Two of the most anticipated new characters for Game of Thrones' second season have been cast. Dutch actress Carice van Houten will take on the ambitious role of Melisandre: a powerful and seductive sorceress whose ultimate goal is to impart upon humanity her religion. Van Houten will play close to her fellow newcomer to the series, British actor Stephen Dillane, who will be taking on the character Stannis Baratheon. Stannis' character is the humorless younger brother to the late King Robert, and is determined to a fault to obtain the Iron Throne. Melisandre will act as an adviser to Stannis in his quest to obtain the throne.
Most familiar to American audiences among Carice von Houten's past works are Valkyrie and Repo Men. Furthermore, you might recognize Dillane from his role as Thomas Jefferson in the HBO miniseries, John Adams.
These roles that van Houten and Dillane are taking on are certainly not light ones. In addition to simply commanding a large sum of screen time, the duo will strive to live up to the strength and captivation of their literary counterparts.
Source: InsideTV