It's been assumed for a while now, based on casting descriptions, that we'd meet Samwell Tarly's father in Game of Thrones ' upcoming sixth season. Many even thought it may have been the character Ian McShane was playing when he was cast a few months back in a mystery role.

James Faulkner.

Samantha Spiro, Rebecca Benson, and Freddie Stroma.

Well, now the news is out, per Variety , that Sam's strict father, Randyll Tarly, will be played by actor James Faulkner (Da Vinci's Demons, Downton Abbey).But Randyll's not the only Tarly who was announced. Joining Faulkner is Samantha Spiro (From Hell) as Sam’s mother, Melessa Tarly, and Rebecca Benson as his sister, Talla.These three join Freddie Stroma (UnREAL, Pitch Perfect), who joined the series as few weeks back as Sam's brother, Dickon.

Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association (TCA). Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/Showrenity