The cast of Game of Thrones continues to grow with the addition of an HBO alum.
Indira Varma has been cast as Ellaria Sand, Oberyn Martell’s paramour, in the series’ third season, Entertainment Weekly reports. Like her lover, Ellaria is a particularly adventurous character—and the mother of four of Oberyn’s children, referred to as the “Sand Snakes”.
Varma is well known for her role as Niobe on HBO’s Rome, and has since appeared in series such as Luther and Human Target. Pedro Pascal was recently cast as Oberyn, also known as the Red Viper.
Show-runner David Benioff has suggested that Game of Thrones’ upcoming fourth season will “surpass season three,” with more action and character development than before. “It just gets more and more fun to write for these characters,” and the addition of fan favorites Oberyn and Ellaria will likely only increase that enthusiasm.
Game of Thrones was recently nominated for 16 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, and will return in 2014 on HBO.