Ian McShane is headed back to HBO.

The former Deadwood lead will come on board Game of Thrones Season 6 is an unknown role, according to Entertainment Weekly.

But the guessing games have already begun.

EW confirms that McShane will only appear briefly, yet his role will be of "key importance."

Might this be a reference to Sam’s dad, Randyll Tarly, a former top soldier in Westeroes?

A recent HBO casting call mentioned the show is seeking an actor to play a "father," which is “a very good part” that's “centrally involved” in a protagonist’s storyline.

Or what about Euron Greyjoy? A casting call has also gone out for a “pirate” who “has terrorized seas all around the world.”

We could absolutely see Ian McShane as a pirate, couldn't you?

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Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.