James Faulkner, Samantha Spiro and Rebecca Benson have joined "Game of Thrones" season six as Samwell Tarly's (John Bradley) father Randyll, mother Melessa and sister Talla respectively. Variety describes Randyll Tarly as "stern and strong-willed."  Faulkner starred in "DaVinci's Demons" and "Downton Abbey," while Spiro is known for her role on "From Hell" and newcomer Benson has appeared in minor roles in "Shetland" and "Macbeth."

Though it’s not yet known when George R.R. Martin will finish his “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, President of HBO Programming Michael Lombardo told reporters an eight-season run is currently the rough plan for the network's massively successful “Game of Thrones” TV series, continuing the diverging paths between the show and its source material.

“Game of Thrones” season six is expected to debut in spring 2016.