Game of Thrones Character Recasts: Who Replaced Who?
One of the most celebrated shows on HBO is Game of Thrones, and the world-building, Characters, and acting is unforgettable. Even with this great cast, some characters got a Game of Thrones actor change over time. So, who had their role played by a different person?
Why Are There So Many Game of Thrones Cast Changes?
There were several reasons! Some characters had limited screen time at first and didn't return for a while until a big change! In other instances, a Game of Thrones actor change came as the actor's career took a different course. It's quite natural in a production this massive! Here's a list of notable Game of Thrones Recasts.
- Daario Naharis: Ed Skrein was the first to play this character, who became a close ally to Daenerys Targaryen! But then, Daario Naharis was played by Michiel Huisman, leading to many fans realizing he was playing the character.
- The Three-Eyed Raven: Struan Rodger played the first Three-Eyed Raven! But, Max von Sydow took on the role to bring a strong presence as this character was revealed!
- The Night King: This villain's change may have gone unnoticed! While Richard Brake played the Night King for his first appearance, Vladimir Furdik was in charge of taking down the Night King as a stuntman in the series!
- The Mountain: One of the biggest villains is The Mountain! Conan Stevens was the first actor! After scheduling conflicts, Ian Whyte was brought in and eventually Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson!
- Beric Dondarrion: In Game of Thrones season 1, Beric was played by David Michael Scott. Later, Beric Dondarrion was played by Richard Dormer, where he became a popular fan favorite!
- Leaf: As the character became more prominent in the story, the actor also changed. Initially, Octavia Alexandru was Leaf! Then, in Season 6, Leaf was played by Kae Alexander, as she was able to represent the complexity of the role!
- Rickard Karstark: One of the few people to stand up to Robb Stark, Rickard Karstark started off played by Steve Blount. Then in Game of Thrones season 2, he was played by John Stahl, who appeared a few more times!
- Lothar Frey: You might know Lothar as one of the main people responsible for the Red Wedding! This actor went through a few transformations. Tom Brooke initially played him, but Lothar Frey became Daniel Tuite for Season 6!
- Dickon Tarly: Samwell's brother, Dickon, was initially played by Freddie Stroma. Then he was recast for the execution at the hands of Daenerys Targaryen by Dickon Tarly, portrayed by Tom Hopper.
- Myrcella Baratheon: Aimee Richardson initially appeared as the daughter of Cersei and Jamie, before being recast to a older, teenage version played by Nell Tiger Free for a more nuanced portrayal!
- Tommen Baratheon: The younger brother of King Joffrey, Tommen was initially portrayed as a child, but later required an older actor who could play this heavier role, first played by Callum Wharry, and then replaced by Dean-Charles Chapman for more serious situations.
- Selyse Baratheon: Even though the character's first appearance went uncredited, this actor underwent a big change, first being portrayed by Sarah Mac Keever, and then in a more central role in season 3, Selyse Baratheon became Tara Fitzgerald!
Were All Game of Thrones Cast Changes Made For the Same Reasons?
The reason for all the Game of Thrones cast changes were not all due to similar factors. A lot of them were simply because of scheduling, as was the case with Dickon Tarly. And then some actors moved on to other big roles in films. This happened to Daario Naharis as well! A key takeaway, it isn't always about the plot, some things just happen! But there was one case where the recasts were crucial, House of the Dragon!
How Did House of the Dragon Handle The Casting?
Game of Thrones fans are in a lot of the Game of Thrones fandom. They may be more familiar with the A Song of Ice and Fire series, by author George R.R. Martin! While House of the Dragon was a major spin-off and Game of Thrones prequel, many of the characters shifted, including Rhaenyra Targaryen (portrayed by Milly Alcock and then by Emma D'arcy), and Alicent Hightower (portrayed by Emily Carey and then by Olivia Cooke)! These changes happened in House of the Dragon season 1.
Will We See More Cast Changes In Future Game of Thrones Spinoffs?
The casting for House of the Dragon reassurance. Game of Thrones actors and actresses will stay on to portray those important Game of Thrones characters. As fans eagerly await House of the Dragon season 2, it will likely use the original cast moving forward, though we can't say this is true forever.
