As per usual, HBO has been secretive in its marketing for Game of Thrones’ upcoming seventh season. The network has released precious little footage and has actively avoided the reveal of any concrete information about what the newest installment has in store for fans. With the premiere only a few months away, show watchers are growing anxious for any shred of information about what to expect.
While HBO has kept Game of Thrones under wraps, actor Mark Gatiss recently let slip some information concerning his role in the show that has caused a wave of speculation. Gatiss confirmed his return in Season 7 as Tycho Nestoris, banker for the Iron Bank of Braavos, in an interview with Express. Appearing fleetingly in Seasons 4 and 5, fans might recognize Gatiss’ Tycho Nestoris as the banker who met with Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth and ultimately approved to fund Stannis’ efforts to take the Iron Throne.
Gatiss revealed that he will have a bigger role to play in the show’s upcoming final seasons, although he also admits that he’s not entirely sure where the show will go. “I’ve done four episodes now and there’s two more they think,” Gatiss explained. “It’s a huge saga and I don’t know and I rather like that. But I’ve had a lovely time.”
Although Gatiss did not go extremely in-depth about his role in Season 7, fans have found plenty of material to speculate over. Viewers will remember that back in Season 4, Tywin Lannister revealed to Cersei the extent of the Crown’s debt to the Iron Bank. Considering this show’s love affair with foreshadowing, it is entirely possible that the Bank will want to collect on these debts come Season 7 and even cause Cersei’s downfall as Queen.
Some have also turned to the possibility that the bank will form an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen to support her attempt to take the Iron Throne. However, considering the bank’s failed investment in Stannis’ efforts to do the same, it will be interesting to see if the Iron Bank is willing to back another player in the game or simply take matters into their own hands. In either case, as Tyrion explains the politics of the Iron Bank to Bronn in Season 4: “One way or another, they always get their gold back.”
Besides playing Nestoris on Game of Thrones, Mark Gatiss is best known for being the co-showrunner and co-creator of Sherlock, as well as playing Mycroft Holmesand on the show. He is also a writer for Doctor Who.
Game of Thrones Season 7 premieres on HBO on July 16, 2017.
