Game of Thrones has finally cast the highly anticipated Mance Rayder. Irish actor Ciarán Hinds, who was previously in HBO’s Rome as Julius Caesar, will take the reigns as the “King-beyond-the-Wall”. Hinds joins the critically acclaimed series which adds a large amount of characters to the third season.
Mance Rayder was a former brother of the Night’s Watch who became praised for his skills, but grew tired of the customs. He fled the Wall, sought out refuge with the Wildlings, and betrayed his brothers.
Years later, he successfully united the disorganized and feral Wildling tribes and became their King. Jon Snow will be graced with his presence after being captured and “turned” – a meeting that will strongly influence Jon’s story for the better or worse.
Mance has been described in the books as extremely average in looks, stature, and lacking the charisma of a king. Hinds seems more the regal type who actually looks like an intimidating king, but that’s only speaking from a book reader’s standpoint.
Perhaps Hinds fits more of what the television watchers expect from a character who has been hinted at since the first season. Either way, until March of next year comes around, speculation is all that will be revealed.
Games of Thrones is stated to air its third season, based off the first half of A Storm of Swords, on March 31, 2013.
Source: Screenrant