George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series that is the basis of the television series "Game of Thrones", gestures during his masterclass at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) in Neu
George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series that is the basis of the television series "Game of Thrones", gestures during his masterclass at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) in Neuchatel July 10, 2014. REUTERS

HBO's highly successful original series "Game of Thrones" creates a lot of buzz even off-season and in this year's San Diego Comic-Con, a list of new cast members for much-anticipated characters for season 5 has been revealed.

The series, based on George RR Martin's book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" has just concluded airing its fourth season this spring with massive success. Many fans follow the TV series but have also read the books which have 5 volumes so far and another one currently being written.

Because the book shave been out years before the series started airing, many fans are already familiar with the characters and the story line that is to be expected in upcoming seasons. Casting characters is a challenge for the series producers with many of the characters already having a strong following from the books.

With a penchant for killing off many main characters, several new characters are also introduced evey season. For season 5, with many of the scenes moving south of Westeros to Dorne, the home of ill-fated season 4 favourite Oberyn Martell, played by Spanish actor Pedro Pascal, many of his family members will be making an appearance in the series for the first time.

1. Doran Martell (Alexander Siddig)- The Lord of Dorne and Oberyn's older brother will be played by Siddig who viewers might remember for his work in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as Dr. Bashir.

2. Trystane Martell (Toby Sebastian)- In an effort to forge an alliance with Dorne and save King's Landing from various threats coming from other pretenders to the Iron Throne, Tyrion Lannister then Hand of the King shipped off Princess Myrcella to be betrothed to Trystane, Doran Martell's son and heir to the seat of power of Dorne.

3. Myrcella Baratheon (Nell Tiger Free)- Cersei's little princess is not so little anymore and will be having more screen time when events move towards Dorne where she was shipped off. A new actress is being used to portray the young princess who has not been seen since season two.

4. Areo Hotah (DeObia Oparei)- Princess Myrcella's presence in Dorne was always going to be a security issue and the inevitable appearance of Palace Guard Captain Hotah has been expected by fans of the books and the series. The former "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor will once again be able to showcase his fighting skills in season 5 of the series no doubt.

5. The Sand Snakes (Obara Sand-Keisha Castle-Hughes, Tyene Sand-Rosabell Laurenti Sellers, Nymeria Sand-Jessica Henwick)- The well-loved character of Oberyn Sand spoke about his Sand Snakes or his eight daughters while speaking to Cersei about her own daughter Myrcella while they were in the gardens of the Red Keep. Three of the Sand Snakes have been cast to make an appearance in season 5 and readers of the book already know what to expect from the weapon-wielding sisters who take a lot from their now deceased father.

6. High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce)- New characters will also be making an appearance outside of Dorne and back in King's Landing, the pious High Sparrow arrives in the capital stirring up the poor to the chagrin of Cersei Lannister.

7. Yezzan (Enzo Cilenti)- Menawhile in Essos, Daenerys also has her own problems to deal with. She is still struggling to rule her conquered cities and attempting to maintain the order and keep her citizens satisfied after she outlawed the slave trade. Former slaver Yezzan makes an appearance in season 5 to spice up the Khaleesi's story line.

As anticipation builds up, the long wait resumes for the fifth season of the series as well as the sixth installment of the books entitled "Winds of Winter" which is expected to be released next year.

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