Jim Broadbent to play archmaester on 'Game of Thrones'

March 8 (UPI) -- English actor Jim Broadbent says he will play an archmaester on Game of Thrones.

The 67-year-old star spilled details in an interview with Screen Crush about his upcoming role in the HBO show's seventh season.

"I'm a maester, an archmaester. I'm an old professor character," he said. "I did five episodes. I did sort of one major scene in each episode."

Broadbent said he shares his scenes with John Bradley, who portrays Samwell Tarly, fueling speculation he will play Maester Marwyn. Season 6 left off with Sam arriving at the Citadel in Oldtown, where Marwyn resides.

Game of Thrones is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R.R. Martin, with Marwyn appearing in the fourth novel, A Feast for Crows. Liam Cunningham, who portrays Ser Davos Seaworth, told the Independent in February that the series will return in July.

"I've been disappointing various people around the world because it was meant to come out in April. It's July now, I think," the 55-year-old Irish actor said.

"There's going to be a launch and something special happening this year for the premiere. The bad news is, there will only be seven episodes," he confirmed.

Broadbent is known for playing Harold Ziedler in Moulin Rouge! and Professor Slughorn in the Harry Potter movies. He will also star in Black 47 with Hugo Weaving and Paddington 2 with Hugh Grant.