Warning: The following contains possible spoilers for HBO's "Game of Thrones."
When it comes to the biggest and best shows on television, networks are always concerned about spoilers and leaks. When it comes to "Game of Thrones," HBO takes secrecy as seriously as Cersei Lannister takes wine. So much so, in fact, that the network won't be releasing advance screeners to the press before the season six premiere, a rare move for such a popular show. However, perhaps HBO should be a little less concerned with the media leaking key information and a little more concerned with its own actors.
Throughout production on season six a handful of big casting reports surfaced, yet the network hasn't confirmed any new characters despite signing several new actors. One such actor is Ian McShane of "Deadwood" fame. Though McShane did not offer any specific spoilers, he did reveal enough information for "Thrones" fans to put the pieces together themselves.
"My character is an ex-warrior who has become a peacenik," McShane said during a recent interview. "So I have this group of peaceful...sort of a cult, a peaceful tribe. I bring back a much loved character who everyone thinks is dead. I'll leave it at that."
When asked if that much loved character was either Jon Snow or Sandor Clegane aka The Hound, McShane hinted at the latter.
When last we saw The Hound he had lost an epic fight with Brienne of Tarth and was left to die. It was assumed that Sandor died from his injuries, but audiences never actually saw his death, which has led to a popular fan theory informed by the books. In George R.R. Martin's fourth novel, a character is introduced on the Quiet Isle who stands well over six feet tall and is recovering from a significant injury. The character is never named, but based on his physical description, many believe it is Sandor Clegane. Ian McShane's character is believed to be a man known as the Elder Brother, the person responsible for saving Sandor's life.
Actor Rory McCann has not been confirmed to be returning to "Game of Thrones," and given the death toll on the show it is possible that McShane will be bringing another character back to life. But all signs point to the return of The Hound.
Check out McShane's interview below.
"Game of Thrones" season six will premiere on April 24.
