“Game of Thrones” has one of the largest casts on television. And it just got bigger.
Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Pedro Pascal has been signed to play Prince Oberyn Martell, who may be better known as the Red Viper to readers of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.
The Martell family of Dorne was alluded to during the second season of “Game of Thrones,” when Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) arranged for Princess Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) to be married off as part of an alliance between the two families. As for Prince Oberyn, he has a very deep-seated grudge against Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane (one of the most prominent bannermen of the Lannisters); which will probably be explored in the upcoming season.
Pascal is best known for his stints on “The Good Wife,” “Red Widow,” “Graceland’ and Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe.
In a brief statement, “Game of Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss said “This was a tough one. The Red Viper is sexy and charming, yet believably dangerous; intensely likable, yet driven by hate. The boys love him, the girls love him, and he loves them all back. Unless your last name is Lannister. We found a fellow who can handle the job description and make it seem effortless. He wasn’t easy to find and he won’t be easy to stop.”
More season 4 casting announcements are expected to be made at San Diego Comic-Con International next month. “Game of Thrones” Season 4 will premiere in Spring 2014.
