This week in Beyond the Wall, we continue to take a look at some of the casting decisions for season two of Game of Thrones. Last week, Bob and I discussed our opinions of the Dragonstone trio: Stannis Baratheon, Melisandre and Davos Seaworth. Now it’s time to turn back towards the North, and look at a couple of new characters joining the Starks. Just like last week, the spoiler rating is pretty mild, but if you don’t want to know anything heading into the season … stay away.
Ivey: First up is a big fan favorite, the Maid of Tarth herself, Brienne. This was the bit of casting that I had been most nervous about since the first time I read her description in Clash of Kings. She is apparently so ugly, they call her Brienne the Beauty out of spite. Exactly what actress on the planet would be willing to put this role on her CV? In Gwendolyn Christie, they found someone who fit the body style (read: tall and athletic), but is much prettier than Brienne has been described. Any doubt I had about accuracy, however, has been assuaged by the photos released by the Game of Thrones producers, included above. Bravo to the makeup team, because Brienne is … well … not exactly attractive.
Bob: I know that when we were discussing the casting when the news first broke you were a lot more suspicious than I was. I think it is easy for make up people to “ugly up” an actor. When they do it in the movies, it almost always guarantees an Oscar (see Charlize Theron in Monster, amongst others). Having said that, I was very pleased with the photo. The production value of Game Of Thrones is through the roof and seeing the costume and make up that went into Brienne, I’m only more certain of the fact.
Ivey: Next I’d like to talk about Jeyne Westerling. I think Oona Chaplin is an interesting enough choice, but I’m far more intrigued by her introduction this early on in the narrative. It is obvious that we’re going to be shown Robb Stark’s story, instead of it occurring off screen as it did in the novel. I’ve been curious about this time in Robb’s story arc, and the motivations of those surrounding them. I imagine, though, that this is an area where we’ll see more than a little tweaking from the source material. The timeline from the novels might be difficult to maintain in the show.
Bob: I agree, and I have to think that the changes are only going to increase as the series goes on. I mean, look at Clash of Kings. Jaime only has a single scene in the entire novel. Clearly, that is not going to be the case in the series.
I’m okay with the casting itself. Jeyne was such a small role in the novels, to your point, that I don’t think I ever had a good vision of the character in my head.
Ivey: When I looked back at the casting announcements, I was reminded just how many new characters will be showing up this season. We’ve skipped over many, including those whose characters live across the Narrow Sea and north of the Wall. Was there any particular character that we hadn’t touched on that you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
Bob: I think the only one that has me really interested is Jaqen H’ghar, played by Tom Wlaschiha. He certainly has the right look for the role, and he’s going to be a big part of the season. If I remember the book correctly, he is pretty much the entirety of Arya’s story line. Aside from that, he’s one of the more enigmatic characters in the whole series of novels.
Ivey: There was very little of Arya’s storyline in Clash that I liked. Jaqen is obviously the exception. Of those that we haven’t discussed, I’m most looking forward to Qhorin Halfhand (Simon Armstrong) and, of course, Ygrette (Rose Leslie). Jon Snow is one of my favorite characters in the whole series, and I think these two characters have a considerable impact on who his character eventually becomes. Both, in their own way, help him take the step towards becoming a man.
Bob: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the addition of Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell. Dormer is a great talent (I really enjoyed her in The Tudors) and she will hopefully be sticking around for a while.
Ivey: I’m not as familiar with her as you are, but I’ve heard good things. I think she was an important choice, less for this season than down the road as her character’s role expands.
I think that’s a wrap for the casting of season two (especially since Brynden Tully still hasn’t show up). Next week, I think we’ll take a look at some of the things that we’re most looking forward to from A Clash of Kings. Until then, you know nothing.
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:00 EST5EDT
