Actor and DC Kritian Nairn, who plays the monosyllabic, lovable giant of a caretaker to Bran Stark in "Game of Thrones," left many fans confused and agitated when he let it slip during the summer than neither he, nor Isaac Hempseat Wright, who plays Bran Stark, would return for the upcoming season. Now, this titbit has been confirmed by the writer and executive producer David Benioff, along with the reason as to why they are pulling off the two popular characters.
The HBO fantasy series, based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" by R.R. Martin and since a new book revealing the plotline of these characters has not been released yet, Benioff and show-running partner Dan Weiss believe that they would go way ahead of where the characters are.
"The fact is, even though we're making changes to the books and adapting as necessary, we're trying to keep the various storylines the same as the books and trying to keep them roughly [chronologically] parallel. And last year we caught up to the end of Bran's storyline [in George R.R. Martin's most recent novel - A Song of Ice and Fire, A Dance with Dragons]. So if we pushed him forward this season, then he's way ahead of where the other characters are," Beneioff told Entertainment Weekly.
For Bran Stark, season four of "Game of Thrones" ended with him, and his entourage, Meera Reed (Ellie Kendrick) and Hodor finding a cave that houses a wizard-like three-eyed raven, who is expected to help Bran understand more about himself and his fledgling warg power.
"It made sense to stop where we did," Benioff said. "Rather than being stuck in a cave for a year, we figured it would be interesting to leave him out for a little bit," he added.
Meanwhile, the fans are none too happy to say goodbye to the beloved characters, albeit for one season.
Colleen Hysell asks, "Really @GameOfThrones? Hodor isn't crucial but no #BranStark in Season 5? Why accelerate his story to just cut him out? #Coldhands"
Lucy sadly announces, "No Arianne, Bran or Hodor and no Iron Islands plot in season 5. I have lost all faith in Game of Thrones "
Travis tweeted, "Hodor And Bran Stark 'Having A Season Off Game Of Thrones' Can't believe this, no Hodor!! A sad day. #GOT"
Meanwhile, some others have decided to revel in the pun and humour the situation presents, like A Aditya who posted, "So, i read somewhere that this winter is gonna be a no BRANer. In other news, HODOR is going to be unemployed. @GameOfThrones"
Meanwhile, a video featuring all of the new cast members who will join Game of Thrones Season 5 was played at the San Diego Comic Con.
