HBO's Game of Thrones has cast the roles of Asha Greyjoy, Jaqen H’gar and Xaro Xhoan Daxos for the second season of the Emmy-nominated fantasy drama.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Gemma Whelan (The Wolfman) will play Asha Greyjoy, the fierce older sister of Theon and commander of her own ship Black Wind. The ax-wielding Ironborn will be renamed Yara for the television series, presumably to avoid confusion with the character Osha.

The fansite Winter Is Coming, meanwhile, has the exclusive news that German actor Tom Wlaschiha (Enemy at the Gates, Munich) has landed the role of Jaqen H’ghar, a member of the assassins guild known as the Faceless Men of Braavos. He's among the criminals being transported with a disguised Arya north to the Wall.

And another fan site, Westeros.org, has the scoop that Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla, Conan the Barbarian) has been cast as Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the Qartheen merchant prince who provides Daenerys with shelter and support in the ancient, decadent city.

Filming began on the second season last week. Game of Thrones returns in spring 2012.