'Reign' season 4 updates, spoilers: Air date pushed back to avoid 'Game of Thrones' premiere? Adam Croasdell latest addition to show

"Reign" has been hounded by rumors even before it was confirmed that its fourth season was given a go by The CW. Even now that the show is looking at a 2017 season 4 premiere, speculations about the upcoming season and its fate still abound.

There were initial reports that "Reign" season 4 would air sometime in May 2017. However, its planned airdate would apparently not push through in anticipation of "Game of Thrones'" season 7 premiere. According to Parent Herald, The CW has decided to push back the release date of the period-drama to avoid colliding with the premiere of HBO's hit fantasy adventure series.

It might have been a spur-of-the-moment decision on the part of The CW, which came after HBO announced that "Game of Thrones" season 7 would premiere in the summer. As it is, "Reign" is already pestered by cancellation rumors in the wake of a so-so third season.

Pitting it against a high-rating show could spell its doom, so the delay could work to "Reign's" favor. On the other hand, some are speculating that the delay is just a strategic move to strengthen the summer lineup of The CW.

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane), the Earl of Bothwell, would figure in the fourth season of the show. It was also mentioned that the actor to play the part hasn't been cast yet.

Nevertheless, in a recent report, Deadline said "EastEnders" alum Adam Croasdell is the latest to join the growing cast of "Reign" season 4, and he will be playing Bothwell. He has been cast for three episodes, but like Will Kemp who will be playing Mary's second husband, Lord Darnley, there is an option for Croasdell to be cast as a series regular.

The publication describes Croasdell's character as a warm-hearted bad boy who is deeply loyal and deeply in love with Mary. Think along the lines of Rhett Butler to Scarlett O'Hara. Aside from his stint on "EastEnders," Croasdell also guested as Brennan Jones on "Once Upon a Time."

Keep coming back for more details on "Reign" season 4's premiere.