Whelan has been rumored for the role for a while now but EW have confirmed it..
Producers have tapped Gemma Whelan (Gulliver’s Travels, The Wolfman) to play Yara Greyjoy, the older sister of the Stark family’s impulsive young ward Theon. Yara defies the Ironborn traditions of her family by commanding her own ship and leading men into battle, as well as having a penchant for axes.
The character's name was changed from the novel's Asha to Yara because the show's producers felt that Asha was too similar sounding to the minor character Osha. The Wildling woman who's name is never even mentioned in the first season of the show. Anyway, it's not a huge deal I just think it's pretty pointless.
As for Gemma Whelan, there really isn't a whole lot of info for her out there, and even less pictures. Judging by the thumbnail one though she certainly doesn't look how Asha is described in the books, but then the casting has been so spot on with this show so far I definitely have faith. What do you guys think?
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