Gwendoline Christie, best known as the indomitable Brienne of Tarth on "Game of Thrones," is the feminist hero you're looking for.

Later this year, the Sussex-born actress appears as the first female Stormtrooper in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." She joins another blockbuster franchise this holiday season via "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2."

In honor of Christie's breakout success, we're taking a look back at her meteoric rise to fame. 

Born October 28, 1978, Gwendoline Christie grew up in the countryside of Sussex, England.

Source: Stylist

Growing up, her first passion was rhythmic gymnastics, but a back injury when she was 11 forced her to try something new.

At 15, Christie took on the role of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and felt she found what she was supposed to do in life.

Liam Cunningham has thoughts about technology and he wants you to hear them.

The Irish actor, perhaps best known for playing Davos in "Game of Thrones," gave a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in the media area of Irish technology conference Web Summit.

Taking to the stage with no real introduction or opening remarks, Cunningham proceeded to answer a number of broad technology-related questions from the assembled press.

At one point, a journalist asked: "Are you involved in startups?"

He responded: "No, I'm an actor."

The Q&A kicked off with a question about the decision to move Web Summit to Lisbon, Portugal.

Paddy Cosgrave, the CEO of the event, has been critical of the Irish government — today accusing it of telling"lies."

Cunningham was similarly critical of the Irish government over the relocation of the event, one of the largest technology conferences in Europe. "The entire government needs to get down on its knees and beg Paddy [Cosgrave] to return."

Discussing Apple's renewed efforts to break into the living room with the recent launch of the new Apple TV, Cunningham was positive, saying "the competition is quite healthy." But what lies ahead? "Where it's going to go, you're talking to the wrong person."

The actor is enthusiastic about Apple products, remarking that "I'm a fan of Jonathan Ive."

Twitter? Also a fan. It's a "good place to see what is going viral and what the zeitgeist is."

The tech industry is "a bit anarchic right now," but Cunningham is optimistic: "Hopefully the cream rises to the top." But he also recognises the threats that new technology poses, and took the time to criticise the actions of Western spy agencies. "You only have to look at what the NSA and GCHQ are doing with technology to realise it's not all a good thing."

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NOW WATCH: NASA is the reason airplane wings bend up at the end

George R.R. Martin revealed that his television career was derailed by a failed show about two decades before HBO's "Game of Thrones" would become a TV hit.

While accepting an award Wednesday for his contribution to the field of TV at his alma mater Northwestern University, according to Vulture, Martin discussed the unfolding of his career. He had previously written for TV shows like "The Twilight Zone" and 1987's "Beauty and the Beast," and worked his way up through the ranks to the point where creating his own show was the next step.

Martin created a show called "Doorways," in which a woman from a parallel world enters present day earth through the "door" and befriends a doctor, who she takes on a life-threatening chase in a different universe. ABC produced the pilot in 1992 and ordered six additional episode scripts.

"I hired six writers," Martin recalled. "And we spent half a year developing and polishing and getting ready to shoot the first six episodes when we got the green light. But we never did."

ABC passed on "Doorways." Its chance of being picked up by another network was dashed about a year later when a similar time-jumping show called "Sliders" premiered on Fox and went on for five seasons.

"When 'Doorways' failed to go, and all the other shows I had been developing didn't get to the pilot stage, people suddenly stopped returning my calls," the 67-year-old writer said. "You get a certain amount of strikes out there in Hollywood. You're as successful as your last project, so that was kind of a bitter disappointment for me."

In 1991, Martin turned to writing the "A Song of Fire and Ice" novels, which would become the basis for HBO's "Game of Thrones" in 2011. He now serves as an executive producer and writer on the series. Looking back, Martin can see the bright side of the failure of "Doorways," which would've been difficult to make on the budget ABC had planned for it.

"I would have produced an ambitious but severely crippled television show that might not have been the show I really wanted it to be," he said. "And, failing that, I wrote this 'Game of Thrones' thing, and that worked out pretty well."

SEE ALSO: This favorite 'Game of Thrones' couple reunited for a very touching photo

MORE: 'Game of Thrones' author George R.R. Martin hints at how he'll end the series

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NOW WATCH: How the 'Game of Thrones' cast reacted when a Comic Con audience member shouted about Jon Snow

Reports that Bollywood star Neil Nitin Mukesh had been cast on "Game of Thrones" turn out to be false. A source close to the show told Business Insider that Mukesh "is not part of the cast, nor is he being offered a role."

The news began with an interview Mukesh did with the Mumbai Mirror in which he allegedly stated that he had been offered a role on HBO's hit fantasy show. From there, the international media picked up the story. The reported casting also apparently trended on Twitter.

The article states that Mukesh claimed that he worked with stunt coordinator Greg Powell, who it's said is working on "Thrones," on the Indian film "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo."

"Greg has directed two sword-fighting sequences in 'PRDP' for which I had to train for over a month in order to get the stance and wrist movements right," Mukesh said, according to the local newspaper. "He seemed pretty impressed with all the hard work I put in and made the offer when we were shooting for the climax scene a few months ago."

"Game of Thrones," though, isn't currently listed on Powell's IMDb page.

Mukesh claimed that he would "play a royal" and be featured in "combat scenes" on "Game of Thrones." Some reports said the he was cast as a White Walker, one of the show's race of human-like warriors who are said to have last been active 8,000 years ago during the generation-long winter.

He also reportedly said that he wouldn't mind going nude for the HBO series: "I am OK with it if it's required for my character. I am not intimidated by it as an actor."

BI reached out to Mukesh for comment. An HBO representative declined to comment.

"Game of Thrones" is currently shooting its sixth season, which is expected to premiere in Spring 2016.

SEE ALSO: This favorite 'Game of Thrones' couple reunited for a very touching photo

MORE: 'Game of Thrones' star Maisie Williams says 'sorry' but she knows Jon Snow's fate

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NOW WATCH: How the 'Game of Thrones' cast reacted when a Comic Con audience member shouted about Jon Snow

"Game of Thrones" fans are very familiar with Tyrion Lannister's love of brothels and booze, but how well do you know the man who plays him? Here are some lesser known facts about the Emmy-winning actor.

Produced by Chris Snyder. Original reporting by Melia Robinson. 

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Picture, if you can, "The Watchers on the Wall," the spectacular season four episode of "Game of Thrones" featuring the Night's Watch fending off Mance Rayder's wildling army in the dead of night — the same battle that claimed the lives of poor Pyp and Jon Snow's lover Ygritte, not to mention the fight where Sam "The Slayer" Tarly truly came alive.

Now picture George R.R. Martin in the middle of that battle, shrouded in the heavy black cloaks and armor worn by the members of Westeros' northernmost outpost, wind kissing snowflakes into his famously cheery beard.

Harder to imagine, perhaps, but an image that has ties to the "Game of Thrones" origin story all the same.

During Martin's visit to his alma mater Northwestern University this week, where he is on hand to accept the Medill School of Journalism's Hall of Achievement alumni award, the writer opened up about his early inspiration for The Wall, one of the most spectacular landmarks in all of "Thrones."

In the past, Martin has credited Hadrian's Wall from the days of the Roman Empire as a historical touchstone for the iconic "Game of Thrones" location. In this recent conversation, however, he revealed an even more personal connection with Jon Snow's home base: Martin's own freshman year experience at Northwestern, during a Chicago blizzard in 1967.

"The coldest winter was in Chicago," he said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "There was so much snow that winter, you couldn't see, all snow, all ice, and it was so very cold."

Martin likened the frozen streets of Chicago to the trenches of World War I, "but they were trenches of ice."

"I remember walking through the trenches and the tunnels of ice, the wind blowing so you couldn't even see," he continued. "It's an experience that never left me."

These days, Martin wrestles with winter still, but only in the faraway frost of his imagination. He has released five of seven novels in "A Song of Ice and Fire," the book series that provides the basis for HBO's "Thrones." Only he knows the answers to the big questions fans keep asking, like whether or not Jon Snow is dead or alive.

"No comment on that," he said on the subject of Snow. "I'm just saying, read the books."

Right now, there's no answer on Snow's fate in the books; his life was left hanging in the balance at the end of 2011's "A Dance with Dragons," the most recent book in the series.

But rumors, like the Chicago snowfall of Martin's memory, persist that his sixth novel, "The Winds of Winter," could arrive before "Thrones" begins its new season.

SEE ALSO: Before 'Game of Thrones,' George R.R. Martin had a failed show that almost ruined his TV career

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NOW WATCH: Here’s how much it costs to live like James Bond in real life

A page from the season 6 "Game of Thrones" script appeared online after an actor Instagrammed an image of it on their iPad.

French actor Elie Haddad since deleted the image, but not before many fans were able to take a look at the image.

Haddad reportedly joined the "Game of Thrones" cast this year. It's not clear what his role will be, but if the script offers any clues he may be one of the Dothraki. 

It's difficult to make out what the script says; however, a few readers over at fan site Watchers on the Wall were able to make out portions of crude dialogue aimed at Daenerys' character by a few Dothraki warriors. You can read them here.

When we last left Daenerys, a Dothraki army was descending upon her in unknown territory. 

From the few lines readers were able to decipher, it doesn't look like the young Queen is in a good position at the moment. 

"Game of Thrones" will return to HBO next year.

SEE ALSO: This failed show almost ruined George R.R. Martin's TV career before 'Game of Thrones'

MORE: This Bollywood star reported to be cast on next 'Game of Thrones' season won't be on the show, after all

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NOW WATCH: Here's what 'Game of Thrones' superfans think happened to Jon Snow

When George R.R. Martin published "A Game of Thrones" nearly 20 years ago, the humble author had no way of knowing the monster he created. Now Martin has gained millions of fans, all of whom are dying to learn the fates of their favorite characters.

"The Winds of Winter"— Martin's sixth book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series — has been in the works since 2010, but there's no official release date yet. To pass the time, fans binge-watch the show or re-read the books earnestly looking for anything they may have missed.

And boy do they dig deep. Some theories are highly plausible (like "R+L=J") but others are downright ludicrous. More than anything, the ideas prove fans are getting desperate for discussion topics.

We've gathered some of the most entertaining fan theories out there. As we wait anxiously for news of "The Winds of Winter," let us relish in the ridiculousness presented by the fans who leave no stone un-turned.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones," including major speculation for both the books and show.

Roose Bolton is an eternal skin-changer.

This theory can be found on Reddit and YouTube, both of which have thorough explanations. The idea is straightforward enough: Roose Bolton is an immortal creature who magically wears the skin of others in order to continuously rule over House Bolton. 

Did we lose you? 

Let's back up. Roose Bolton is the father of Ramsay Bolton, and the lord of the Dreadfort. He's best known for his brutal betrayal of Robb Stark, having orchestrated the Red Wedding along with the Lannisters. Several minor descriptors of him (appears ageless and has "ice chips" for eyes) have led to this somewhat insane idea that Roose is an immortal humanoid. Some say vampire, others say he's a descendant of the White Walkers. 

The sigil of House Bolton is a flayed man. According to the theory, Roose skins men (typically his offspring with similar colored eyes) and takes on their identity using some kind of blood magic. Many have come to refer to this as the Bolt-On theory — which suggests he "bolts on" the skin of others. 

Fans point to the Faceless Men (assassins who literally wear the faces of strangers as a disguise) for precedence. 

The Lannister kitten Ser Pounce is Azor Ahai.

Popular "Game of Thrones"YouTuber Alt Shift X made a seven-minute-long video showcasing how Tommen Baratheon's cat Ser Pounce could be the hero of the series. The prophesied hero Azor Ahai (also referred to as the "prince that was promised") is thought to be the main person who will save the realm from the White Walkers and restore justice in the world.

Fans have picked apart this prophecy, guessing it could be Daenerys, Jon Snow,or even Jaime Lannister. But this analysis takes the cake. Alt Shift X is perfectly self-aware of the ridiculousness of it all, but that doesn't stop him from breaking down context clues and laying out every possible clue tying Ser Pounce to Azor Ahai. 

Starting with the kitten's potential parentage, and leading into timelines of his birth and ability to wield a tiny Valyrian steel dagger, the theory is both adorable and entertaining.

It's worth the watch. 

The High Septon is actually Howland Reed.

The current High Septon (also called High Sparrow) is an unconventional leader, to say the least. He seems determined to bring down Cersei Lannister's corrupt reign and restore justice to the lands of Westeros. Some fans believe there must be more to this man than meets the eye, but others think he may in fact be someone else entirely.

Enter: Howland Reed. Book readers know Howland as one of Ned Stark's closest friends and allies, and the leader of House Reed. Howland has yet to be seen in the show, but we've met his children Meera and Jojen (they accompanied Bran and Hodor north of the the Wall). 

The theory assumes Howland would want revenge on the Lannisters — Cersei, to be specific — for executing Ned and betraying the realm. However, it's quite extreme to think Howland would have laid in wait for nearly two decades, only to emerge in the elaborate disguise of a humble priest with a cult following. 

The evidence is thin — resting on a few similar descriptors between the High Sparrow and Meera Reed and other vague context clues. Both the High Sparrow and Meera are described as small and thin, with their hair knotted in a bun.

The most compelling part of this is the idea that someone in a very powerful position is a Stark loyalist. Howland Reed is also assumed to know Jon Snow's true parentage, and being High Septon would make it easy to reveal Jon's claim to the throne without backlash. For full details, watch Alt Shift X's video on the theory.

Many "Game of Thrones" characters were given medieval-sounding nicknames by George R.R. Martin. Jaime Lannister is known as "Kingslayer" while Tyrion is derisively called "The Imp." Some historical figures have titles like "Ser Duncan the Tall" or "Bran the Builder." 

But fans of the series have taken it upon themselves to dub other characters with a little more pizzazz. 

The many languages of Westeros are tough to understand phonetically, and with a long list of side characters — many of whom are promptly killed off — it's tough to keep track. That's where these easy-to-remember titles come in.

Scroll down to see our favorite nicknames given to characters by Redditors.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones."  

Daenerys Targaryen = Kelly C

Daenerys Targaryen is better known on the show by her formal title: Khaleesi. In Dothraki, "khaleesi" means queen, so most of the time anyone is speaking to Daenerys, they refer to her as "Khaleesi." This is an unfamiliar term, so many first-time watchers think "Khaleesi" is simply her name. Others have resorted to just calling her "Kelly C" online. Close enough.

Khal Drogo = Karl Drogo

Kelly C's husband in season one wasn't Khal Drogo, it was Karl Drogo. Everyone knows this. The slight misspelling of "Khal" makes this fierce warrior a little more relatable. It may have started as a pun on a character named Carl from the Adult Swim "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" cartoon. But the fandom has kept it going. Long live Karl Drogo.

Stannis Baratheon = Stannis the Mannis

Stannis Baratheon was a favorite contender for the Iron Throne. Among many Redditors, he was the true hero in their eyes. Over time, his name began cropping up as "Stannis the Mannis"— a play on the popular nickname "Stan the Man." Every once and awhile, you'll see him referred to simply as "The Mannis." 

Warning: There are "Game of Thrones" spoilers below.

"Game of Thrones" show creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff have made many changes to the original written material in order to produce the best possible show. But sometimes the decisions don't resonate with dedicated fans. 

The changes made to side-character Yara Greyjoy's storyline are among some of the most questionable.

The daughter of Balon Greyjoy and sister to Theon Greyjoy is actually named Asha in the books. In an interview with Access Hollywood, Weiss and Benioff explained they were concerned Asha would get confused with the wildling character Osha (who travels north with Bran and Hodor). 

The name change was a fair decision, since the two sound similar. But there was another change some fans can't wrap their heads around.

In the third season, Ramsay Bolton captures Theon and viciously tortures him. When Balon and Yara receive a threatening letter from Ramsay revealing Theon's being held prisoner, Yara declares to sail to the Dreadfort to rescue her brother.

While Theon's torture is straight from the books, this rescue mission is completely new. And it makes little sense.

Check out the map below, and you'll see where Yara begins her show journey in Pyke. Her decision to sail to the Dreadfort means basically circumnavigating the whole continent of Westeros.

Looking at the map, this is a crazy plan. Exactly what Weiss and Benioff were thinking is unclear. The Dreadfort is on the complete opposite edge of Westeros from the Iron Islands, an estimated 4,500-mile journey by sea.

Fans discussion of this choice mostly centers around one big "Huh?" 

First, the timing is weird. Ramsay's letter said they have until the next full moon to surrender. There's almost no way Yara could make the journey in less than three weeks. She left the Iron Islands in the season three finale, and showed up to rescue Theon just about midway through season four. How much time passes between episodes is ambiguous, but it definitely seems to be a stretch. 

Secondly, both Yara's show and book journeys have landed her in Deepwood Motte at some point. Deepwood Motte is a castle near Winterfell, and just across the continent from the Dreadfort. If they wanted Yara to get to the Dreadfort, it would have made a lot more sense for her to cross via land starting at Deepwood Motte, as she does in the books.

In the end, the rescue mission was a total disaster anyway. Yara left the Dreadfort after realizing Theon was transformed into a shell of his former self named Reek. She was absent for the entirety of season five, but we know she will definitely return for season six. Fans can look forward to more action in the Iron Islands, including a brand new Greyjoy character. 

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NOW WATCH: Here's what 'Game of Thrones' superfans think happened to Jon Snow

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones," including speculation of upcoming events.

"Game of Thrones" fans are desperate for hints about season six, filming of which has been underway since July of this year. Pouring over casting announcements and actors' social media accounts has already provided some clues, but now we have a concrete teaser. 

Back in August, Entertainment Weekly announced actor Ian McShane was cast for an unknown role in season six. Now McShane has told Pop Goes the News a juicy tidbit about his upcoming appearance: "I am responsible for bringing somebody back that you think you’re never going to see again. I’ll leave it at that."

Whoa. This sounds pretty huge.

The first obvious candidate for this returning "somebody" is Jon Snow. Fans were devastated during the season five finale when Jon was brutally attacked and left for dead. But we think we know who will get him out of that pickle, and it's not a man. 

Instead, there's another likely candidate for the character McShane's part will unveil: The Hound. 

But wait, isn't the Hound dead? Last time we saw him at the end of season four, the Hound was suffering dire wounds, and Arya refused to mercy-kill him.

But if you're 100% sure the Hound actually died, it means you haven't been paying close enough attention to fan theories. One of the favorites passed around is known as "Cleganebowl." For a full explainer, read the write up we did during season five.

The short version is this: Fans believe the Hound was rescued from his mortal wounds by a priest named the Elder Brother, and he's living as a silent monk while he recovers. The conclusion of the theory states the Hound will eventually be called to fight against his brother, Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane, in a trial-by-combat.

The Mountain was also presumed dead, or at the very least grievously wounded, but the season five finale gave viewers a glimpse at what we're sure is a zombified Mountain ready for battle against his brother.

So what does this have to do with Ian McShane? Well, we also know casting was done for a character who ties into the "Cleganebowl" theory. Vanity Fair reported a casting call for a priest "in his 40s or 50s. A gruff ex-soldier who found religion. Now a no-nonsense rural priest who ministers to the poor of the countryside. He’s salt-of-the-earth man who has weathered many battles."

This description fits along with the idea of the Elder Brother (and might combine the Elder Brother with another priestly man named Septon Meribald). It's not far-fetched to assume Ian McShane is playing this Elder Brother/Septon Meribald hybrid. And if that is the case, he could be the person who brings back the Hound.

"Cleganebowl" is sounding less and less far-fetched every day. Thanks for the latest clue, Ian McShane. 

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NOW WATCH: 6 things we know about season 6 of 'Game of Thrones'

Bill Simmons, the founder of Grantland, sat down with Barack Obama for an interview with GQ magazine.

The conversation covered a variety of topics, from Ferguson to Obama’s final year in the White House. Simmons even spent time asking Obama about what he does in his limited down time, and the leader of the free world answered that he watches the golf channel and even the HBO series “Game of Thrones.”

Obama told Simmons the character on the show he most identifies with is Tyrion Lannister, played by actor Peter Dinklage, and that no characters “rise to [the] level” of Donald Trump on the show. Here’s the full exchange between Obama and Simmons:

Obama:  I do love Game of Thrones.

Simmons: Which character do you identify with?

Obama: My favorite character is probably…the dwarf, what’s his name?

Simmons: Oh, yeah. Peter Dinklage’s character.

Obama: The problem with Game of Thrones, though, is that I don’t remember the names of any of the characters.

Simmons: I don’t, either.

Obama: I remember the characters, so when I watch it, I know exactly what’s going on. But if you read a review of the show afterwards and they’re mentioning such and such, the only one I remember is Jon Snow, because I can pronounce Jon Snow.

Simmons: Which Game of Thrones character is Donald Trump?

Obama: Uh…I don’t think…I don’t think any of them rise to that level.

Tyron Lannister, for anyone who isn’t a major “Game of Thrones” fan, is one of the most beloved characters on the series. He’s intelligent, quick-witted, and one of the kinder characters in a show where violence is the norm.

Interestingly, he’s also a bit of an outcast and underdog due to his height. “All dwarfs are bastards in their father’s eyes,” he once told Jon Snow — the only character name Obama claims to be able to remember.

But ultimately, Tyrion has a solid handle on the personalities and driving forces of those around him and knows Westerosi politics backwards and forwards. As Tyrion himself said, “I understand the way this game is played.”

Perhaps this ability to see the end game is what Obama identifies with so much. It also hearkens back to an earlier moment in the Simmons interview when Obama compared himself to Green Bay Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers for being able to see down the football field:

Or maybe [I’m like Aaron] Rodgers in the pocket, in the sense of you can’t be distracted by what’s around you, you’ve got to be looking downfield. And I think that’s a quality that I have—not getting flustered in what’s around me.

But Lannister is a much better choice for Obama. Living in Westeros is a lot like living in Washington DC, after all — there are warring politics, backstabbing, posturing, and policy decisions affecting an entire realm of people.

However, there is one major take away here – Obama is a “Game of Thrones” fan.

You can read the Obama GQ interview in full here.

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NOW WATCH: Here's what 'Game of Thrones' superfans think happened to Jon Snow

Warning: Spoilers ahead if you haven't watched through season five of "Game of Thrones."

"Game of Thrones" fans are going nuts over a fascinating new spoiler for season six courtesy of former "Deadwood" actor Ian McShane.

McShane, who was cast in a small but pivotal role on the show's upcoming season, recently revealed just how important his character would be.

“I'll give you one hint," he told Pop Goes the News. "I am responsible for bringing somebody back that you think you’re never going to see again. I’ll leave it at that.”

Fans are going wild with theories as to whom McShane will resurrect.

Here's a look at some of the possible candidates.

SEE ALSO: 'Game of Thrones' star Jason Momoa is getting his own action show on Netflix

MORE: This failed show almost ruined George R.R. Martin's TV career before 'Game of Thrones'

Jon Snow (Kit Harington)

While HBO top brass, co-stars, and Kit Harington himself have said Jon Snow is either dead or not returning, fans have continued a constant vigil for the beloved character's return.

Harington sightings have propelled fans to believe that the character will be back. Others feel the show hasn't completed his story.

Was Jon Snow meant to go down in a bloody coup? Or is he the one McShane's character will bring back to life?

Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley)

Although she lost her life during the murderous Red Wedding during season three, there's reason to believe that Lady Stark may come back again. (Warning: book spoiler follows.) According to the novels by George R.R. Martin, Lady Stark's corpse is brought back to life under the name Lady Stoneheart. The new character is basically a zombified version of her.

That seems like it could be a job for McShane.

Sandor Clegane aka The Hound (Rory McCane)

The Hound was supposedly killed during his fight with Brienne (Gwendoline Christie), but many fans are placing their bets on a theory called Cleganebowl. The belief basically says that a priest saved The Hound from his mortal wounds and he sets off for a destiny that sees him locking swords with his brother in a trial by combat.

Some believe that McShane will be playing that priest, therefore bringing The Hound back from "death."

Girl power has never rang truer, as kick-ass little girls are taking over entertainment.

The most memorable part of Sia's latest music video isn't Sia: The real star is nine-year-old karate master Mahiro Takano.

But Mahiro Takano isn't the only little girl punching her way into our hearts.

Jesse Jane McParland learned how to handle a sword at age 10. Her online videos have gotten millions of views, leading her to wow audience members at The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Meanwhile, on TV, Arya Stark has become the fiercest warrior on HBO's "Game of Thrones," and arguably the show's best character. She went through a lot of training to perfect her swordsmanship.

Finally, who can forget the OG kick-ass girl: Hit-Girl from the movie "Kick-Ass."

Jesse Jane McParland summed up the reason for this trend best. "Mommy said, 'Why? Why do you not like ballet?' And I said, 'Momma, not every girl dreams of being a little princess,'"McParland told Ellen DeGeneres.

Story by Ian Phillips and editing by Stephen Parkhurst

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SEE ALSO: 'Mockingjay — Part 2' gives Jennifer Lawrence a triumphant end to the 'Hunger Games' movies

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After landing her first gig in period drama "Casanova," Natalie Dormer felt the red carpet ripped out from underneath her. She waitressed and temped doing data entry in an office just to make ends meet.

Now, the British-born actress has a number of massive titles under her belt, including “Game of Thrones” and "The Hunger Games." She plays a rebel filmmaker, Cressida, in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2," in theaters Friday.

We’re taking a look back at Dormer’s journey to becoming Hollywood's favorite femme fatale.

Just six months of out drama school, Natalie Dormer read for the role of a clumsy ingénue in Lasse Hallstöm's "Casanova."

Source: Daily Mail

Dormer, a Berkshire, England native, blew away the casting directors and walked away with a three-picture contract with Disney.

Source: Daily Mail

It later fell through for unknown reasons. A year later, Dormer was working a temp job doing data entry just to pay rent.

Sources: Evening Standard and Daily Beast

You may think keeping track of the many characters in "Game of Thrones" is already tough, but the reality is there are even more in the original books.

In order to make the series more digestible for a television audience, the HBO showrunners had to leave out many side characters. 

We rounded up five abandoned book characters fans were looking forward to seeing onscreen for the HBO adaptation, but wound up never making an appearance. Keep reading to learn more.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones," including un-adapted book material.

Strong Belwas: A bodyguard to Daenerys.

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In the books, Strong Belwas is sent to Daenerys along with Ser Barristan. They both serve her as their queen, and become part of her council and bodyguard. Much to the disappointment of book readers, the show introduced Ser Barristan without Belwas by his side. As the seasons go one, Belwas remains absent.

Belwas is an ex-slave known for his many victories in the fighting pits. He has a big belly covered in scars — one for every man he's killed. At one point, after defeating an enemy of Daenerys', Belwas defecates on the ground near the man's severed head. If only that had made it into the show. 

Vargo Hoat: The leader of a mercenary group hired by the Lannisters.

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In the show, Jaime Lannister has his hand chopped off by a plain-looking man named Locke. The book version of this character was Vargo Hoat, a man with a long goatee and strong lisp. Book readers were most looking forward to seeing Hoat refer to Jaime, often called Kingslayer, as "Kingthlayer." 

Another one of his classic lines involves Brienne of Tarth, who Hoat mistakenly believes is from the Sapphire Islands, making her a valuable prisoner. "Thee'th worth a bag of thapphireth," he says in the book. But instead of giving viewers the lisping Hoat, showrunners simplified things by having Locke take over this role. 

Patchface: A jester and companion to Shireen Baratheon

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Shireen Baratheon, the daughter of Stannis Baratheon who has greyscale, spends a lot of time with a jester named Patchface in the books. His face is covered in red and green motley tattoos — a mark of his former slave life. Patchface speaks in rhymes and incoherent phrases. His brain was damaged after barely surviving a shipwreck, but sometimes his "jests" are creepy and prophetic.

For example: "Fool's blood. King's blood, blood on the maiden's thigh, but chains for the guests and chains for the bridegroom, aye, aye, aye." Not exactly a cheerful rhyme, and it seems to allude to the infamous Red Wedding. Sadly, the showrunners not only left Patchface out the show, but they've now killed off Shireen (who is alive so far in the books). 

HBO knows exactly what will drive "Game of Thrones" fans nuts. Take a look at the new poster for season six:

Yes, that looks like the mystery man of the year for "GoT" fans, Jon Snow (Kit Harington), as well as a confirmation the show will be back in April. Whether this means Snow is returning or not, we can't say.

When we last saw Jon Snow on season five, he had been attacked by members of the Night's Watch — each taking a turn at stabbing the newly elected Lord Commander. He was left to bleed out in the snow.

Fans instantly began to rally around the character. 

While HBO top brass, co-stars, and Harington himself have said Jon Snow is either dead or not returning, fans have continued a constant vigil for the beloved character's return.

Harington sightings have propelled fans to believe that the character will be back. Others feel the show hasn't completed his story.

HBO isn't being coy about playing off those theories. There's the poster as a billboard in New York City's Times Square:

 And here's one in Hollywood.

SEE ALSO: Someone's getting resurrected on 'Game of Thrones' — here are 5 likely candidates

MORE: This favorite 'Game of Thrones' couple reunited for a very touching photo

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HBO just revealed the first teaser poster for "Game of Thrones" season six, and it teases the fate of Jon Snow.

Season five ended on a giant cliffhanger in which Snow (Kit Harington) was left for dead. 

While HBO execs, cast, and crewmembers have said Snow is long gone, fans aren't convinced this is the last we've seen of the character, especially since Harington has been seen on set. 

A new poster for season six confirms we haven't seen the last of Snow either. The official "Game of Thrones"Twitter account revealed a poster featuring Snow front and center Monday morning.

Season six will premiere in April.

Naturally, fans believe the poster means Snow must be alive. 

Why would you have a dead character featured on a poster, right?

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Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones," including speculation of future events.

April can't come soon enough. 

Early Monday morning, HBO's official social media channels released a teaser poster for season six. The main feature? Jon Snow's bloodied face. 

The only text on the image was "APRIL"— indicating the month season six will premiere. 

Fans immediately began flipping out. Jon Snow's fate was left ambiguous at the end of season five, when his Night's Watch brothers stabbed him over and over again. 

But diehard fans had theories of their own, and despite the insistence from HBO executives and cast members that "he's really dead," many refused to believe Jon was gone forever. 

This new poster, as minimal as it is, provides even more evidence Jon Snow will live (or be resurrected, if you want to get into semantics). 

The red blood on his face is clue number one. When we last saw Jon, he was stabbed in the chest and stomach. There were no bleeding wounds on his face. Any fresh blood around his nose and eyes would have to be the result of an action taking place after the stabbing. Dead people tend to not move much, so it's logical to assume Jon will be up and about. 

The second clue is the fur collared coat. 

Jon wasn't wearing a cloak with any fur on it in season five's final scene.

So the new promo image can't be a shot of dead Jon (unless we're seeing him ready for burial). The poster seems to very intentionally keep his eyes from view, giving the tiniest arguments that he may not be alive.

But the bloodied face and fur coat seal the deal (for us, anyway). Jon Snow lives. Or should we say Jon Stark?

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NOW WATCH: How the 'Game of Thrones' cast reacted when a Comic Con audience member shouted about Jon Snow

Warning: There are spoilers ahead if you're not caught up with "Game of Thrones." 

HBO just released an ominous first teaser poster for "Game of Thrones" season six, and it's doing exactly what the network wants — to get fans talking about the show's biggest mystery once : Is Jon Snow alive or dead?

At the end of season 5, Jon Snow was left for dead after a mutinous attack by his Night’s Watch brothers. Since then, fans have been in an inescapable debate of whether or not Jon Snow has been permanently killed off the HBO series.

Many of those working on the show, from producers to actors to the president of HBO programming himself, have insisted he’s dead and never coming back. 

But die hard fans refuse to believe the claim.

Theories of Jon's survival have been circulating ever since 2011, when the last book, “A Dance With Dragons," was released. When the show finally caught up to the books in season five, TV viewers joined in with wild speculation. We wrote up a lengthy overview explaining theories of how Snow could still be alive right after the season five finale. The short of the argument is that Melisandre, the red priestess, will probably revive Jon through a fire-magic ritual that has precedent in the series.

But at this point, fans are looking beyond the books for clues. Instead, they’ve turned to denouncing every statement and action made by those involved with the show’s production. These are the top six reasons fans are refusing to believe Jon Snow is totally dead. 

1. The semantics game

When asked plainly if Harington was released from his contract, showrunner Dan Weiss told Entertainment Weekly: “Dead is dead.”  The director of the finale episode, David Nutter, also told President Obama himself "Jon Snow is deader than dead." 

The latest insistence came from HBO programming president Michael Lombardo. “Dead is dead as dead as dead. He be dead. Yes. From everything I’ve seen, heard, read, Jon Snow is indeed dead,” he said.

This may have dispelled casual watchers from believing the hype, but the zealots have continued to brush these off as lame cover-up attempts. When you look at these quotes back to back, it's almost comical how intent everyone is on using the words "dead" and "Jon Snow" in the same sentence. 

This brings us to the semantics-based argument that devoted followers have begun circulating.

Sure. Jon Snow may very well be dead. BUT, he's most likely going to be resurrected or reborn next season. Technically, HBO can put word out there that he's "dead" without being deceptive. 

Because, really, what else would HBO representatives say? “Well, you’ve figured it out! You’re right, he’s totally coming back.” Of course not. They have to try and maintain some semblance of mystery, however thinly veiled.

Just minutes after the season five finale, Entertainment Weekly ran an interview with Kit Harington, the actor who plays Jon Snow. When asked about the possibility that his character might not truly be dead, Harington was adamant. “They said, ‘Look, you’re gone, it’s done.’ If anything in the future is not like that, then I don’t know about it – it’s only in David and Dan and George’s heads. But I’ve been told I’m dead. I’m dead. I’m not coming back next season.”

Blowing right past the insistence that he is dead, readers latched onto the technicality of that last sentence. So Harington isn’t coming back next season. Does that mean he may come back the season after that? Some fans think so.

If anything, Harington's comments just put internet detectives on alert for potential news of his appearance on set for the next season. "Game of Thrones" works on a tight schedule. Just weeks after the season five conclusion, actors and crew members began assembling in one of the set locations, Belfast. 

2. #HairWatch is in full effect

Harington's precise location isn't the only detail that fans are obsessing over. The length of his hair has become a focal point of many believers. 

In December 2014, The Independent reported Kit Harington regretted being contractually obligated to keep his hair long for the role of Jon Snow. Harington said he planned to "cut it off quite soon. As soon as I'm allowed." If he truly isn't returning as Jon, and has fulfilled the HBO contract, surely he'll turn up with short hair. And yet, week after week, every photo snapped of Harington shows those long locks intact.

Above is a photo taken in early July, when Harington attended Wimbledon and created a hair-related frenzy of speculation. 

Each one of his appearances in Belfast has inspired fans to reassure their co-conspirators that his hair has undergone no changes.

3. A "quite spectacular" slip

Carice Van Houten, the actress who plays Melisandre and Jon Snow's would-be savior, said in an interview after the finale aired "you feel that [Melisandre] is concentrating more and more towards Jon Snow … there are slight hints that something’s going to happen." These words had a much more dramatic implication coming after Harington's statements regarding the finality of his death. 

Van Houten also teased that something "quite spectacular" was in the works for next season, but she wasn't able to elaborate. 

It feels as though Van Houten is referring to the hints fans have grabbed onto as a basis for their theories that Melisandre will be involved with Jon's return from the dead. One commenter pointed out, "She's not being terribly subtle."

4. The telling history of San Diego Comic-Con 

The final clue that fans have focused on came from the highly-anticipated "Game of Thrones" panel during the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. These panels often feature both of the show's creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, as well as several prominent cast members who were killed off in the most recent season.

In 2013, the panel included Michelle Farley and Richard Madden; the actors who played Catelyn and Robb Stark, respectively. Their deaths at the Red Wedding massacre in season 3 were among the most shocking and game-changing of the entire series. 

Then, in 2014, the fan favorites Rose Leslie (Ygritte) and Pedro Pascal (Oberyn Martell) were also present at Comic-Con. Ygritte was Jon Snow's love interest, and had been killed during a battle at the Wall. Oberyn Martell had an iconic death against the Mountain. Both were on hand for the "Game of Thrones" panel to answer questions about their experiences on the show.

When the 2015 panel participants were announced, dedicated followers immediately noticed three major absences. Both show creators AND Kit Harington were missing from the line-up. This sparked plenty of conversation around the logic behind this decision, and whether it was a clear move on HBO's part to avoid direct questioning about Jon from fans.

5. The incomplete "In Memoriam" toy collection

Mid-July, HBO announced a new collections of "Game of Thrones" character merchandise. The group of toys was dubbed: "Honor the Fallen: Game of Thrones™ In Memoriam." The tribute includes the likes of Stannis Baratheon, Oberyn Martell, and Ned Stark.

Jon Snow was noticeably absent from the set. 

More conspiracy conversations were sparked from this HBO announcement. Since many iconic characters were included, why not Jon? Perhaps it's because his death is not as permanent as the those who were included.

6. Snow has been spotted on set

Popular "Game of Thrones" news community Watchers on the Wall has reported multiple sightings of Harington among cast members in Northern Ireland. They referred to Jon's return as "the worst-kept secret in Game of Thrones land."

The argument can be made that he is merely on set to film a funeral scene, but this isn't entirely convincing for one reason: Back in September, Harington was spotted on the show's set in Northern Ireland — and it was no funeral being filmed. 

Watchers on the Wall claims Harington was seen filming a big fight, one where he may be leading Northern armies against the Bolton family.

As of November 16, the site reports there is a scene being filmed between Snow, his sister Sansa, Ramsay, and Littlefinger.

The fact remains that, as far as anyone has been informed, only three individuals actually know whether Jon Snow is alive or dead. The author of the book series, George R.R. Martin, and the two creators of the HBO series David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Martin has reportedly told Benioff and Weiss how the series ends, which means they should know Jon Snow’s true fate.

Until the series returns — or author George R.R. Martin publishes the sixth book, “The Winds of Winter” — dedicated followers of both the book series and the show are stuck in an frustrating but hope-filled purgatory. 

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