New 'Game Of Thrones' Actor Hints That A Dead Character Is Returning

Actor Ian McShane hasn't even appeared on "Game of Thrones" yet, but he's already one of our favorite characters -- mainly because he's dropping tantalizing spoilers. 

Though we don't officially know who McShane is playing, the actor on Thursday gave Pop Goes The News a "hint" about his character's identity.

“I am responsible for bringing somebody back that you think you’re never going to see again. I’ll leave it at that," McShane said.

Whaaaattttt?

Seven Hells! A character we thought we'd never see again?

People have been speculating about McShane's mystery character for a while, but this changes everything. The actor also said he will only appear in a "one-off episode."

So who is McShane talking about bringing back?

We've already seen leaked images revealing Jon Snow is likely returning to "Game of Thrones," despite being "dead." Though it's possible McShane could have something to do with Snow coming back, it's doubtful that he'd be "responsible" for it. Melisandre is already involved in Snow's storyline, and she's rumored to play a role in his possible resurrection.

If not Snow, other possibilities could be The Hound or Lady Stoneheart. In that case, Watchers on the Wall suggests McShane could be playing either Septon Meribald or the Elder Brother from George R.R. Martin's novel A Feast for Crows. 

Assuming McShane will only appear in a single episode like he says he will, the Elder Brother probably makes the most sense. In the books, when Brienne meets the Elder Brother, a gravedigger appears whom many fans believe is actually The Hound. The Brother could be "responsible" for bringing him back. This would add a whole different element to the story, too, since Brienne already met the Hound on the show, and it didn't go that well.

If McShane plays Meribald, a character who's been speculated about since a casting call in May, then a zombified Catelyn Stark could return as Lady Stoneheart. Brienne ends up running into Stoneheart while traveling with Meribald in the books.

Watchers on the Wall reports that Rory McCann, who plays The Hound, has been spotted in Belfast, and Catelyn Stark actress Michelle Fairley is rumored to have been there at various times over the last few months.

Is McShane talking about Stoneheart? The Hound? Someone else? 

Season 6 is coming.