Ian McShane is headed for Game of Thrones. (Photo : REUTERS/MAX MORSE)
"Western Deadwood" actor Ian McShane is headed for another HBO production "Game of Thrones." While there are still no details on his role, HBO viewers are convinced that he will play a villain as he usually does.
McShane won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Al Swearengen, the treacherous barkeeper and brothel owner in "Western Deadwood." His character is relatable to "GoT" character Peter Baelish, who is an expert in under-the-table negotiations and secret alliances.
McShane is the first prominent actor to be confirmed for the upcoming season. He will have a small amount of screen time, but his character will be of key importance, Vanity Fair reported.
In the past, HBO had made casting announcements as the filming for the next season progressed, but the upcoming sixth season seem to be kept under wraps. Fans have only heard of Kit Harington sightings in Belfast and Emilia Clarke's promise that it will be mental.
The last season of "GoT" was filled with questions. It was unclear whether key characters Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow were dead or alive so fans look-out for any updates on the next season.
The upcoming season is even more mysterious than the previous ones. While the other seasons' plots came out first on books, the show has caught up with the novel, and season 6 will now move forward on its own. It was also revealed that the series might shy away from George R.R. Martin's plan.
"GoT" has began filming season 6 and is expected to return with 10 episodes in the coming spring. Recently, HBO's programming president Michael Lombardo hinted that the network will do at least eight seasons of the show, a bump from the oft-reported seven season plan, EW reported.
