3. The Elder Brother
The first casting call referred to a priest in his 40s-50s, who also happened to be an ex-soldier. The most likely candidates seem to be either Septon Meribold or the Elder Brother, or perhaps a composition of the two, and McShane would fit in either role (or indeed if they were combined). Meribold is a wandering priest who encounters Brienne and leads her to the Quiet Isle, while the Elder Brother is the man in charge there, so to speak (excuse the pun), because he's the only one not held to a vow of silence. This is an important part of Brienne's journey, although the show has thus far missed it out. However, now she's killed Stannis, and has been rejected by Sansa who's making her own escape, then her journey may now take her there. Either character would fit the small-but-important description, mostly due to the fact that it would likely lead to the return of another presumed dead figure, and confirmation of the Gravedigger theory, and having McShane in that role would be great to add more excitement and drama to Brienne's storyline.
James Hunt
Contributor
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
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