Hollywood Popular Artists

Jan 16th 2013, 21:09

Winter is coming, and this time it's bringing along a new cast of characters. In addition to Jon Snow, Rob Stark and Daenerys Targaryen, we'll be meeting Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall, in the upcoming third season of "Game of Thrones."

Ciarin Hinds has been cast as Mance, and fans get their first look at his portrayal of the character in a new behind-the-scenes video blog for the hit HBO fantasy series. Hinds can be seen talking with Kit Harington's Jon Snow, seemingly for the first time. "You're Ned Stark's bastard," he says in the clip.

Also making appearances in the video are Arya Stark, Varys, Littlefinger, Cersei, Sansa Stark, Melissandre, Tywin Lannister and Joffrey Lannister Baratheon, the current king of Westeros. Catelyn Stark can be seen worrying about her son Robb, while Tyrion can be seen dining with another new character: Diana Rigg's Lady Olenna, the Queen of Thorns.

Bryan Cogman, the executive story editor/writer on "Game of Thrones," narrates the behind-the-scenes video and explained that his responsibility on the series is to keep the mythology straight. He said he's the person who makes sure he doesn't have the wrong sigil in the wrong place—and we're eternally grateful for that.

"There are a lot more character-driven scenes where you're really getting under the skin of the characters and finding out what makes them tick," Cogman said. "I think on this show that's as thrilling if not more thrilling than some of the flashier stuff."

"Game of Thrones" returns to HBO on March 31.

What are you most looking forward to seeing this season on "Game of Thrones"? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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