Last Updated:
HBO’s popular series Game of Thrones premiered in April 2011. It concluded in May 2019, with 73 episodes broadcast over eight seasons.
Sam Claflin auditioned for the role of Jon Snow. (Photo Credit: X)
The Game of Thrones series was perfectly cast, using an impressive ensemble of talented actors who quickly rose to fame as their respective characters. Actors like Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke are now synonymous with the roles they portrayed on screen. But, did you know that the show nearly featured a completely different cast? Today, we discuss the most unexpected actors who were almost cast in the historical saga, leaving us to wonder what could have been.
1. Elizabeth Olsen as Daenerys Targaryen
Marvel star Elizabeth Olsen auditioned for Daenerys Targaryen, which she describes as one of the most “cringy moments” of her career. At the time, showrunners hadn’t decided if Dany would have a British or American accent, so Elizabeth auditioned in both. “I didn’t get a callback,” the actress revealed on the Awards Chatter podcast.
2. Sam Claflin as Jon Snow
Sam Claflin auditioned for the role of Jon Snow but was ultimately passed over. The role eventually went to Kit Harrington.
3. Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys Targaryen
Tamzin Merchant played Daenerys Targaryen in the original pilot episode of the show. It was later scrapped by the makers as they recast several roles, including Emilia Clarke as the Mother of Dragons.
4. Tricia Helfer as Cersei Lannister
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan star Tricia Helfer once auditioned for the role of Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. In a post shared on X, the actress revealed that although she didn’t get the part, she became an avid reader of George R. R. Martin’s book series the show was based on.
5. Lily Allen as Yara Greyjoy
Lily Allen was offered the role of Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. However, she declined once she found out that her character was required to do some awkward physical scenes with Theon Greyjoy, played by her real-life brother Alfie Allen.
6. Izzy Meikle-Small as Sansa Stark
In an interview with The Telegraph, Izzy revealed that she got quite close to getting the part of Sansa Stark. “But I didn’t get it. I was a bit sad, because the show’s massive, but I’m not that unhappy, because they all show a lot of flesh, don’t they? I don’t think my parents would be happy,” she added.
7. Jennifer Ehle as Catelyn Stark
Before Michelle Fairley, Jennifer Ehle was cast as Catelyn Stark in the Game of Thrones pilot. The actress told the Daily Beast that she left the role voluntarily as she wanted to spend time with her newborn daughter. “I love ‘Game of Thrones,’ but it was too soon,” she said.
8. Dominic West as Mance Rayder
Dominic West was offered the role of Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall. Sharing the reason behind turning down the role, the actor told HuffPost, “It was a lovely part, a good part. I’m going to regret it. My problem is, I’ve got four kids, and at the moment, I’m reluctant to be away from home for a long time.”
A
Mahershala Ali auditioned for the role of Xaro Xhoan Daxos, a merchant in Qarth in season two. “I think my audition guaranteed that I wasn’t almost on Game of Thrones. That was one of the worst auditions of my life,” the actor said in his Jimmy Kimmel Live interview.
10. Sam Heughan as Renly Baratheon and Loras Tyrell
Outlander famed Sam Heughan auditioned for the roles of Renly Baratheon, Loras Tyrell and several members of the Night’s Watch. He did not get any of those roles despite seven separate attempts.
- First Published:
