It’s hard to imagine Game of Thrones with different actors. After so many seasons of bloodshed, drama, and adventure, we’ve become attached to the stars we know and love. To cast the legendary Peter Dinklage as anyone other than Tyrion? Unheard of! Likewise, Sean Bean was the perfect choice for Eddard Stark, and Maisie Williams was born to step into Arya’s boots. Despite this, many of our favorite characters on the hit HBO series were almost played by different people.
Plenty of actors auditioned for parts in the show, but tryouts were rigorous and not everyone made it. We got to enjoy appearances from guest stars like Ed Sheehan and Hafþór Björnsson, but what would the show look like if different actors were chosen to play the now beloved main characters? If you’ve ever been curious and are looking for something to tide you over until the House of the Dragon spinoff releases, here’s a quick look at 8 actors who were almost cast in Game of Thrones.
8 Sam Heughan in Several Roles
Beloved for his role as Jamie Fraser in Outlander, renowned Scottish actor Sam Heughan auditioned for multiple roles in the show. In fact, he mentioned that he tried out seven times in an interview with Vulture back in 2014. Among the characters he went for are: Sir Loras Tyrell, Renly Baratheon, and several members of the Night's Watch. There's no specification on whom he might have played in the Night's Watch, but he unfortunately never landed any of the parts. Regardless, he's seen massive success in Outlander and countless other shows, and is one of many James Bond hopefuls as Sony plans to reboot the franchise with a new 007.
7 Lily Allen as Yara Greyjoy
It's hard to imagine the rugged daughter of the Greyjoy clan as anyone other than Gemma Whelan, but pop icon Lily Allen was approached for the job. She ultimately turned down the role because it was a bit too incestuous — considering Theon Greyjoy was played by her real brother Alfie Allen, her decision was understandable. She made the reveal in an Ask Me Anything chat on Reddit, and further mentioned that she would have preferred a more musical role on Game of Thrones.
6 Millie Bobby Brown as Lyanna Mormont
While most fans recognize her as Eleven from the sci-fi horror phenomenon Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown almost took on the role of the unforgettable Lady of Bear Island. According to Brown, in an appearance on The Tonight Show, being rejected from the part was so disheartening that it nearly made her quit acting altogether. Fortunately, this talented screen queen has seen widespread success in television and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
5 Mahershala Ali as Xaro Xhoan Daxos
Xaro Xhoan Daxos didn't stick around for long, but he played a prominent role in Daenerys Targaryen's exploits in Qarth. The incredibly powerful merchant was almost portrayed by Moonlight star Mahershala Ali, though he claimed that a set of stools caused him to botch his audition. The actor described his experience on Jimmy Kimmel Live: though he was fully prepared and memorized all his lines, he was seated on a backless stool that made him look stiff and unnatural. Despite this mishap, Ali is one of the most critically acclaimed actors in modern TV and film, and is set to make his MCU debut as Blade in an upcoming Halloween special.
4 Mark Strong as Stannis Baratheon
Back in 2018, rumors were circulating regarding the Kingsman alum and his consideration for the part of Stannis Baratheon. In an interview with Metro, Mark Strong claimed that he couldn't disclose the role he was offered, but did confirm that he was approached with a part on Game of Thrones. Many fans theorize that Strong was likely chosen for Stannis' role, and we would have loved to see him play the ruthless Lord of Dragonstone. Thankfully, viewers got to enjoy Stephen Dillane's bold portrayal of the character.
3 Sam Claflin as Jon Snow or Viserys Targaryen
Kit Harrington has become synonymous with the eventual King of the North, but this Hunger Games: Mockingjay favorite came close to playing the part. Sam Claflin was also called upon to audition for the role of Daenerys Targaryen's vicious brother, but he didn't manage to lock in either character. The star mentioned that his involvement in other films prevented him from joining the show's lineup, but he later suggested that he would have been interested in another role if he ever got another callback.
2 Gillian Anderson as Cersei Lannister
Praised for her work on The X-Files and American Gods, Gillian Anderson was approached with the opportunity to play Cersei Lannister on the show. The legend mused that her daughter was shocked at her refusal of the part, and she revealed in the same Daily Mail interview that she also turned down a role on Downton Abbey. Luckily, Anderson crafted a wildly successful career with acclaimed roles in The Crown and Sex Education, despite seemingly turning down such life-changing parts.
1 Tamzin Merchant as Daenaerys Targaryen
Tamzin Merchant was actually cast as the original Mother of Dragons in the show's scrapped pilot. Though it was reworked for several reasons, Merchant later specified that she felt very uncomfortable with the vulnerable, highly sexualized nature of Daenerys' story. The beloved Salem actress praised Emilia Clarke for her portrayal of Khaleesi and referred to her experience on the show as a valuable lesson.