While Rose Leslie has been able to go on to other successful projects, it's likely that many fans still know her best as the bow and arrow wielding member of the Free Folk, Ygritte, on Game of Thrones. Now, though, we know that the actress will be returning to HBO in a new series which is also set to star Theo James, of the late, lamented PBS Masterpiece series, Sanditon.
According to Deadline, Rose Leslie is set to join Theo James to play the leads in HBO's upcoming drama series, The Time Traveler's Wife, which will be based on the book of the same name by author Audrey Niffenegger. Leslie will play Clare Abshire, a "fiery, clever and unstoppable" woman who was visited by a man (sometimes old, sometimes young) since she was a small child, who would appear in the woods behind her home. But, this kind and funny gentleman, who would tell her stories of the future, wasn't an imaginary friend, as Clare thought, but a time traveler, and he's not just from the future, but her future, specifically.
As you might have guessed, Theo James will take on the role of said time traveler, Henry DeTamble. Henry's been traveling through time, randomly, since he was eight years old, and he's been dealing with "a rollercoaster of constant danger and white-knuckle survival" until he happens upon Clare in the library where he works. When they meet, he doesn't recognize her, but she explains that they've known each other for all of her life, and the two begin a romantic journey, made all the more difficult by Henry's mysterious condition. The novel was previously adapted into a film starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams in 2009.
This adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife has been a focus for HBO since the premium cabler nabbed the project in 2018 after winning out over much competition. The show, which received a straight to series order, was adapted from the novel by someone who knows quite a bit about writing the intricacies of time travel for the screen, former Doctor Who head writer Steven Moffat. He will also executive produce the series, alongside Sue Vertue and Brian Minchin. The series is currently in pre-production.
Rose Leslie was a definite fan favorite during her short tenure on Game of Thrones, with her brave, perceptive, and skilled Ygritte soon falling for Jon Snow, despite the differences in their cultures. Even though Leslie was only on the hit fantasy from Season 2 through Season 4, hers is character that few will be likely to forget, and Leslie helped to fully imbue Ygritte with all the traits we enjoyed watching.
With her role in The Time Traveler's Wife, it definitely sounds as though Leslie's Clare will have far less actual fighting and sex-in-a-cave moments, but will still be tough as nails and have to endure quite a bit of emotional distress. Luckily, Leslie is more than apt at bringing fans such dramatic portrayals. I, for one, can't wait to see her paired with Theo James in what sounds like it will be a standout romantic drama.
There's no word on a release date just yet, but for more on what you can watch now, check out our guide to early 2021 TV.
