3. Tobias Menzies- Edmure Tully
Tobias Menzies is undoubtedly not a household name. He's one of a legion of 'that guys', forever stuck in interesting parts just slightly out of the limelight. Arguably, this trend will continue in Game of Thrones' third season. Though there may be a day when his talent might be recognised in a more central role, it is not this day. The continued minor roles for Menzies might not do wonders for his career, but within the context of GoT such portrayals should be welcomed. Menzies is excellent at playing characters that are ever-so-slightly out of their depth. His most famous turn as Brutus in
Rome showcases this proclivity; in real life, Brutus was far older than Menzies was at that time. But the writers undoubtedly wanted a certain portrayal of Brutus, especially in comparison to the dominating character of Caesar. So whilst real-life Brutus was probably near the same age as the Roman dictator-for-life, Menzies' fresh-faced incarnation differed enough to invoke a certain dramatic dimension that would've been lacking in other portrayals. Simply put, he looks weak-willed, especially when compared to the grizzled veterans that often surround him. So when it comes time for Game of Thrones, you can bet that a certain pattern will emerge. Except where once there was Caesar and Marc Anthony, there is now one of the most imposing and formidable characters to walk across your television screen; Tywin Lannister. Yes, the man above is the closest thing to Charles Dance's opposite number in the war in the Riverlands. Who's your money on? Yeah, I thought so. But the creation of a sense of lingering doom around an individual is what makes Menzies' characters so eminently watchable; they probably don't deserve their fate, but are rushing headlong into it anyway. Such qualities will be interesting to watch in his take on Edmure Tully, a passionate but not altogether gifted battle commander, a fish swimming with the sharks.