3. New Characters
Unlike last year, when almost all of the casting announcements for season three were made in one video that aired at Comic Con, HBO's revelation of new actors and characters has been slower and more drawn out this time around. Perhaps the most well-known new face revealed so far is Mark Gatiss, who will play Tycho Nestoris, an envoy from the Iron Bank of Braavos. He doesn't actually appear in the literary series until the fifth book, much like Hizdahr zo Loraq, a major player in the city of Meereen that will be played by Joel Fry, suggesting that some content will be brought forward. The most exciting new addition to the cast, however, is Oberyn Martell, the 'Red Viper' from Dorne who will be played by Pedro Pascal. He plays a major part in one of the most brutal battles in the books, which should translate into brilliant television, as should the hotheaded nature of his character. Other new additions to watch out for include Mace Tyrell, the father of Margaery and Loras who will be played by Roger Ashton-Griffiths, and Ellaria Sand, Oberyn's paramour who will be played by Indira Varma.