'Game of Thrones': Carice Van Houten, Stephen Dillane take key Season 2 roles

Meet the two newest residents of Westeros: Stephen Dillane and Carice Van Houten been cast in significant roles in Season 2 of "Game of Thrones."

Dillane will play Stannis Baratheon, who thinks he's the rightful heir to the Iron Throne and Van Houten will play Melisandre, Stannis' mysterious counselor and a women with prophetic powers. EW reported the casting.

Rumors had circulated recently that former "Doctor Who" star Christopher Eccleston might be in line to play Stannis, but Dillane should bring plenty to the role too. He was an Emmy nominee for playing Thomas Jefferson in HBO's "John Adams" miniseries and has also appeared in the 2004 version of "King Arthur" (as Merlin), "Spy Game" and "The Hours."

Van Houten is a native of the Netherlands; you may have seen her in "Valkyrie" or "Repo Men." And she looks the part of a sorceress, doesn't she?

What do you think of the casting news?