There was a time when ‘Game of Thrones‘ made our days. No matter how you felt about the final season, most of us can admit the journey to get there was unforgettable: the politics, the betrayals, the characters we grew so strangely attached to.
That’s why it’s always surprising to learn that not every actor wanted to be part of it. While many careers were made in Westeros, some well-known names chose to stay away, whether due to uncomfortable scenes, tight schedules, or simply not connecting with the material. Here are ten actors who were offered a place in the ‘Game of Thrones‘ world and walked away.
1. Brian Cox
Before ‘Succession‘ made him popular again, Brian Cox was approached for the role of King Robert Baratheon. But in the early days of Game of Thrones, the budget and the salaries weren’t nearly as ambitious. For a seasoned actor like Cox, the offer wasn’t financially appealing, especially for a character who would spend much of his screen time injured or bedridden. He passed, and the role eventually went to Mark Addy.
Related: 10 Best ‘Game Of Thrones’ Characters, Ranked
2. Mark Strong
Strong has always been discreet about the exact role he was offered, but many fans believe it was Stannis Baratheon. He never confirmed it outright, only mentioning that he’d been in talks for Game of Thrones before it went to someone else. Ultimately, the part went to Stephen Dillane, and Strong moved on, leaving fans to wonder what his version of the stern Baratheon brother might have looked like.
3. Tamzin Merchant
Before Emilia Clarke became Daenerys Targaryen, the role actually belonged to Tamzin Merchant. She filmed the original pilot, but the showrunners ultimately decided to take the character in a different direction. Merchant stepped away, nd Clarke was brought in to refilm everything. It’s one of the biggest recastings in TV history; a role that changed the course of Clarke’s career, and one Merchant quietly left behind.
4. Jennifer Ehle
Ehle was part of the original ‘Game of Thrones‘ pilot, playing Catelyn Stark before Michelle Fairley took over. When the series was officially picked up, she chose not to return. The decision came down to timing; she had just welcomed a newborn and didn’t want to spend months away filming. It was a personal choice, giving up a major role for her family.
5. Mahershala Ali
Before becoming a two-time Oscar winner, Mahershala Ali auditioned for the role of Xaro Xhoan Daxos in Season 2. But things took an odd turn. During his audition, he was given a backless stool to perform on, which threw off his physical acting. Frustrated by the setup and unable to deliver his best performance, he walked out. Ali has since joked that a missing chair cost him a place in Westeros.
6. Charlie Hunnam
Hunnam came close to making a brief appearance in the series as Rhaegar Targaryen. It wasn’t a long-term commitment, just a cameo, but even that proved difficult. He was tied up with filming ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword‘ and couldn’t fit it into his schedule. Still, Hunnam has said he’s open to working with HBO in the future. So, perhaps there’s still a chance we’ll see him somewhere in the Thrones universe.
In case you missed it: Love Story Or Lie? Mystery Of Ed Gein’s Alleged Sweetheart Adeline Watkins Explained
7. Dominic West
West was offered a role in ‘Game of Thrones‘ but turned it down after learning how demanding the production could be. The show was known for its relentless filming schedule, with actors spending twelve hours a day on set, often in harsh locations. West ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit for his life at the time.
8. Gillian Anderson
Anderson reportedly turned down a significant role of Cersei Lannister. Her reason had nothing to do with the content of the show, but rather the commitment it demanded. ‘Game of Thrones‘ required long, inflexible filming schedules, often far from home, and Anderson wasn’t willing to spend that much time away from her three children. For her, family came first.
9. Izzy Meikle-Small
Meikle-Small came close to joining the cast as Sansa Stark. She was one of the final contenders, but ultimately chose to step away. At the time, the show’s heavy use of sexual imagery and its darker themes put her off, and she wasn’t keen on Sansa’s early storyline. In the end, Sophie Turner took the role, and the rest is history.
Related: The Hidden Link Between ‘Game Of Thrones’ And ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Explained
10. Lily Allen
Allen was actually offered the chance to step into the world of Westeros, but the role came with an unusual complication: it involved her real-life brother. She was reportedly considered for Yara Greyjoy, who famously shares an awkwardly intimate horseback scene with Theon, played by her brother Alfie Allen.
