‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 6 Spoilers: Who Is Ian McShane Playing? Actor Teases Return Of Character

Big things are coming to Season 6 of "Game of Thrones," including the return of several characters fans believed were dead. Actor Ian McShane, who was cast in the series in August, recently opened up about his involvement in bringing someone important back to the show.

In an interview with “BBC Breakfast” (via The Hollywood Reporter), McShane, 73, provided a few clues as to who he’ll be playing in Season 6 of “Game of Thrones.” He explained to the show's hosts that he was cast as a reformed warrior who’s been left in charge of a peaceful cult-like group. In doing so he’s able to bring back “a much loved character” whom viewers had been lead to believe was dead. While McShane showed great restraint in talking about the mystery character, as well as his own, the Hollywood Reporter seems to have some idea who he’s talking about.

Based on his comments the publication devised that McShane had been cast as The Elder Brother, who appears in “A Feast of Crows,” the fourth book in author George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. The Elder Brother is the leader of a group called the Quiet Isle, made up of former warriors seeking forgiveness for their savage ways. Along the way the Elder Brother crosses paths with Sandor “The Hound” Clegane (Rory McCann), whom was thought to have been killed by Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) in Season 5.

While this deduction is based on information found in the books, Martin assures fans the show won’t spoil his forthcoming sixth book for them. The legendary author told IGN he’s officially decided to include a major plot twist that would be next to impossible to include in “Game of Thrones.” While he couldn’t say much about “The Winds of Winter’s” new direction, he did open up a little bit. Martin told the publication that the book’s twist will involve a character who’s been killed off on the HBO series, but lives on in the books. He noted that some fans may see it coming, but other will be fairly surprised.

The Hound isn’t the only “dead” character potentially returning in Season 6. The teaser trailer for “Game of Thrones,” released on Feb. 14, leads fans through the Hall of the Faceless Men. The walls are lined with the faces of various people — living and dead — to be used for shape shifting. The show then began posting images on their official Twitter page, as well as well-known quotes from the series. Those depicted include Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pasal), Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Arya Stark and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklege).

"Game of Thrones" returns to HBO Sunday, April 24 at 9 p.m. EST.