1. Ciaran Hinds- Mance Rayder
Last but not least, we have Ciaran Hinds, playing the King-Beyond-the-Wall Mance Rayder. Hinds is possibly the biggest star Game of Thrones has ensnared so far, and certainly the most famous name of the third season's casting call. Hinds has shown himself capable of embodying a certain type of ill-gotten, but deserved nobility- his previous massive TV part was that of Julius Caesar in
Rome. Much like Caesar, Mance is not a noble by birthright; he was actually a member of the Night's Watch who rose up to lofty heights north of the wall. Yet also much like Caesar, Mance projects a certain stony-faced affinity for massive responsibility. No character has as much at stake, nor faces as grievous a situation as he does. He's between a rock and a hard place, facing annihilation at the hands of the White Walkers, with the only option for escape being an attempt to storm the Wall, one of Westeros' most impregnable structures. Hinds' past experience playing Caesar will land him in good stead in attempting to convey this grim stoicism. However, some might argue that he is too old to play the part. Indeed, they might have a point, but I believe an equal counterpoint is in order. Though Mance is probably younger in the books, the age of this incarnation would imbibe a natural sense of gravitas that would sit well with the ragged but nonetheless aristocratic air that he must carry. His manner must transcend his ragged demeanour. Though Dominic West was originally offered the part, one could probably argue that he couldn't achieve this trait as well as the more senior Hinds might. Of course, I could be wrong, but it's just a gut feeling. Ned Stark wouldn't look half as battle-worn without the aged Sean Bean playing him, but on the page he was a much younger man. It might be the same with Mance. Hinds certainly has the skill in his locker to play Mance Rayder. However, he must avoid attempting a retread of his past regal characters to truly succeed. In fact, this is probably his most prominent stumbling block, along with his greatest strength. in recent years he's tended to gravitate toward buttoned down roles (
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Rite, Woman in Black) but Mance still requires a certain barbarous steak- after all, he's king amongst the savages and must think like one. If he can synthesise his roles as Julius Caesar and Aberforth Dumbledore, projecting a haggard, intelligent nobility, we'll be in for something very special indeed- especially from an actor of Hinds' quality. What do you think of the casting thus far? If you do comment, please try not to post spoilers!