It turns out the fan theories may have been correct… sort of.
Back in July, word leaked out that the Game of Thrones production team was scouting locations for the Tower of Joy in Dorne, which was a very important location to Ned Stark, his sister, and Robert Baratheon near the conclusion of Robert’s Rebellion against the Targaryens. Many speculated that if we were in fact going to see the Tower of Joy, it would be when Ned came to rescue his sister from Targaryen custody.
So, are we getting that scene in the tower?
We still may, but that’s not the report that’s been circulating according to Watchers on the Wall.
So… how are we seeing Ned Stark again?
Remember how season 5 started with a Cersei flashback to her getting her fortune told as a child? Well, it appears we’re getting another flashback to a teenage character… in this case Ned. It seems a casting call went out for a “young boy with brown hair, narrow face, green eyes, and the use of a Northern accent.”
We also know the scene in question involves the boy practicing sword fighting with an older boy. Perhaps a young Robert Baratheon or Rhaegar Targaryen?
Did they find their Ned Stark?
They did. It appears the role reportedly went to 13-year-old stage actor Sebastian Croft, who has appeared many stage productions including “Les Miserables” and “Matilda.”
Are we just getting this one scene with Ned?
Well, if season 5 is anything to go by then it wouldn’t be surprising if this was his only appearance in season 6. We’re also wondering if we’ll get an appearance from Ned’s sister, Lyanna Stark… who many believe is Jon Snow’s mother.
However, since the production scene is apparently trying to get the Tower of Joy… it’s possible we may have a series of flashbacks involving Ned Stark. The story this season 6 be all about revealing secrets, which could be accompanied by flashbacks following Ned from his time as a child, through Robert’s Rebellion, until the end of the conflict when the true parentage of Jon Snow is revealed.
What about young Cersei? Will we see her again?
Assuming the theory about the multiple Ned Stark flashbacks is correct, the ages would line up at some point. It could be a definite possibility we see her again.
What about Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister?
Again, it depends on what story the flashback, whether it be one or several, tells. If Tywin needs to be in there to get across a certain plot point then we’re all for seeing him again. However, fan service can be just as destructive as it can be amazing, so unless there’s a point we rather the showrunners not bloat an episode with cameos. Right now, only people who need to return should return.
