the Oscar winner should be great no matter what he gets to do. Could he show up instructing John Bradley's Samwell Tarley at the Citadel? Or will he get a chance to play completely against type as a cruel, calculating evil tyrant?
With Thrones approaching its end game – Seasons 7 and 8 are expected to wrap the story up with fewer episodes than previous seasons – more casting news will start to arrive as the show prepares to start shooting the next run of episodes. The new season will be delayed slightly as the production team is waiting for the right weather.