Gwendoline Christie will play Brienne in season 2. Brienne is a pretty important character. However IMO Christie is tall enough (6-3) to play Brienne, but is NOWHERE NEAR ugly enough.

Brienne in the books has a moral center pretty close to that of Ned Stark. She believes in doing good and keeping her word. But she is also described as bigger than most men and uglier than just about any other women. Her father can't get her married off because not only is she remarkably ugly but she also refuses to marry any man who can't beat her in the joust or melee. And no one was ever able to or willing to do that. I thought the character should be played by someone who looked like Courtney Love or the wrestler Chyna..UGLY. But the author likes the decision so it's all good.

Brienne Cast









Stephen Dillane will play Stannis.
Stannis' essence is a firm belief in the letter of the law. Also resentment. He has tons of resentments and can quote chapter and verse of either the law or the appropriate traditions to back up whatever point he is arguing.

Unfortunately as his younger and more flamboyant brother Renly points out he has the personality of a lobster. Stannis is honestly confused and hurt as to why he is not liked by more people and this confusion just makes him hold on to his resentments more.

Stannis does try to do the right thing most of the time even at great cost to himself. But he generally lacks mercy and is somewhat more pragmatic than the highminded Ned.

He's married to an ugly, but loyal wife and has no sons. If Stannis likes you (and he doesn't like many people) you will know that. And if he doesn't like you he'll let you know that too. I like Dillane for this role.

Stannis and Melisandre Casting