The Ultimate Game of Thrones Character Shake-ups: A Closer Look at Iconic Recasts & Their Stories

Throughout the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, a number of cast changes occurred due to the lengthy gaps between appearances for certain recurring faces. The show boasted an impressive and ever-evolving ensemble cast, with a diverse range of characters and storylines. It was quite common for actors to join the series with the expectation that their characters would meet untimely ends. This served as a stark reminder that no one was safe in the show, as only a handful of characters managed to survive from the initial episode to the divisive finale. However, in certain instances, characters would continue their journey with a fresh face taking on the role, resulting in a Game of Thrones cast change. The estimated eight-year timeline of the series allowed for the introduction of minor characters or those with non-speaking parts, who later became pivotal to the storyline. Additionally, like in any other production, actors would sometimes depart to pursue other projects, necessitating a recasting if their characters still had a part to play. With such a colossal production, it's easy for fans to overlook the significant number of Game of Thrones cast changes that occurred.

Daario Naharis

Most of the recasts in Game of Thrones went unnoticed due to the gaps in their characters' focus, but the change of actors for Daario Naharis did not deceive anyone. In season 3, Daario was introduced as the lieutenant of the Second Sons, portrayed by Ed Skrein, known for his role in Deadpool. However, in the final three episodes of the season, Daario Naharis was recast as Michiel Huisman, known for his role in The Haunting of Hill House, as Daenerys Targaryen's new ally.

The transition to season 4 with Huisman as Daario Naharis was quite startling. Those who binge-watched the series noticed the change, especially because Huisman portrayed the romantic interest role differently from Skrein. Many speculated that Skrein did not return due to scheduling conflicts with The Transporter Refueled, but the actor denied this in 2015. When interviewed by EW, Skrein vaguely mentioned that "politics" prevented his return.

The Three-Eyed Raven

The human Three-Eyed Raven made his first appearance in Game of Thrones season 4, played by Struan Rodger. However, he was absent in season 5 and later recast with Max von Sydow for season 6 to aid Bran Stark's journey. The reason for this recasting was never officially revealed, but it is speculated that the series wanted a more notable and reliable actor for the role as the character became more significant. Just like with the Daario Nahaaris recasting, the Three-Eyed Raven's appearance and personality also changed with the new actor.

The Night King

The recasting of the Night King on Game of Thrones was not easily detectable due to the extensive prosthetics and CGI used. The character, serving as a constant threat throughout the series, was initially played by Richard Brake in seasons 4 and 5. However, when the Night King reappeared in season 6, he took on a human form and was portrayed by actor Vladimir Furdik, who had previously played a different White Walker. The reason for the recasting is not entirely clear, but it is speculated that Brake's departure was due to scheduling conflicts. Furdik, already a key stuntman on the show, was asked to take over the role for season 6. He ultimately met his demise at the hands of Arya during the Battle of Winterfell.

The Mountain

The Mountain character in Game of Thrones was recast twice among the many other characters. Introduced as Gregor Clegane, he was first played by Conan Stevens in season 1 but left due to conflicting schedules. Ian Whyte took over for three episodes in season 2 but struggled to separate his emotions from the character's brutality. Subsequently, he was cast as other characters. However, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson is most remembered for his portrayal as The Mountain, particularly for crushing Oberyn Martell's skull in the climactic trial by combat. Björnsson portrayed the character from season 4 until his demise in the highly anticipated Cleganebowl fight, which occurred in Game of Thrones' second-to-last episode.

Beric Dondarrion

Leaf

Beric Dondarrion, known as the Lord of Blackhaven, made his first appearance in "Game of Thrones" during season 1, specifically in the episode titled "A Golden Crown." In this episode, actor David Michael Scott portrayed the character. Ned Stark assigned Beric the task of tracking down and executing The Mountain. However, he disappeared from the series after this episode and returned in season 3, played by a different actor. In season 1, Scott received credit as a "featured extra" for his portrayal, suggesting that the casting department was searching for the perfect actor to portray Beric Dondarrion. When Beric reappeared in season 3, he was depicted by Richard Dormer, wearing his iconic eye patch and armor. Dormer continued to portray the character until his self-sacrifice for Arya in the Battle of Winterfell.

Despite appearing in just five episodes of Game of Thrones, the character Leaf was recast. In the season 4 finale, Leaf was introduced as a Child of the Forest who aids Bran alongside the Three-Eyed Raven. Octavia Alexandru portrayed Leaf in season 4 episode, debuting at the age of 12.

After her absence in season 5, Leaf made her return during season 6 to assist Bran, played by Kae Alexander. It is worth noting that Kae Alexander later went on to star in The Wheel of Time series. The decision to recast the character with a more mature and established actress is justified considering the significant and intense role Leaf took on in season 6.

Rickard Karstark

Rickard Karstark had a relatively small part in season 1, but his significance grew when Robb Stark took on the role of King in the North. In the season 1 finale of Game of Thrones, Rickard Karstark, portrayed by Steve Blount, is the second person to declare Robb as king.

Lothar Frey

: Richard Karstark's character in season 2 of Game of Thrones was portrayed by actor John Stahl, who continued in the role until his final appearance in season 3. The decision to cast Stahl was likely influenced by the need for a skilled and adaptable actor to play a pivotal role in Robb Stark's story, both as a loyal supporter and a critical factor in his downfall.

Among the countless offspring of Lord Walder Frey, Lothar Frey stands out as the one son who played a significant role in the Game of Thrones series. Making his debut in season 3, Lothar crucially contributed to the meticulously planned and shockingly ruthless Red Wedding, resulting in the tragic demise of Robb, Catelyn, and Talissa Stark. Tom Brooke brilliantly depicted Lothar in his brief but impactful appearance spanning two episodes in season 3.

After their absence in seasons 4 and 5, the Freys made a comeback in season 6 of Game of Thrones to aid Jaime in convincing the Blackfish to surrender. During these episodes, a recasting took place, with Daniel Tuite stepping into the role of Lothar. The reason for this change remains unclear, but it is likely that Brooke, the previous actor, was unavailable due to the character's two-season absence. Lothar's final appearance occurred in season 6, unless we consider the pie he was baked into in season 7 when Arya eliminated all the Frey men, bringing House Frey perilously close to extinction.

Dickon Tarly

Dickon Tarly, the beloved younger brother of the admirable Samwell, made his debut appearance in Game of Thrones season 6, when Sam revisited Horn Hill on his journey to the Citadel. The character of Dickon is initially portrayed by Freddie Stroma (known for his role as Cormac in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) during an episode where he shares a meal and engages in conversation with Sam and Gilly. However, in season 7, Dickon is portrayed by Tom Hopper, renowned for his role in The Umbrella Academy. Originally, Stroma was meant to reprise his role as the character, but conflicting schedules with Time After Time hindered his return, leading to Hopper playing the role of Dickon during his fateful encounter with Daenerys.

Myrcella Baratheon

Although her family has a major presence in the series, Myrcella Baratheon, who was eventually recast, had a relatively minor role within the Baratheon/Lannister family. Initially portrayed by child actress Aimee Richardson when sent to Dorne by Tyrion Lannister in the first two seasons of Game of Thrones, Myrcella did not appear again until season 5. By then, she had transformed into a teenager who had clearly developed romantic feelings for her fiancé, Trystane Martell. Actress Nell Tiger Free took on the role for Myrcella's final four episodes in seasons 5 and 6. The exact reason for the recast was not officially disclosed, but Richardson apparently learned that she would not be returning at the San Diego Comic-Con, along with the fans. With Myrcella's character being given more depth and dramatic tension, Game of Thrones likely sought an actress capable of delivering greater subtlety to this long-absent princess.

Tommen Baratheon

Tommen Baratheon, like Myrcella, was also recast in season 4 to meet the demands of the expanded role and the need for a more experienced actor. Callum Wharry played Tommen in seasons 1 and 2, portraying him as a young child with limited screen time. The reasons for Tommen's absence in season 3 are unclear, but when he returned in season 4 as the new king following Joffrey Baratheon's death, he was portrayed by Dean-Charles Chapman, who brought a more mature portrayal to the character.

According to Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman, Tommen was recast because his role as king required heavier and more intensive acting, necessitating an experienced actor. Similarly to the Night King's recasting, Chapman had previous experience on the show, playing Tommen's murdered cousin Martyn Lannister in season 2.

Selyse Baratheon

The debate regarding whether Stannis's wife and Shireen Baratheon's mother, Selyse, was recast or not arises due to the uncredited first actress. However, it appears that this recasting was likely a case of a temporary replacement, similar to other recasts in Game of Thrones. When Stannis's family is initially introduced in season 2, he gestures towards a woman standing beside him at the funeral pyre, implying that she is his discussed wife, Selyse.

The uncredited role was portrayed by Sarah Mac Keever, but when Selyse Baratheon returned as a more prominent and significant character in season 3, the experienced actress Tara Fitzgerald took on the role of the queen. It seems that Game of Thrones may not have been prepared to hire an actress for such a minor role in season 2, so they waited until Selyse became a fully-developed character in season 3 to cast a permanent actress.

Some Recastings Completely Changed The Characters Appearance

Some recasts in Game of Thrones go unnoticed, especially when stand-in actors initially played the role. For example, the uncredited Selyse Baratheon actress was changed in season 2, and most viewers didn't notice the switch between Sarah Mac Keever and the original. However, there are other cast changes in the series that significantly disrupt the aesthetic continuity. One example is the replacement of Ed Skrein with Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis, or the change from Struan Rodger to Max von Sydow as the Three-Eyed Raven. Skrein and Huisman's portrayals of Daario are vastly different, not just in terms of their facial structures. According to some fans, they even come across as completely distinct characters. Huisman's decision to grow a beard for the role only added to the visual disconnect.

The Three-Eyed Raven's appearance underwent significant changes from seasons 4 to 6. In addition to the notable dissimilarity between Rodger and von Sydow in real life, the excessive alteration of von Sydow's prosthetic effects made it impossible to ignore the transformation. This became one of the many criticisms of the overall Game of Thrones series. Struan Rodger, the original Three-Eyed Raven, had distinct features such as completely black eyes, long wispy hair, and leathery skin, resembling a fusion of Gandalf and Gollum.

However, when the character reappeared in season 6 portrayed by Von Sydow, he had a completely different look. Not only were the hair and beard gone, but von Sydow's Raven also looked like an ordinary person. Unlike Leaf, his protege, who embraced her otherworldly origins, von Sydow's portrayal made him blend in with the older members of the Night's Watch. Hopefully, if necessary, the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon will handle actor transitions more skillfully.

House Of The Dragon's Deliberate Recasts Explained

The Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon underwent numerous recasts in season 1, all of which were essential for the progression of the narrative. The primary goal of House of the Dragon season 1 is to establish the foundation of the Targaryen Civil War, also known as the Dance of the Dragons. This includes preluding all significant events that ultimately lead to the war and introducing the Greens and the Blacks as opposing factions and their respective causes.

Two notable recasts took place in the first season: Rhaenyra Targaryen, portrayed by Milly Alcock for the initial five episodes and then portrayed by Emma D'arcy for the remaining five, and Alicent Hightower, initially played by Emily Carey and later by Olivia Cooke. These recasts were necessary to accurately portray the passage of time within the series. At the start of season 1, Rhaenyra is around 15 years old, whereas by the end, she is in her 30s. The same concept applies to all the children in House of the Dragon. As season 1 spans approximately 20 years, these recasts were indispensable for the Game of Thrones storyline.

Are There More House Of The Dragon Recasts Coming?

All of the Velaryon and Targaryen children underwent recasting, with the most significant change occurring between episodes 5 and 6. The HotD series showcased different portrayals of Aegons, Aemonds, Helenas, Jaces, Lucerys, Laenas, and Rhaenors. Notably, Daemon Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen, Rhaenys Velaryon, and Corlys Velaryon were the only characters who remained unchanged. While initially perplexing, the recasting of House of the Dragon was crucial to the narrative, setting it apart from Game of Thrones.

House of the Dragon's first season surpassed any Game of Thrones cast changes with the introduction of fresh faces portraying pivotal characters. This bold decision, made while the audience was engrossed in the narrative, led to speculation among fans about the possibility of further recasting in future seasons. Fortunately, the showrunners of House of the Dragon have taken a proactive approach to address these concerns moving forward.

Ryan Condal has confirmed that there will be no time jumps in season 2 of House of the Dragon, and that the current cast will remain unchanged. Condal stated that the actors will continue to portray their characters until the end, without any recasting. He emphasized that the foundation established in season 1 was crucial, but now the story is fully developed, focusing on the Dance of the Dragons.

While it is comforting to hear that the current cast will be maintained, it is important to recognize that unexpected circumstances may still arise, potentially necessitating recasting. As seen with Game of Thrones, cast changes did not significantly impact the show, so House of the Dragon should be able to handle any such challenges as long as its core cast remains intact.