The Reason for Daario Naharis' Recasting in Game of Thrones Season 4

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The recasting of Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones was the most dramatic and confusing for audiences, with Michiel Huisman taking over from Ed Skrein in season 4.

Initially, Ed Skrein had intended to have a long-term role as Daario, but due to political reasons, he had to leave the show, leading to Huisman stepping in to take on the character.

Game of Thrones saw several character recasts, including Myrcella and Tommen Baratheon, and The Mountain. The decision to recast Daario was probably influenced by creative choices or contract disagreements.

Michiel Huisman's takeover of the role of Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones season 4 marked the most significant recasting in the show's history. Previously portrayed by Ed Skrein for three episodes, this change caused confusion among viewers. Unlike the time-jump actor changes in House of the Dragon, there were no explanations within the Game of Thrones universe for this recast in 2014.

Once Huisman assumed the role, Daario Naharis became a prominent character and a vital ally to Daenerys Targaryen. Their relationship evolved from allies to lovers, and Huisman's portrayal showcased Daario's contributions to the conquest of Yunkai and Meereen. Unfortunately, Daario was left behind when Daenerys traveled to Westeros, and his character was never seen again. The mystery surrounding the decision to recast Daario Naharis continues to puzzle fans, even years after the series' conclusion.

Why Game Of Thrones Recast Daario Naharis

Ed Skrein's departure from Game of Thrones generated significant curiosity about the circumstances behind the scenes. Initial reports suggested that he left the show to pursue a role in The Transporter Refueled. However, Skrein clarified that this was not the complete story. He disclosed the true reasons for his departure after the role was recast, ultimately leading to Michiel Huisman taking over. In an interview, Skrein revealed that his exit was driven by "political" factors rather than solely his involvement in the fourth Transporter movie.

Ed Skrein Wanted To Play Daario Naharis For Longer

Ed Skrein originally planned to play Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones for an extended period, potentially until the character's final scenes in season 6. However, Skrein's departure from the series appeared to be a result of circumstances beyond his control. In the entertainment industry, the phrase "parting ways" is commonly used to describe situations where two parties cannot come to a resolution. This phrase accurately describes the decision to recast Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones, whether due to creative choices or contract disputes. The recasting process was evidently swift, as Michiel Huisman's portrayal of Daario significantly differed from Skrein's. The character's appearance transformed from Skrein's long-haired and youthful appearance to Huisman's short hair and bearded, brooding countenance in Game of Thrones season 4, as he became Daenerys' romantic interest.

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Daario Naharis Wasn't The Only Game Of Thrones Recast

Throughout its eight-season run, several Game of Thrones characters underwent recasting. This included Myrcella and Tommen Baratheon, Leaf, Dickon Tarly, and Rickard Karstark. Notably, The Mountain was recast twice in the series, a decision that made logical sense. The character was initially portrayed by Conan Stevens and then by Ian Whyte, before Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson ultimately took over the role until the show's conclusion. Due to the character's limited dialogue and brief appearances, the transition to Björnsson in season 4 was not as noticeable.

The Night King was played by both Richard Brake and Vladimír Furdík, and due to heavy prosthetics and lack of dialogue, the switch went unnoticed by most of the audience. The recasting of Tommen and Myrcella Baratheon made more sense compared to that of Daario Naharis, as their characters were initially extras and not in the spotlight. Although Daario Naharis was supposed to be in Meereen in the final season, fans were disappointed not to see Michiel Huisman return, likely because of the introduction of a new love interest for Daenerys in season 7.

After following Tyrion's advice to break off her relationship with Daario in the season 6 finale, Daenerys eventually developed romantic feelings for Jon Snow, the secret Targaryen heir, after forming an alliance with him. Although Daenerys successfully conquered King's Landing without Daario's assistance, it was better for him to remain in Meereen, avoiding witnessing his beloved Game of Thrones queen destroy a city and ultimately being assassinated by her new lover.

House Of The Dragon Isn't Safe From Recasts Either

The Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon, also underwent several recasts. However, unlike the Daario recast, the prequel planned these actor changes from the beginning. House of the Dragon is a screen adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novel Fire & Blood and utilizes time jumps to depict various periods of House Targaryen's reign. Consequently, the show had recasts of its own, but they were intentional and served a narrative purpose.

The replacement of the actors for initial Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey) with Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 6 was significant. This change was necessary to accurately portray the aging of the characters. Similarly, in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 8, the younger generation of Rhaenyra and Alicent's children stepped forward, slowly preparing to take their places in the upcoming Dance of the Dragons.

Will Daario Naharis Return In A Game Of Thrones Spinoff?

HBO is currently working on six Game of Thrones spinoffs. While most of them are prequels like House of the Dragon, others, including the untitled Jon Snow spinoff, will be set in the same period as the original series. This opens up the possibility for the return of characters like Daario Naharis from Game of Thrones. As of now, there is no information regarding Daario's involvement in any future Game of Thrones spinoffs. We have very limited knowledge about what Daario has been up to since the sixth season of Game of Thrones, but we may find some answers in the upcoming book, The Winds of Winter.

What The Daario Naharis Actors Have Done Since Game Of Thrones

The future of Daario appearing in a Game of Thrones spinoff or having his own story arc is uncertain. Despite the change in actor, Daario remains an intriguing and under-explored character in the Game of Thrones universe. If HBO decides to include characters from the original series in a spinoff, Michael Huisman's portrayal of Daario should be strongly considered.

Although the transition between actors for the character Daario Naharis was quite drastic, both performers have managed to maintain active careers following their departure from Game of Thrones. Ed Skrein's decision to leave the show coincided with his leading role in The Transporter: Refueled. Unfortunately, the film turned out to be a critical and financial disappointment, which subsequently halted any plans for further installments in the franchise. However, Skrein made a strong comeback by portraying the memorable villain Francis in Deadpool. He then went on to take on more antagonist roles in movies such as Alita: Battle Angel and Barry Jenkins' Oscar-winning If Beale Street Could Talk. Up next, he will be seen as part of the cast in All the Light We Cannot See.

Michiel Huisman had already established a successful film career alongside his role in Game of Thrones. He showcased his talent in the dramatic film The Age of Adaline and the underappreciated horror movie, The Invitation. Following the conclusion of Game of Thrones, Huisman joined the cast of another popular series, The House on Haunted Hill, directed by Mike Flanagan. He also made an appearance in the first season of The Flight Attendant. In a delightful turn of events, Huisman recently starred in the holiday fantasy film, A Boy Called Christmas. Interestingly, both Skrein and Huisman will share the screen in Zack Snyder's upcoming film, Rebel Moon.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Game of Thrones, I have mixed feelings about the recasting of Daario Naharis. On the one hand, I understand that it was necessary due to Ed Skrein's departure from the show. On the other hand, I feel that Michiel Huisman's portrayal of the character was not as strong as Skrein's. Huisman's Daario was more brooding and serious, while Skrein's Daario was more charismatic and playful. I think the show lost something when Skrein left.

I am also disappointed that we never got to see Daario Naharis return to Westeros. He was a fan-favorite character, and I think it would have been great to see him interact with the other characters in the final season. Overall, I think the recasting of Daario Naharis was a mistake. It was unnecessary and it detracted from the show.