Danish actor Pilou Asbæk has been cast as the Ironborn pirate Euron Greyjoy in Game of Thrones season 6.
At only 33, Asbæk is an interesting choice for Euron Greyjoy, a frightening but mysterious figure in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. In the books, Euron’s cruelty is so legendary that he has been exiled from the Iron Islands, known as one of the most brutal areas of Westeros. Following certain pivotal events, the one-eyed captain returns home on his vessel Silence — so named because Euron has ripped out the tongue of every member of his crew.
Seriously, he’s a real sweetheart.
Given that Euron is Balon Greyjoy’s brother (and therefore uncle to Theon and Yara), many fans assumed the older and imposing Ian McShane would take the role, but the casting call (for a “cunning [and] ruthless” pirate “with a touch of madness”) did not specify an age, and Pilou Asbæk certainly seems to have a glint in his eye that could suit the mercurial pirate well.
Related: Enter the Game of Thrones season 5 caption contest (giveaway)
Asbæk appeared in 2014’s Lucy with Scarlett Johansson and will play Pontius Pilate in the upcoming remake of Ben-Hur. He has also starred in the Danish television series Borgen with Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, who appeared as Karsi in last season’s episode “Hardhome.”
Though filming is underway for Game of Thrones season 6, relatively few major casting announcements have been made. In addition to Pilou Asbæk and Ian McShane, Max von Sydow will take over the role of Bran’s Three-Eyed Raven. But for most other characters, HBO seems content to take a hint from Euron and keep their silence for the time being.
Game of Thrones season 6 will air on HBO in Spring 2016.