Game Of Thrones could have starred Danny Dyer, Dominic West and Sam Claflin who originally auditioned for the show
As Game of Thrones has come to an end, we have a look at what could have been
GAME Of Thrones could have looked a lot different to how we know it today, as Danny Dyer, Dominic West and Sam Claflin all originally auditioned for it.
The cult show had it’s finale last week – leaving some fans disappointed with the ending, but mainly pining for their favourite characters.
However, Jon Snow, Daenerys Tagaryen and Mance Rayder could have all been totally different had other high-profile names been cast.
Although Emilia Clarke has become a household name by playing Daenerys, it could have been a lot different had Avengers star Elizabeth Olsen, 30, not have suffered an awful audition.
“When I first started working, I just auditioned for everything, because I like auditioning,” she said.
“And I auditioned for Khaleesi. I forgot that. It was the most awkward audition I’d ever had.”
“It was terrible. Anytime someone says, ‘Bad audition story?’ That’s one I remember.”
We have a look at other stars who didn’t make the grade:
Cersei Lannister – could have been Gillian Anderson
X Files star Gillian Anderson could have been Cersei Lannister, as she hinted in 2013 she had been offered a role on the show but turned it down.
She told the : “My 18-year-old cannot believe that I would turn down ‘Game Of Thrones’ or ‘Downton [Abbey]’ — things she loves to watch.”
Fans have long questioned if it was as Cersei or Melisandre, the Red Woman.
Catelyn Stark – could have been Jennifer Ehle
Like Tamzin, Jennifer Ehle had the part of Catelyn Stark – only for bosses to recast her.
Mance Rayder – could have been Dominic West
The King Beyond The Wall could have been played by Dominic West, who explained he had to turn the role down as he couldn’t leave his family behind for six months as he filmed in Iceland.
He said: “I was offered something on Game of Thrones.
“My problem is, I’ve got four kids, and at the moment, I’m reluctant to be away from home for a long time.”
The part eventually went to Ciarán Hinds.
Yara Greyjoy – could have been Lily Allen
Lily Allen claimed she almost starred alongside her brother Alfie in the show, playing his character Theon’s sister, Yara.
However, Alfie later denied this had happened, saying: “The only thing I’m going to say on that is that it’s not true.”
Jon Snow could have been Sam Claflin
Before he made his name as Finnick Odair in the Hunger Games movies, the Englishman auditioned for both the roles of Jon Snow and Viserys Targaryen — the ill-fated brother of Daenerys who ends up getting a pot of molten gold dumped on his head.
However, the 32-year-old said he was ultimately glad he didn’t make the cut.
“I like getting into things like that [as a viewer] and not being a part, because I always find it’s very jarring if I was part of it,” he explained. “But I’m a big fan.”
Pyp – could have been Danny Dyer
Not many people remember Nights Watchman Pyp, but if Danny Dyer had got the part they would.
The EastEnders actor, 41, actually auditioned for three roles but didn’t get any of them, telling Jonathan Ross: “I’ve been up for it three times, I got three knockbacks.”
Pyper is played by London-born Josef Altin, and Danny said that other Londoners had managed to get parts, so he could have too.
“There’s a couple of cockneys knocking about. There’s a couple of chimney sweeps too. I’ve seen them,” he said.
Sansa Stark – could have been Izzy Meikle-Small
Sophie Turner is an iconic GoT character, growing up on the show and coming into her own.
But Sansa was almost played by Izzy Meikle-Small who has starred in Never Let Me Go and Snow White and the Huntsman.
Loras Tyrell – could have been Sam Heughan
The doomed knight was almost played by Sam Heughan, who has since gone to find fame in The Hunger Games series.
He even admitted to auditioning for SEVEN parts, including Renly Baratheon, the on-screen secret lover of Loras.
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