‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 6 Spoilers: Ian McShane Casting Rumors Link Him To Major Character

The rumors circling “Game of Thrones” won’t stop. Although a large focus on the upcoming sixth season has been about the fate of Jon Snow (Kit Harrington), recent casting news has fans speculating about another character – Samwell Tarly (John Bradley).

Entertainment Weekly broke the news Saturday that “Deadwood” actor Ian McShane will be making his way to Westeros in Season 6 of “Game of Thrones.” Unfortunately, no details about the 72-year-old British actor’s role have been released … and that means that fans are suspicious.

EW was only able to confirm with sources close to the set that the character McShane will portray is of “key importance.” However, said character won’t have a lot of screen time. So, who could it be? Reddit users seem convinced that McShane will join “Game of Thrones” as Sam’s father.

Linking McShane to the Night’s Watch steward isn’t that much of a jump considering that the series is reportedly looking to cast the role of Randyll Tarly. Watchers on The Wall obtained a casting post that doesn’t state the name Randyll, but gives a strong description of the character based off of the books.

The new character is supposed to be “one of the greatest soldiers in Westeros,” and “demands martial discipline in the field and in his home.” Fans will remember that Sam was forced to go to the Wall by his father. Watchers on the Wall also notes that Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) mentioned the yet unseen character during Season 5. He told Sam that his father was the “only man who ever defeated Robert Baratheon.”

In the books, Randyll backs House Tyrell. And right now House Tyrell could use a warrior like him with Margaery (Natalie Dormer) and her brother imprisoned. Although Cersei (Lena Headey) was released by the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) after admitting her crimes, Margaery and Loras (Finn Jones) were still behind bars at the end of Season 5. If the HBO series follows the books, Randyll helps Mace Tyrell free his children, and receives a seat on King Tommen’s council thanks to Cersei’s uncle, Kevan Lannister (Ian Gelder).