‘Game of Thrones’ introduced us to an extraordinary roster of actors. It gave so many actors a chance to showcase their talents to the world, while launching countless new acting careers as well.
Across its eight seasons, the show built an expansive ensemble filled with some beloved and some loathsome characters. But here is how the show would have looked if these actors had made it.
10. Tom Hollander
The ‘Pride & Prejudice’ star was offered the role of Petyr Baelish, better known as Littlefinger. But he turned it down for a very amusing reason. Apparently, Hollander wasn’t particularly drawn to the idea of spending multiple seasons wearing wolf pelts. Ironically, Aidan Gillen, who ultimately played the role, barely wears wolf pelts throughout the series.
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9. Lily Allen
It was Lily Allen’s brother, Alfie Allen, who portrayed the unforgettable role of Theon Greyjoy in the show. Reportedly, she was later offered the role to play his sister, Yara Greyjoy. Lily Allen revealed that she rejected it after reading their first scene together, where Theon makes advances towards Yara. Interestingly, Alfie Allen later denied this ever happening.
8. Sam Heughan
Best known for his career-defining role in another iconic fantasy period drama, ‘Outlander’, Sam Heughan came very close to joining ‘Game of Thrones’. He revealed that he auditioned for the show seven times, going for many different roles, including Renly Baratheon, Loran Tyrell and several members of the Night’s Watch. Despite repeatedly making it close to the final stages, Heughan never secured a part.
7. Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Hoult almost became the King in the North. He revealed that he actually auditioned for the role of Jon Snow. He described his attire for the audition as having long hair extensions, a ponytail and an especially patchy fake tan. Hoult admitted that he suspected if this is the look the ‘Game of Thrones’ casting team were looking for.
6. Sam Claflin
Claflin auditioned for not one but two very different roles on ‘Game of Thrones’: Jon Snow and Viserys Targaryen. The actor eventually missed out on both parts. He revealed that the competition was very high since almost every British actor was eyeing the show and was eager to join it. But he didn’t have to wait long to share the screen with Emilia Clarke when they co-starred in the 2016 romance drama ‘Me Before You’.
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5. Jamie Campbell Bower
Bower technically appeared in ‘Game of Thrones’, although we never got to see his performance. He played the role of Waymar Royce, a Brother of the Night’s Watch in the unaired original pilot episode. His character is the very first person to die in the series, attacked by a White Walker. When the pilot episode had to be reshot, Bower couldn’t return due to scheduling issues.
4. Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali was considered for the role of Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the wealthy Qarthian merchant who wanted to marry Daenerys. But he described his audition as one of the worst of his career. He felt that he was too stiff and had to sit on an awkward backless stool. Casting director Nina Gold later admitted that she could hardly believe she had turned down two-time Oscar winning Mahershala Ali.
3. Elizabeth Olsen
Before she achieved mainstream success as Scarlet Witch in the MCU, Elizabeth Olsen auditioned for the role of Khaleesi herself. She revealed that she didn’t have much confidence in her audition. She was doing Daenerys’s speech after emerging from the flames but felt that it was awful. Ultimately, she never received a callback for the role.
2. Millie Bobby Brown
The fiercely independent young head of House Mormont, Lyanna Mormont, was almost played by Millie Bobby Brown. The role became a fan favourite because of Bella Ramsay’s fierce performance. Ramsay even reunited with GOT star Pedro Pascal in the series ‘The Last of Us’. While Brown proved her ability to take on strong young characters with Eleven in ‘Stranger Things’, we can’t deny that Lyanna’s role was made for Bella Ramsay.
1. Nicole Kidman
Imagine Hollywood darling Nicole Kidman as the unforgettable Cersei Lannister. The Oscar-winning actress was reportedly George R.R. Martin’s top choice for the Queen of Westeros. It is a serious what-if in the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe. However, we can’t deny that Cersei remains inseparable from Lena Headey’s performance.
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