Every Game of Thrones Character That Was Recast

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Throughout its 8-season run from 2011 to 2019, various characters in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones” were replaced by new actors. The show’s success and widespread appeal, based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” heavily depended on the collective acting prowess of its large cast. Due to the complex and dangerous storylines in “Game of Thrones,” the cast underwent significant changes during the show’s run, and some of these changes were not due to a character’s demise; instead, actors were simply replaced.

In the TV show “Game of Thrones”, numerous characters were present from start to finish, experiencing every timeline shift and major plot development. As a result, we witnessed young actors maturing on screen, while the more seasoned cast members gained widespread recognition due to their performances. However, not all actors stayed with the series until its end, and it’s interesting to note that 12 characters underwent changes in their portrayers during their respective journeys within the show.

12) Rickard Karstark

Rickard Karstark, a significant character from House Karstark who were allies to the Starks, was first introduced in the final episode of “Game of Thrones” Season 1 titled “Fire and Blood.” Initially, it was Steven Blount who portrayed Rickard Karstark, pledging loyalty to Robb Stark as King in the North during Season 1. However, John Stahl took over the role from Season 2 onwards, a choice possibly made due to the character’s increased importance and the demands of his more complex storyline. In Season 3, Karstark’s son was killed, leading him to avenge his death by murdering Martyn and Willem Lannister. This act of treason ultimately led to his own execution by Robb Stark.

11) Brynden Rivers’ Three-Eyed Raven

In the world of “Game of Thrones”, Brynden Rivers, known as the Three-Eyed Raven, stepped in to guide Bran Stark and train him as his successor, leading Bran to a cave. This role was initially presented in season 4’s finale, “The Children,” with human form, but later in season 6, Max von Sydow took over the character. This change allowed for more active involvement in Bran’s training, as the previous portrayal by Rodger felt more spectral and worn down compared to Sydow’s portrayal. For the “House of the Dragon” prequel, the Three-Eyed Raven is played by Joshua Ben-Tovim in a younger version of the character.

10) Lother Frey

In the third season of “Game of Thrones,” a character named Lothar Frey was introduced, portrayed by Tom Brooke initially. However, when Lothar reappeared in season 6, he was played by Daniel Tuite instead. This shift in actors has led to much discussion among fans. It’s believed that this change was due to scheduling issues, as Tom Brooke became involved in significant projects such as “Sherlock,” “Preacher,” “The Death of Stalin,” and “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” following the release of “Game of Thrones” season 6. This could have meant that he was filming these projects concurrently with the production of season 6.

9) Dickon Tarly

Dickon Tarly, a character primarily used for humor and often mocked due to his name, was the second but most beloved son of Randyll Tarly and younger brother of Samwell Tarly. Actor Freddie Stroma had to forfeit his role following its introduction in season 6 due to scheduling issues with his new show, Time After Time, where he played H. G. Wells. Tom Hopper took over the part from then on until Dickon’s demise at Daenerys Targaryen’s hand. This change in actors was met with controversy as Stroma more closely resembled Samwell, while Hopper bore a striking difference in appearance.

8) Leaf

Leaf, a member of the enigmatic Children of the Forest, is one of the most intriguing characters in “Game of Thrones.” In the season 4 finale, Octavia Alexandru portrayed Leaf, but as her character became more significant in season 6, Kae Alexander took over the role. Alexander’s interpretation of Leaf unveiled the revelation that the Children of the Forest were responsible for creating the Night King and White Walkers thousands of years ago. This aspect was intended to be further explored in the cancelled spinoff series “Bloodmoon,” with Doyin Ajiboye cast as Leaf; however, her portrayal never made it onto the screen.

7) Selyse Baratheon

In Game of Thrones season 2, the character of Selyse Baratheon, wife to Stannis Baratheon and prominent figure in the struggle for the Iron Throne, was initially portrayed by Sarah MacKeever as an uncredited stand-in. Later, from season 3 through her suicide in season 5 following the murder of their daughter Princess Shireen Baratheon, Tara Fitzgerald took on the role of Selyse. Initially, MacKeever’s portrayal served as a placeholder for the character in the series.

6) Daario Naharis

In the television series “Game of Thrones,” the decision to replace actor Ed Skrein with Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis was a topic of debate following Season 3. This change significantly altered the character, with Skrein initially portraying Naharis who joins Daenerys Targaryen’s expanding army in Season 3 but departed from the series due to unspecified “political” reasons, as shared in a 2015 interview with Entertainment Weekly. Huisman took over the role until Naharis opted to stay in Meereen when Daenerys sailed for Westeros, parting ways in Season 6 of “Game of Thrones.

Ed Skrein clarified in 2015 to Entertainment Weekly that his departure from Game of Thrones wasn’t due to his role in The Transporter Refueled as widely reported. Instead, he explained that politics played a significant role in their separation. He had initially intended to stay with the show for a long time, but ultimately, political issues led to them going separate ways. His approach was to remain optimistic, stay calm, and move forward.

5) Gregor Clegane’s Mountain

Among the characters in “Game of Thrones,” Gregor Clegane, famously known as The Mountain, is the one who has been portrayed by three different actors. In the initial two episodes of season 1, he was brought to life by Conan Stevens, but his role was subsequently taken over by Ian Whyte for a span of three episodes in season 2. It was Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson who took on the role more extensively, playing both the living and undead versions of The Mountain across seasons 4 to 8. Due to scheduling complications and the physically demanding nature of the part, recasting became necessary; however, Björnsson left a lasting impression with his debut performance – the legendary duel against Oberyn Martell.

4) Beric Dondarrion

David Michael Scott initially played Beric Dondarrion in the first season of “Game of Thrones,” but it was never intended for him to portray the character permanently. As Beric’s role grew significant from season 3 onwards, leading the Brotherhood Without Banners, Richard Dormer took over as the older and more world-weary yet compassionate version of Dondarrion. Since a considerable amount of time elapsed between their appearances, this change in actors wasn’t disconcerting, effectively emphasizing that Dondarrion had died multiple times and been resurrected by the Lord of Light, which accounts for his altered appearance.

3) The Night King

In the hit series “Game of Thrones,” the Night King served as the commander of the vast army of White Walkers situated beyond the Wall. Initially, Richard Brake played the Night King during seasons 4 and 5; however, scheduling issues prevented him from reprising his role. As a result, Slovak stuntman and actor Vladimír Furdík stepped in to portray the character starting with season 6. Interestingly, Furdík had previously appeared as a White Walker soldier who battled Jon Snow in season 5’s memorable episode 8 titled “Hardhome.” With Brake no longer available, Furdík assumed the more significant role of the Night King without significant changes to his make-up and design.

2) Myrcella Baratheon

In the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, the actors portraying Cersei and Jamie Lannister’s youngest children were changed after season 2. Aimee Richardson was no longer Myrcella Baratheon, with Nell Tiger Free stepping into the role instead. During the first two seasons, Myrcella had limited screen time due to her older brother, Joffrey Baratheon, being the main character as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms following Robert Baratheon’s death. Free made her appearance as Myrcella in seasons 5 and 6, living in Dorne where she was set to marry Trystane Martell. However, Myrcella met a tragic end when Ellaria Sand sought revenge and poisoned her.

1) Tommen Baratheon

In the TV series “Game of Thrones,” the younger actor Callum Wharry playing Tommen Baratheon in seasons 1 and 2 was succeeded by the more experienced Dean-Charles Chapman starting from season 4. This recasting resulted in a larger role for Tommen, as he ascended to the throne after Olenna Tyrell killed Joffrey. Chapman portrayed Tommen as compassionate and mild-mannered, much like Free’s depiction of Myrcella. However, both characters met unfortunate ends when Tommen took his own life following the obliteration of the Great Sept and Margaery Tyrell’s demise.

In addition to characters in “Game of Thrones”, the series “House of the Dragon” has also experienced some recastings. This prequel spinoff series occasionally leaps through time, with jumps lasting three, ten, and six years. Consequently, the younger actors can no longer portray their adult counterparts as the story progresses. For instance, Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy take on the role of Rhaenyra Targaryen, while Emily Carey and Olivia Cooke share the role of Alicent Hightower. Their respective children have also undergone recasts. As “House of the Dragon” continues and additional “Game of Thrones” spinoffs are produced, there may be further instances of recasting.

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2025-07-12 17:10