Essie Davis has signed on for the sixth season of Game of Thrones. Vanity Fair reports that Davis will take on the role of Lead Actress; this character portrays “a version of Cersei Lannister” in a play called “The Bloody Hand.”
According to the article, “the troupe of actors who will appear in Season 6 are playing out a book plot described in a released chapter from the upcoming A Song of Ice and Fire novel, The Winds of Winter.” George R.R. Martin posted the excerpt, entitled “Mercy,” online back in March 2014.
Earlier this year, HBO brought on three new actors to the cast including Pilou Asbæk as Euron Greyjoy, Max von Sydow as the Three-Eyed Raven, and Ian McShane in a mystery role. The first episode of season six will air some time in 2016. (via Variety)