'Game of Thrones' season 7 spoilers: Jim Broadbent cast in reportedly important role

Jim Broadbent as seen in the Harry Potter filmsWarner Bros. Pictures

British actor Jim Broadbent has officially been cast for "Game of Thrones" season 7. According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, nothing about his role has been revealed except for the fact that it is "significant" to the show. The report does state that casting rumors have leaked before but nothing substantial hints at who Broadbent may be playing. 

Variety points out that HBO and the production studios have been secretive before particularly with the casting of Ian McShane in season 6. The studios had also stated he had a short but significant role and when season 6 released it was revealed he had one episode in where he portrayed the doomed character Brother Ray.

It is possible that this means Broadbent is playing a character who has a large impact on the show but may be killed off in just one episode or may no longer be seen again after a few episodes in as the show shifts its focus to the established main characters such as Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) or Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner).

Broadbent is known for films such as "Time Bandits," "Brazil" and "Bridget Jones' Diary" but is most widely popular for his Emmy-nominated role in "Longford" and as Horace Slughorn in the "Harry Potter" films. He also won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the film "Iris," back in 2001.

He is also but one of the many "Harry Potter" veterans who have been cast in "Game of Thrones." David Bradley played Filch in the films and is known for playing Walder Frey in "Game of Thrones." Natalia Tena is known for playing Tonk in the "Harry Potter" films and Osha in "Game of Thrones." Ciaran Hinds notably played Aberforth Dumbledore and Mance Rayder aka the King Beyond the Wall.

"Game of Thrones" season 7 will officially premiere in summer 2017.