THE actor behind an iconic Game of Thrones villain has landed a new TV role – nine years after leaving the HBO fantasy drama.
Jack Gleeson played Joffrey Baratheon in seasons 1-4 of Game of Thrones.
Now, he will be appearing as “Wentworth”, in an upcoming adaptation of The Famous Five, based on Enid Blyton’s novels.
Published between 1942-1962, the beloved books follow a group of four children and their dog investigating various mysteries.
Tomboyish George (Georgina) welcomes her three cousins, Julian, Dick and Anne to her home; the group, alongside George’s dog Timmy, has regular adventures on nearby Kirrin Island.
The Irish actor initially stepped away from acting after finishing his run as the cruel, remorseless Joffrey.
He had originally intended to pursue academia but chose not to go further with this.
On Game of Thrones, Joffrey is a sadistic bully who torments his family and those weaker than him.
Although followed by Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) among others, Gleeson’s Joffrey was the original Game of Thrones villain.
As for The Famous Five, Gleeson is joined by James Lance (Uncle Quentin), Ann Akinjirin (Aunt Fanny) and Diana Quick as Mrs Wentworth.
Gleeson also works with a group of child actors playing the titular Five.
They are Diaana Babnicova as George, Elliot Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne.
Filming for The Famous Five began in June 2023.
Meanwhile, Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn is writing the series.
In 2020, Gleeson starred in BBC sitcom Out of Her Mind.
He appeared opposite comedian Sara Pascoe, who executive produced alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
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