'Game of Thrones' character photos released

Arya Stark played by Maisie Williams

With the second season of HBO's hit show "Game of Thrones" set to debut April 1, the network has released a bevy of character photos of most of the major players, both returning and newcomers.

As large as the cast was for season one, the second second, which will follow George R.R. Martin's "A Clash of Kings," adds many more to the fractured world of the Seven Kingdoms.

The newcomers include: Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Lord Stannis Baratheon, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Lucian Msamati ("The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency") as Salladhor Saan, Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association and also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including a win for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister). Season two will run for 10 episodes.

See below for more of the characters photos:

'Rango' scores at Visual Effects Society Awards

Gore Verbinski's animated film "Rango" was the top winner at the 10th annual Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards held Tuesday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

"Rango" won four awards Tuesday.

The annual event recognizes outstanding visual effects artistry in 23 categories of film, animation, television, commercials, special venues and video games.

"Rango" took home four awards, sweeping the animated film categories with wins for Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature Motion Picture, Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture, Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Motion Picture and Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in an Animated Feature Motion Picture.

In the live action arena, "Hugo," "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" all took home two awards in the feature motion picture categories, while "Boardwalk Empire" and "Game of Thrones" each garnered a pair of awards in the television categories.

"Apes" won Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture while "Hugo" won Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture.

More than a thousand attendees--filmmakers, producers, directors and members of the visual effects community--gathered to recognize the year’s best work and the artists who created it.

Stan Lee received the Lifetime Achievement Award and visual effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull received the Georges Méliès Award at the show, which was hosted by Patton Oswalt. Antonio Banderas, Lou Ferrigno, directors Chris Miller, Marc Webb and Jennifer Yuh Nelson, and a host of luminaries were on hand to present awards. A surprise appearance by Martin Scorsese, whose film Hugo received two awards, was one of the evening’s highlights.

Beware the seas: Lucian Msamati is sailing into season two of 'Game of Thrones' as Salladhor Saan

HBO's "Game of Thrones" has added a pirate lord to the menagerie of characters suiting up for its upcoming second season.

Lucian Msamati

Entertainment Weekly is reporting British actor Lucian Msamati has signed on to play Salladhor Saan, a sell sail pirate working for Lord Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, "John Adams") and friend to Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight (Liam Cunningham, "Camelot").

Perhaps best known to American audiences for his work in HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," Msamati has appeared in multiple television and film projects in England, including an episode of "Doctor Who."

The actor joins fellow season two newcomers Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association and also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The Emmys will be announced Sunday, Sept. 18.

Patrick Malahide is Balon Greyjoy in 'Game of Thrones'

The Greyjoy family continues to grow with the expanding cast of HBO's "Game of Thrones," as British actor Patrick Malahide will play Lord Balon Greyjoy.

Patrick Malahide

Balon, who rules over the Iron Islands, is father to Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) and season two newcomer Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan, "The Wolfman").

Malahide's credits include "Brideshead Revisited" and "Quills," as well as a recent stint on "Law & Order: UK."

Malahide joins other season two additions Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

It was recently announced season two will be filmed in Croatia and Iceland as well as Belfast.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association and also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The Emmys will be announced Sunday, Sept. 18.

'Game of Thrones' season two will film in Croatia, Iceland

With its cast blossoming, the second season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" is expanding the scope of its settings as well.

The novel was published in 1998.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that while the production will still be headquartered in Belfast, North Ireland, filming will expand to Croatia and Iceland. Season one's filming locations included Malta.

Season two will follow the second novel in George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, "A Clash of Kings." According to the report, Croatia will serve for the Eastern lands through which Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) travels, while Iceland will be home to Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and the rest of the Night's Watch as they travel north of the Wall.

While the series already boasted a large cast, season two adds Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association. It also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The Emmys will be announced Sunday, Sept. 18.

Signed 'Game of Thrones' scripts 'stolen' en route to author George R.R. Martin

"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin is claiming two autographed scripts from the Emmy-nominated HBO series based on his works have been stolen en route to him for a charity auction.

George R.R. Martin

Martin made an online blog post about the theft over the weekend, warning fans to be cautious if they see any scripts up for sale or auction in the future.

According to Martin, he was prepare a number of items for a charity auction at this week's Worldcon in Reno, Nev.

"We had hoped to bring a couple of signed scripts from the first season of the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' with us, and the good folks in Belfast were kind enough to donate them. Dan Weiss sent them across the pond (registered and priority, signature required)," Martin said.

Michael McElhatton to play 'Game of Thrones' as Roose Bolton

Not to be left out with all of the recent casting news for season two of HBO's "Game of Thrones," author George R.R. Martin has revealed that Irish actor Michael McElhatton will play Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort.

Michael McElhatton

McElhatton has appeared in a variety of film and television productions, including "Fifty Dead Men Walking" and "Masterpiece Mystery."

He joins fellow season two newcomers Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was recently awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association. It also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series.  

Craster, Gilly cast, Roy Dotrice joins 'Game of Thrones'

The cast of HBO's "Game of Thrones" continues to grow with production underway on season two.

Robert Pugh

Welsh actor Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") is the latest to join and will play Craster, a wildling who lives north of the Wall with his 19 wives. Unlike most of the people living in the Haunted Forest, Craster keeps an alliance with the Night's Watch.

In "A Clash of Kings," the second novel in George R.R. Martin's fantasy series, upon which season two is based, Craster's keep is visited by the Night's Watch, including Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Samwell Tarly (John Bradley).

Hannah Murray

While there, Samwell befriends one of Craster's younger wives, Gilly, who will be played by Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins").

Rounding out the new additions is Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne, chief of the Guild of Pyromancers in the capital. In addition to his acting credits, Dotrice has read for four of the five audiobook additions of Martin's series, including "A Dance With Dragons," which was released last month.

Roy Dotrice

The trio join fellow season two newcomers Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was recently awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association. It also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. 

'Game of Thrones' director Brian Kirk in talks for 'Thor 2'

Television director Brian Kirk is in early talks to director "Thor 2," according to Variety.

"Thor 2" will be released July 26, 2013.

Disney and Marvel Studios announced in late June that the comic book sequel would be released on July 26, 2013, but "Thor" director Kenneth Branagh would not be returning.

Kirk directed three episodes of the first season of HBO's "Game of Thrones," and his resume also includes work on "Boardwalk Empire," "Dexter" and "The Tudors."

Marvel has been good at picking the right director for each of its projects and Kirk, with his extensive history in Shakespearean adaptations, was the perfect choice for "Thor," which featured all of the familial squabbles and betrayals you would expect from one of the bard's plays.

Kirk's work on "Game of Thrones" and "The Tudors" would say he has a similar experience, although his only feature film credit is 2006's "Middletown."

Actor Chris Hemsworth is set to return as Thor, but first he will portray the character in next summer's "The Avengers," which will see him team up with Iron Man, The Hulk and Captain America.

Screenwriter Don Payne is also returning to pen the script for "Thor 2." He was one of three writers with screenplay credit on the first film, released May 3. Two others were credited with the story.

To date, "Thor" has grossed $447 million worldwide.

Tom Wlaschiha is Jaqen H'gar's new face for 'Game of Thrones'

Valar morghulis.

Jaqen H'gar has a new face, at least for HBO's adaptation of "Game of Thrones."

Tom Wlaschiha

The assassin will be played by German actor Tom Wlaschiha, according to Entertainment Weekly, which credits fan site Winter is Coming for breaking the story.

Readers meet Jaqen H'gar along with young Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) as she make her way north in "A Clash of Kings," the second book in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and basis for season two of the television series.

Wlaschiha's credits include roles in "Enemy at the Gates," "13 Blocks" and "Valkyrie."

He joins second season newcomers Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. 

Theon Greyjoy's sister cast in 'Game of Thrones'

The casting continues for the second season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" with actress Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy.

Gemma Whelan

Named Asha Greyjoy in the George R.R. Martin's series of novels, the character is sister to Theon Greyjoy, the ward of House Stark played by Alfie Allen ("Atonement," "The Kid"). Raised on the Iron Isles, she is a fierce fighter and commander of her own ship.

According to Entertainment Weekly, her named was changed to Yara due to Asha sounding too much like Osha. Apparently they did the same thing with Lord Robert of the Eyrie, who was changed to Robin in the series to avoid confusion with King Robert. (I didn't notice to be honest, but then they rarely referred to him by name. That was also rather odd, consider the young lord was named for the king.)

Whelan has had roles in "Gulliver's Travels" and "The Wolfman."

She joins second season newcomers Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series.

HBO co-president: 'Game of Thrones' will continue as long as Martin keeps writing

HBO issued a resounding commitment to its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series at the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday.

"Game of Thrones" earned 13 Emmy nods

Speaking about the success of the first season of "Game of Thrones," HBO Co-President Richard Plepler said, "The truth is when you see how thrilled [Martin] is with the production, we know we’ve succeeded partially by his satisfaction. We told George we’d go as long as he kept writing."

HBO renewed the series for a second season after only one episode had aired, and casting has already begun.

To date, the new cast members include Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The fifth novel in Martin's epic series, "A Dance with Dragons," was released earlier this month. Season two of the series will follow the story of "A Clash of Kings," the second novel. At the San Diego Comic Con, producers hinted that the third novel, "A Storm of Swords," would be broken into two seasons.

"Game of Thrones' picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The winners will be announced during the Sunday, Sept. 18, ceremony, which airs on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.

Liam Cunningham is Davos the Onion Knight in 'Game of Thrones'

The Onion Knight has a name and it is Liam Cunningham.

The latest addition to the cast of HBO's second season of "Game of Thrones," Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") will play Davos Seaworth, a knight serving Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, "John Adams"), Entertainment Weekly reports.

Liam Cunningham

A former smuggler, Davos earned his title and his nickname during the war which saw Stannis' brother Robert steal the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Davos was able to get food to Stannis, who was under siege at the castle of Storm's End. After the war, Stannis knighted Davos, but cut the tips of his fingers as punishment for his life as a smuggler.

In the second novel of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "A Clash of Kings," upon which season two will be based, Davos is one of two new point-of-view characters and it is through his eyes that readers get to see much of Stannis.

Cunningham is the fifth major casting announcement for season two after Dillane as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

Stannis, Melisandre and Brienne cast for 'Games of Thrones' season two

Three more denizens of Westoros have been cast for season two of HBO's Emmy-nominated series "Game of Thrones."

Gwendoline Christie

Season two, which is set to air on the cable network next spring, will follow "A Clash of Kings," the second book in George R.R. Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

Up first is Brienne, who will be portrayed by Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"). Brienne is described in the novels as large and unattractive, but strong and a well-versed in sword play. She is sworn to Renly Baratheon, the younger of King Robert's brothers.

Stephen Dilla

Speaking of Robert's brothers, Stannis Baratheon, who was often spoken about during the course of season two but never seen, will be played by British actor Stephen Dillane, according to Entertainment Weekly.

This will not be Dillane's first venture on HBO, as he appeared as Thomas Jefferson in the acclaimed mini-series, "John Adams." He also played Merlin in 2004's "King Arthur," which featured Clive Owen in the title role.

Carice van Houten

Rounding out the new casting from EW is Stannis' advisor, the red priestess Melisandre, who will be played by Carice van Houten. Melisandre rejects the seven gods of Westeros and claims power from the mysterious god of light, who she says gives her the gift of prophecy, which she uses to council Stannis.

The dutch actress has appeared in "Repo Men," "Valkyrie" and "Black Book."

'Tudors' Natalie Dormer joins 'Game of Thrones'

The successful first season of HBO's adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" just wrapped up last weekend, but the news is already leaking over the casting of season two.

Natalie Dormer

Entertainment Weekly broke the news Thursday that Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") will join the fantasy series as Margaery Tyrell, who is betrothed to Renly Baratheon, youngest brother to King Robert. The actress portrayed Anne Boleyn on "The Tudors."

Martin's series--which currently stands at four books with the fifth due out next month--is known for its vast array of characters and Dormer's casting will surely be just the first of many to come.

Last weekend's finale set a ratings high three million viewers for the initial broadcast at 9 p.m. with a total of 3.9 when the second's viewership was added.

HBO's 'Game of Thrones' renewed for a second season

After drawing a combined 4.2 million viewers over the three airings of its first episode Sunday night, HBO's "Game of Thrones" has been renewed for a second season.

"We are delighted by the way David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have brought George R.R. Martin's amazing book series to the screen, and thrilled by the support of the media and our viewers," said Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming, who made the announcement today. "This is the continuation of an exciting creative partnership."

'Game of Thrones' airs Sundays at 9 p.m.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," by George R.R. Martin, "Game of Thrones" follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power in a land where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime.


The season one cast includes (in alphabetical order): Mark Addy, Alfie Allen, Sean Bean, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Aidan Gillen, Jack Gleeson, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Harry Lloyd, Richard Madden, Rory McCann, Jason Momoa, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams.

While the first season is 10 episodes, it has not yet been announced how long season two will be, but it will follow the events of "A Clash of Kings," which was 162 pages longer than "A Game of Thrones."

The series currently consists of four novels--"A Storm of Swords" and "A Feast for Crows" were published in 2000 and 2005 respectively. The fifth installment, "A Dance with Dragons" has a July 12, 2011, release date, although Martin has not yet completed writing it. Two additional books are also planned.

As a fan of the series, I felt the premier episode of the HBO television series was very well done, and although I cannot approach it as someone new to the story, I think most should be able to follow the story. Like many, I took advantage of the free preview weekend to catch the episode and will now have to order HBO so I can keep watching it.