Introduction
Before Westeros became a global phenomenon, the Game of thrones cast went through a long and fascinating audition process. Some of the actors we now can’t imagine in any other roles almost didn’t make the cut — and others auditioned for completely different characters. Casting the right people was one of the most important decisions that shaped the show’s success. Here’s a look behind the curtain at how the Game of Thrones Cast came together and the surprising “what ifs” that could have changed the series forever.
Emilia Clarke – The Unforgettable Last-Minute Choice
It’s hard to picture anyone but Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, but she wasn’t the original choice. Another actress filmed the original pilot before Clarke joined the Game of Thrones Cast. When HBO decided to reshoot, Clarke auditioned — and left producers speechless with her powerful performance.
Fun fact: during her audition, Clarke performed a quirky “robot dance” to ease the tension. That confidence and charm secured her spot in the Game of Thrones Cast, forever linking her to the role of the Mother of Dragons.
Kit Harington – A Broken Nose and a Perfect Hero
Kit Harington’s journey to Jon Snow started with an accident. The night before his audition, he got into a small fight at a McDonald’s, ending up with a black eye. The rugged look actually helped him appear more like the battle-worn hero he would later become.
His emotional depth and quiet strength impressed the producers, and soon Harington became a defining face of the Game of Thrones Cast. Ironically, he originally thought he was too clean-cut for the role — but fate had other plans.
Peter Dinklage – The Role Written Just for Him
Unlike most actors, Peter Dinklage didn’t have to audition at all. The showrunners wrote the role of Tyrion Lannister specifically with him in mind. His talent, humor, and sharp intelligence made him a natural fit for the character.
As the first confirmed member of the Game of Thrones Cast, Dinklage helped set the tone for the show’s high acting standards. His performance later earned multiple Emmy Awards and global recognition.
Lena Headey – The Perfect Cersei from the Start
Lena Headey was offered the role of Cersei Lannister without a traditional audition. Having worked with the producers before, they knew she could bring the right mix of charm and menace. Her icy glare and commanding presence quickly made her one of the most unforgettable members of the Game of Thrones Cast.
Interestingly, Headey’s calm, friendly personality off-screen contrasts completely with Cersei’s ruthless nature, proving her versatility as an actress.
Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams – The Stark Sisters’ Instant Chemistry
Both Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams were complete newcomers when they joined the Game of Thrones Cast. Turner auditioned using a self-tape recorded in her mother’s kitchen, while Williams sent hers from her family home. The producers saw something magical in both young girls — and their natural sisterly chemistry sealed the deal.
Neither had any professional acting experience, but they quickly became fan favorites. The bond they formed in their early auditions carried through every season of the series.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Almost Rejected for Being “Too Handsome”
When Nikolaj Coster-Waldau auditioned for Jaime Lannister, the producers were worried he looked too perfect for the role. But his layered performance changed their minds. He captured Jaime’s arrogance and hidden humanity, making him one of the standout members of the Game of Thrones Cast.
Coster-Waldau later revealed that he instantly felt connected to Jaime — not as a villain, but as a man trapped by his own choices. That depth helped redefine the character.
Sean Bean – Typecast as the Noble Hero
Sean Bean didn’t need to prove himself. Known for playing honorable warriors, Bean was offered the role of Ned Stark almost immediately. His stoic intensity made him an ideal fit for the noble patriarch of the Stark family.
His early involvement helped attract other big names to the Game of Thrones Cast, setting the tone for the show’s authenticity and emotional power.
Gwendoline Christie – A Bold Transformation
When Gwendoline Christie read for Brienne of Tarth, she completely transformed herself. She trained in sword fighting, stopped wearing makeup, and even cut her hair to embody Brienne’s physicality. Her dedication impressed the casting directors so much that she was cast almost instantly.
Her audition remains one of the most inspiring stories within the Game of Thrones Cast, showing that total commitment can make a dream role come true.
Iwan Rheon – Almost Jon Snow Instead of Ramsay Bolton
Here’s a shocking twist: Iwan Rheon originally auditioned for Jon Snow. The producers were torn between him and Kit Harington — both gave incredible performances. Ultimately, Harington won the role, but the team promised Rheon another part.
When Ramsay Bolton came along, he was cast without hesitation. His chilling performance proved that he was meant to be part of the Game of Thrones Cast, even if not as a hero.
Natalie Dormer – The Clever Queen of Adaptation
Natalie Dormer joined the Game of Thrones Cast as Margaery Tyrell in Season 2, but her path to the show was anything but ordinary. She had already made waves in The Tudors, and her audition highlighted her ability to play intelligent, politically savvy women.
Producers were immediately drawn to her charm and subtle intensity — traits that made Margaery a perfect match for the deadly game of Westeros.
Jason Momoa – The Audition That Shocked the Room
Jason Momoa’s audition for Khal Drogo is legendary. Instead of reading lines, he performed a traditional Māori haka — a fierce, warrior dance — to display the raw power and presence he could bring to the role.
That energy blew the casting team away. His inclusion in the Game of Thrones Cast helped establish the Dothraki culture as one of the most striking parts of the series.
Alfie Allen – Originally Considered for Jon Snow Too
Like Iwan Rheon, Alfie Allen also auditioned for Jon Snow before landing the role of Theon Greyjoy. His performance was so strong that the producers created space for him elsewhere in the Game of Thrones Cast.
Allen’s portrayal of Theon became one of the show’s most emotional and complex journeys, proving that sometimes the right actor just needs the right role.
The Ones Who Almost Made It
Several well-known actors were close to joining the Game of Thrones Cast. Gillian Anderson was reportedly offered a role but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts. Sam Heughan, known for Outlander, auditioned seven times for various roles but was never cast. Even Elizabeth Olsen auditioned for Daenerys but later admitted it was one of her most awkward auditions ever.
Conclusion
The success of Game of Thrones wasn’t just about epic storytelling — it was about the perfect casting. Every member of the Game of Thrones Cast brought something unique, transforming George R.R. Martin’s characters into living legends. From near misses to last-minute breakthroughs, their journeys to Westeros were filled with surprises, passion, and perseverance. The Game of Thrones Cast remains one of the best-assembled ensembles in television history, proving that sometimes destiny really does choose the right players for the game.
