Warning: this article contains spoilers for season six of "Game of Thrones."
At this point, it's likely you've either seen "Game of Thrones'" latest hour of depression, or you've been spoiled. If you will be attending any conventions this year, you should be mentally preparing yourself. Why? There will be an onslaught of fans and nerds shouting, "Hold the door!" everywhere you head. I can practically guarantee it.
"The Door," HBO's most recent foray into heartbreak and misery, is brutal. On top of an already amazing season, the reveal behind Hodor's name echoes as some of the best writing in, at the very least, 2016's television. If the script isn't enough, there is an amazing cast to sell it. The show has always had an amazing cast, from the charming Peter Dinklage to Natalie Dormer, who is owning her role as an imprisoned queen. In two episodes, though, one actor has me more excited for his future than any before him. Sam Coleman plays Wylis, or Young Hodor. Aside from the two acting credits that "Game of Thrones" gives him, he plays Bud in the movie "Leatherface," which is in post-production at the moment. With basically no history, it's safe to say he's my favorite actor at the moment.
Yes, Coleman has little to show for, but what he has shows he's a remarkable actor and person. In a single scene, he manages to capture the hearts of everyone who watches the episode. He falls into a seizure state, curling his hands and twisting his legs. Then he begins shouting/slurring the phrase that's already cemented into the Internet's history. "Hold the door! Hold the door" slowly turns into "Hodor! Hodor!" It's done so well that even a .gif gets the pain across.
Up to this point his work has mostly been in theater, by way of musicals. The fact that he landed his role in "Game of Thrones" is an amazing accomplishment. It will, without a doubt, help land him future jobs. Outside of acting, Coleman plays the piano, writes poetry and has a stunning voice. With his small amount of screen time, Coleman has gained quite a following, and he knows it. In a recent tweet, he declares he wants to use his newfound fame as a tool for good, bringing attention to charities he feels deserve it.
Twitter only gives you 30 seconds so I'm speaking quite fast but here's an announcement for you all. #GOT #charity pic.twitter.com/I9inhiXawH
— Sam Coleman (@SamColemanActor) May 24, 2016
Coleman has begun following through with his goal, posting his first charity (@YoungCarersUK) and sharing why it's personal to him. As he identifies himself as an outspoken atheist and feminist, it'll be interesting to see the rest of the charities he calls attention to.
What has me excited is the future jobs I mentioned. Interestingly enough, Kristian Nairn, who plays [old] Hodor, received his first acting credit by way of the show. Since then, he's landed roles in Blizzard's "World of Warcraft" and several fantasy films. I think it's safe to say that Coleman will follow a similar path.
