Richard E. Grant has been cast in season six of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
Grant most famously played a struggling, alcoholic actor in the 1987 British film “Withnail & I.” Ironically, Grant has worked continuously across film and television since the release of the film. He appeared in Francis Ford Coppola‘s 1992 adaptation of “Dracula” and on the fifth season of “Downton Abbey.”
He also had a guest role in “Girls,” another HBO series, during the show’s third season. Most recently, Grant appeared on the USA Network series “Dig” as archaeologist Ian Margrove.
The news of Grant’s casting was first reported by “Game of Thrones” fan site Watchers on the Wall. The site noticed that Grant’s agency CV had been updated to say that his most recent television work included “Game of Thrones.” His agency has since removed any mention of the HBO show.
Grant’s role in the series is currently unknown, but he joins an impressive list of stars currently lined up for the sixth season. Max von Sydow, Ian McShane, and Freddie Stroma have all been confirmed for roles on the show. Von Sydow will play the Three-Eyed Raven, while Stroma will play Dickon Tarly. McShane’s role is unknown.