Game of Thrones Season 3: 7 Most Intriguing Castings Thus Far

6. Paul Kaye - Thoros of Myr

Kaye€™s casting is sort of familiar to Crook€™s insofar as they both play a lot of characters who appear to be teetering on the edge of madness. Yet there is an important difference; the madness Crook plays is nearly always benign, whereas Kaye seems to play a sort of powerful madness, something that could take hold of a room. As such, I€™d go as far as to argue that he is perfect for the part of Thoros. Thoros is a priest of R€™hllor, but unlike Melisandre has never been too devout. The hedonistic pursuits he became accustomed to in the court of King Robert have put paid to his fanaticism, turning him into a hedonistic figure prone to drink and debauchery. This corresponds perfectly into Kaye€™s most obvious skillset. He is first and foremost a comedy man, his considerable abilities showcased in past turns as shocking caricatures such as Dennis Pennis and Mike Strutter. Both these parts required a certain jolting manner as well as the need for a dominating presence and strong charisma, attributes integral to the character of Thoros. Yet a key part of the character is that he remains a formidable figure, despite his chequered past. He is gregarious (he used to be a court favourite) as well as a powerful sorcerer (he€™s a war hero who fights with a flaming sword). Such a man plays perfectly into Kaye€™s hands; whilst he is a figure of fun, his comedy is often of a powerful, intimidating sort. Kaye€™s performances tend to completely own the room; witness the Strutter live show, and tell me that this man is nothing if not imposing. His audience cannot run away, he€™s far too daunting a prospect. Such raw magnetism will be needed. Whilst I€™ve yet to convince of his ability to convey dramatic nuance- something that will become increasingly important as the season rolls on- I would argue that he is certainly a very good, interesting choice for the part of Thoros. Only time will tell if he proves to be a great one.
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Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League. You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.