‘Game of Thrones’ Season 4: ‘Rome’ Star Indira Varma Joins as Ellaria Sand
'Game of Thrones' season 4 left us a bit in the Red Waste with regard to its Comic-Con 2013 panel, eschewing the mammoth casting reveals of the previous year in favor of a retrospective for those lost within the first three seasons. In spite of that void however, another major season 4 player has finally been cast with 'Rome' star Indira Varma, that of Prince Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal)'s main squeeze, Ellaria Sand!
Entertainment Weekly first revealed the casting, which follows the George R.R. Martin character's book description as a "sexually adventurous paramour," and presumably mother to "Red Viper" Oberyn Martell's bastard daughters, known as the "Sand Snakes." Previously, Varma was best known for her work in HBO's 'Rome,' which also featured current 'Game of Thrones' star Ciaran Hinds (Mance Rayder.)
Varma is the latest high profile guest-star to be announced for the new season debuting in 2014, following that of Pedro Pascal himself and 'Sherlock' writer/star Mark Gatiss. Intriguingly, HBO has yet to reveal any details of Gatiss' role, though fans have already put forth plenty of speculation.
Outside of those familiar with George R.R. Martin’s books, relatively little is known of ‘Game of Thrones’ season 4, though we recently learned that previous season characters Lysa Arryn (Kate Dickie), Ser Alliser Thorne (Owen Teale), Rorge (Andy Beckwith) and Janos Slynt (Dominic Carter) would all return, among others. We recently saw the full list of writers and directors for the 2014 season emerge, revealing that season 2 “Blackwater” helmer Neil Marshall will return for the always-pivotal ninth episode.
Well, what say you? Are you excited to see another major book character cast for 'Game of Thrones' season 4? What roles are you most looking to see brought to life in the next season? Watch the Comic-Con memorial below, and give us your thoughts in the comments!