Game of Thrones season 8 is getting two new characters, including a "dauntless" 8-year-old Northerner

(Image credit: HBO)

After Game of Thrones season 7 left us with only a handful of Lannisters, some Starks, and one (or two…) Targaryens, it’s only right that the final season of Game of Thrones would prop up the cast with a few fresh faces. Producers are casting for two child roles now – say hello to the new kids on the block.

Watchers on the Wall have managed to get their hands on casting notes for two characters potentially making their debuts in Game of Thrones season 8 and, as we’ve come to expect from Westeros, these pint-sized players sound intense.

The first of the duo, described as a Northern girl who is a “straight-talking Northern-accented girl, someone remarkable for her dauntlessness and integrity”. Remind you of anyone? Sure sounds like a little Lyanna pretender to me…

It’s also important to note she hails from a “family of soldiers”. It remains to be seen whether the girl comes from one of Winterfell’s great allies or somewhere else entirely, but she’s going to be a tough nut to crack by the looks of it.

On the flip side of things, the remaining role – plainly titled ‘Boy’ as to not give anything away – is listed as being aged 8-12 , from a poor background, and a boy who has to fight to make his way in the world.

Interestingly, the producers want someone who “completely own[s] the scenes that he appears in.” Whoever the character is, it feels like he’ll have a slightly bigger part to play in proceedings. A flashback, perhaps? We’ve seen nary a snippet of the Cleganes’ upbringing. Now that would be interesting. 

Image: HBO

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.