Talking at the Television Critics Association press tour recently, HBO execs revealed that Game of Throne is unlikely to run past eight seasons. That means we only have three more years of the critically acclaimed drama to look forward to, and while we all wait for news on the fate of Jon Snow, season 6 just got even more exciting thanks to a key casting addition!

Entertainment Weekly reveals that Ian McShane is on his way to Westeros. Because of how secretive the series is and the fact that the TV series is now moving beyond the novels, there aren’t any details on who the Emmy winning Deadwood and Ray Donovan star will play.

However, sources tell the site that while McShane’s character is going to have only a very small amount of screen time, the person he’s playing is actually of “key importance.”

It’s quite surprising to see such a big name actor join the series as there hasn’t really been a casting addition to Game of Thrones as significant as this since Sean Bean was cast in season one. McShane is a veteran character actor with a long list of credits to his name.

Game of Thrones will return next year, and it’s going to be a very unique season due to book readers being just as in the dark as those who haven’t read George R.R. Martin’s work!