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I cannot BELIEVE how fast you guys unravel even my most obscure and difficult clues. The CIA should be looking to hire you all to break cyphers.

(I’m going to “Adult Content” this post, which I’ve never done before, because… well it will be pretty self-explanatory).

Anyway, yes, you nailed the first one in three blinks and a winks. The role of Dany’s handmaiden Doreah will be played by ROXANNE MCKEE.

Doreah was one of three slave girls given to Dany as a wedding present by her brother Viserys (big brother’s gift), though of course Viserys got the girls from Magister Illyrio Mopatis, which is why I misremembered them as the fat man’s gift. Irri and Jhiqui are Dothraki, but Doreah came from the pillow houses of Lys.

Roxanne McKee was born in Canada (the great white north), but moved to England, where she appeared in the soap opera HOLLYOAKS (the land of oaks and hollies). She has thrice been nominated for “Sexiest Female” in the British Soap Awards, winning twice (she was the sexiest female twice, NOT the sexiest female once). Her most recent role was in a film called F . She has also appeared on LILY ALLEN & FRIENDS, and Lily of course is the sister of our Theon, Alfie Allen.

Doreah is given to Dany to instruct her in the erotic arts. Viserys himself vouches for her skills. We had a lot of beautiful young women reading for the role, so this one was a tough call. Congratulations to Roxanne on winning the part.

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Big brother’s gift is the sexiest female. The sellsword’s gift is like cherry cola. Take twelve steps to big brother’s gift. No, no, the other one. Big brother’s gift is not the sexiest female. The sellsword’s gift was shopping when they found her. Big brother’s gift has known a lot of ups and downs. No, no, the other one. Big brother’s gift is a friend of the kraken’s sister. The sellsword’s gift once won a deer. Big brother’s gift came from the great white north to the land of oak and hollies, where she was the sexiest female, sometimes. Yes, that one, The sellsword’s gift tackles life head on. Big brother’s gift gets a F. No, no, the other one. Controversy and the sellsword’s gift are no strangers. All the gifts are hot, hot, hot… but that’s not a clue, just a comment.

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It saddens me to announce that we’ve had a casting change on the HBO series.

My old friend Roy Dotrice, who had been scheduled to play the part of Grand Maester Pycelle, has had to withdraw from the show for medical reasons. Roy was a colleague of mine from our days together on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, where he played the part of Father. More recently, he was my own personal choice as the reader on the audiobooks for A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, and did a wonderful job of reading the first three volumes (a schedule conflict required us to use a different reader for book four), playing all the parts and giving each character his own distinctive voice. Roy would have magnificent as Grand Maester Pycelle, and I was eagerly looking forward to seeing his council scenes with Varys, Littlefinger, and Ned.

Unfortunately, his health does not permit him to continue at this time. I just spoke with Roy, who is presently in Los Angeles receiving treatment. He tells me that his doctors say that, with three or four months of treatment, he should be back to his old self, and “right as rain” by Christmas. David and Dan and the folks at HBO were as distraught about losing him as I was, and all of us wish him a speedy and complete recovery. Once Roy is back to full health, we hope to find another role for him in the series. After all, he’s played them ALL on the audiobooks.

Good luck, Roy. All your fans and friends will be thinking of you.

Meanwhile, back in Belfast… they have this saying in the theatre, you know the one… “the show must go on.” And so it must. The redoubtable Nina Gold and her team faced a huge task in finding someone to fill the shoes of a Roy Dotrice, but as ever, they have done a smashing job. The role of Grand Maester Pycelle will now be played by JULIAN GLOVER.

Glover has a list of credits in stage, screen, and television that’s just as long as that of Dotrice. The two of them have worked together, in fact — when I mentioned him to Roy, he responded that Glover was “my old mate from the Royal Shakespeare Company.”

Our new Pycelle will be no stranger to fans of SF and fantasy. He was an Imperial officer in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and he’s appeared in DOCTOR WHO, TROY, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, and even SPACE: 1999, among countless other films and television shows. More recently, he’s been seen in THE YOUNG VICTORIA and in the forthcoming PRINCESS KAUILANI (with the lovely Tamzin Merchant).

Roy Dotrice will be missed, but Julian Glover will make Pycelle his own, we have no doubt. Last I heard, he was already in Belfast, being fitted for a long white beard.

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It’s evening in Belfast, and the first day of shooting is now in the can.

Feels strange. Exciting, but also… I don’t know, maybe I’m feeling a bit of empty nest syndrome. My kids have left home, and are making their own way in the world.

I’d wish good luck to everyone involved in the HBO production, but I recall that you never say that in the theatre. Maybe everyone concerned break several legs.

And me… well, a blank computer screen awaits. Still a lot of story to tell.

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This time at least it required a second round of clues. But you folks continue to be scary good. Obviously you know every actor and actress in the world, and have seen every film and television show ever made, no matter how obscure.

(Either that, or you’ve been using this new-fangled thing called the interweb. It’s made of tubes, I hear).

Anyway, yes, you got it. Dany’s handmaid Irri will be played by AMRITA ACHARIA (spelled Acharya on some sites, but I have it with the “i,” and she seems to be the same person).

Her initials, obviously, are AA. Twelve steps, get it?

She has been acclaimed for her performance in a play called ELEVATOR (ups and downs):
http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/event/185018/elevator

A photo of her is featured on a website called My Glass Eye, and she has also appeared in a film called THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE (I used devil as a clue) and another called COLLECTABLES (which I almost used as a clue).

She’s young, she’s lovely, she’s talented, and she’s Irri. It is known.

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The big HBO fact sheet, seen below, announced a whole bunch of new castings. Too many for me to discuss all at once, unless I wanted to devote the whole day to it. Which I don’t. I have a big monkey to wrestle.

Let me say a few words about a few, however. (I’ll get to the others in good time).

In the part of Marillion the singer (who is NOT named after the band), we have EMUN ELLIOTT, a young Scottish actor who has recently appeared in BLACK DEATH with Sean Bean.

He could almost pass for a member of the Night’s Watch in that gear, I think. His other credits include MONARCH OF THE GLEN and an SF crime drama called PARADOX.

EMUN ELLIOTT

He did not actually play the lute in his auditions, so I can’t say whether he will be singing his own songs when that time comes.

As Maester Aemon, we have PETER VAUGHAN, another truly amazing British character actor with a resume that stretches back to 1954 and includes appearances in such classic films as THE 39 STEPS, VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, TIME BANDITS, THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT’S WOMAN, and many many more. He’s worked with Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney, and his TV credits include everything from THE SAINT to THE PALLISERS to WAR AND REMEMBRANCE. He’s going to be a sensational Maester Aemon.

PETER VAUGHAN

Equally distintinguished is the resume of the actress who will play Old Nan, one of Aemon’s rivals for the title is oldest living resident of the Seven Kingdoms (Walder Frey is up there too, but he hasn’t been cast yet). Her name is MARGARET JOHN.

MARGARET JOHN

Born and raised in Wales, Margaret John has been acting professionally since 1960. British audiences known her best for her recurring role as Doris in the television series GAVIN & STACY. SF fans may remember her from her appearances on DOCTOR WHO and BLAKE’S 7. But her credits go on and on forever, and her Old Nan was a delight.

As for my latest round of clues… yes, you solved this one too. Give yourselves a pat on the head. You guys are impossible to fool for long.

So let me confirm. The part of OSHA will be played by NATALIA TENA.

NATALIA TENA

“Arthur and Morgana are familiar with this wildling wench,” I said. The wildling wench is Osha, of course. Natalia appeared with Jamie Campbell Bower in HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS and with Eva Green in WOMB. JBC will play Arthur and Eva Green will be Morgana in the new Starz series CAMELOT.

“In the books she has not met Theon’s sister (yet). Real life? Well… ” Osha has not encountered Asha in the novels, no. But Natalia went to school with singer Lily Allen, the sister of Alfie Allen, who will play Theon in the series.

“Actress and character both made a splash,” I wrote. The scene used in the audition was the godswood scene where Bran comes on Osha bathing in the pool beneath the weirwood. And Natalie took a celebrated skinny dip during a music festival a year ago, as reported in the British press.

Fantasy fans will know Tena best for her portrayal of the purple-haired Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter films. When I saw that she was reading for Osha, my first thought was, “She’s great, but no way, she’s too young and too hot.” Then I saw her reading, and none of the other Oshas had a chance. Her charisma grabbed me by the throat and I could not take my eyes off her. David and Dan felt the same way. We’re all thrilled to have her.

So that’s four. Discuss amongst yourselves. My monkey is waiting.

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Arthur and Morgana are familiar with this wildling wench.

In the books she has not met Theon’s sister (yet). Real life? Well…

Actress and character both made a splash.

(Oh, and I LOVED her reading. We all did. But that’s not a clue).

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And here’s the big blast from HBO that I have been promising:

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GAME OF THRONES

HBO Entertainment
Season one will total 10 episodes
Production is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and is will begin principal photography on July 26, 2010.

“Game of Thrones” has received funding from Northern Ireland Screen and will shoot in the Paint Hall studio, Belfast, as well as various locations in Northern Ireland. A second location for production will be Malta with assistance from the Malta Film Commission.

LOG LINE:

“Game of Thrones” is a new original HBO series based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling novels. In a world where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime, the Westeros crown comes with a price. Betrayal, lust, intrigue and supernatural forces shake the four corners of the Kingdom, from the scheming south and the savage eastern lands, to the frozen north and the ancient Wall that protects the realm from the darkness beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noble men vie for power in the bloody struggle for the Iron Throne.

SERIES CREDITS:

David Benioff Executive Producer
D.B. Weiss Executive Producer
Carolyn Strauss Co-Executive Producer
Guymon Casady Co-Executive Producer
Vince Gerardis Co-Executive Producer
Ralph Vicinanza Co-Executive Producer
George R.R. Martin Co-Executive Producer
Mark Huffam Producer
Frank Doelger Producer
Marco Pontecorvo Director of Photography
Alik Sakharov Director of Photography
Gemma Jackson Production Designer
Michele Clapton Costume Designer

The pilot was written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The writers of the series are: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss (seven episodes), Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson and George R.R. Martin (one episode each). !œGame of Thrones! is based on the series of books !œA Song of Ice and Fire! by George R.R. Martin.

The pilot director was Tom McCarthy. Series directors include: Brian Kirk, Daniel Minahan and Alan Taylor. Other directors will be announced as they are confirmed.

SERIES REGULARS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon
Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy
Sean Bean as Eddard !œNed! Stark
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Ser Jamie Lannister
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark
Aidan Gillen as Littlefinger
Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon
Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont
Kit Harington as Jon Snow
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Bran Stark
Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen
Richard Madden as Rob Stark
Rory McCann as Sandor Clegane (Hound)
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark

FEATURED CAST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

John Bradley as Samwell Tarly
Ron Donachie as Ser Rodrik Cassel
Jerome Flynn as Bronn
Conleth Hill as Varys
Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo
Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin

GUEST CAST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Josef Altin as Pyp
Gethin Anthony as Renly Baratheon
Ciaran Bermingham as Mord
Esme Bianco as Ros
Susan Brown as Septa Mordane
Dominic Carter as Janos Slynt
Antonia Christophers as Mhaegen
Kate Dickie as Lysa Arryn
Roy Dotrice as Grand Maester Pycelle
Emun Elliott as Marillion
Lino Facioli as Robin Arryn
Jefferson Hall as Ser Hugh of the Vale
Derek Halligan as Alliser Thorne
Rhodri Hosking as Mycah
Margaret John as Old Nan
Finn Jones as Ser Loras Tyrell
Dermot Keaney as Gared
Francis Magee as Yoren
Joseph Mawle as Benjen Stark
Brendan McCormack as Ser Vardis Egan
Ian McElhinney as Ser Barristan Selmy
Luke McEwan as Rast
Kristian Nairn as Hodor
Rob Ostlere as Ser Waymar Royce
Eugene Simon as Lancel Lannister
Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel
John Standing as Jon Arryn
Conan Stevens as Gregor !œThe Mountain! Clegane
Peter Vaughan as Maester Aemon Targaryen
Miltos Yeromelou as Syrio Forel

==========================================================================

George again, with a few closing comments.

Yes, we will be filming in Malta, rather than returning to Morocco. The Knights Hospitaller were kind enough to build some great sets for us.

“Mhaegan” is little Barra’s mother. She has no name in the novel.

Two more directors have been named. This was news to me as well. I’m excited too.

Lysa’s son has been renamed for the series. “Robin” instead of “Robert,” as in the books. He’s still Sweetrobin.

Marillion has not been renamed, though I offered to do so. I was tired of people assuming he was named after the band. I had never heard of the band when I named him, though I’ve heard a lot about them since.

’nuff said. This should give you plenty to chew on for a few days… while casting continues and we nail down a few more parts. Lots more still to come, including Osha, Shae, and Twyin.

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Damn, you guys are good.

Yes, you got it. The third and final part I hinted at is the Old Bear, Lord Commander Jeor Mormont, and the actor playing him is the fabulous James Cosmo.

I knew that I referenced BRAVEHEART or TROY or any of his other numerous film credits, you folks would use IMDB and ferret him out in seconds, so I went all the way to my childhood as a funny book fan for a clue — a short-lived comic that lasted only six issues half a century ago, called COSMO THE MERRY MARTIAN.

Cosmo was published by Archie Comics, hence the “jugheads” reference in my last post.

As for James Cosmo, well, he really doesn’t need much in the way of introduction.

I wish I could show you his audition. He blew away a dozen other strong contenders, including some very fine actors and household names. He will be an AMAZING Old Bear.

And that’s it for Froggy’s clues for now.

But brace for a big announcement from HBO, with lots more names.

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Hiya, kids, hiya, hiya.

Okay, you’ve managed to puzzle out two of the three castings I hinted at yesterday. Congratulations to whoever was first to come up with the right answer.

“The first never says a word in the books.” No, not Ilyn Payne. (I told you he hadn’t been cast yet). It’s Lord Jon Arryn. Who is dead before the books begin. We do hear others quoting things he said, but never from Lord Arryn himself. But in the series, he will appear on screen in a flashback scene.

“The first flew by night to find the truth.” In my Hugo-losing novella “Nightflyers,” the scientist Karoly d’Branin leads an expedition to find the truth behind the legendary volcryn, voagers through interstellar space. In the 1987 film NIGHTFLYERS his name his changed to Michael d’Branin, and he is portrayed by the fine British actor JOHN STANDING.

Sir John Standing is a distinguished veteran of stage and screen, and the descendant of a great British acting family. We’re incredibly honored to have him as Jon Arryn. And hey, maybe he’s even forgiven me for NIGHTFLYERS.

“The third birthed a monkey, a pimple, and a loon.”

Yes, it’s Ser Alliser Thorne, master-at-arms at Castle Black, who fastens those nicknames on three of the young recruits that he is training.

“The third was a supervillain, and once ambled amongst oak trees and hollies, where he might have come across a golden rose.”

Playing the part of Ser Alliser we have DEREK HALLIGAN, who played the supervillain Dr. Nightshade in TONIGHT WE FLY, and also appeared in the British soap opera HOLLYOAKS, where he might have encountered Finn Jones, our Knight of Flowers (the golden rose). His reading was lights out. I sure wouldn’t want him chewing my ass in medieval boot camp.

As for the second lord… the one where the clue is really really obscure… you bunch o’ jugheads haven’t come close to that one yet, heh heh.

Meanwhile… lots more casting announcements coming soon. Ser Vardis, Pyp, Grenn, Maester Aemon, Bronn, Lady Lysa, Sweetrobin, Yoren, Old Nan, Septa Mordane, and more… and maybe even a big one that you have all been eager for. But you’ll read those elsewhere first, most like… though I will echo when I can. Some terrific actors coming your way.

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