Actors Who Refused Game Of Thrones Roles

Many well-known figures nearly accepted an invitation to Westeros but ultimately declined once offered. Some backed out during preliminary discussions, others left following the notoriously problematic initial pilot, and several turned it down due to concerns about the extensive time commitment and distant shooting locations.

Here is a compilation of well-known instances where actors turned down roles or left projects following casting. For each instance, you’ll find details on what was proposed, the reasons behind the decision, and ultimately where the role ended up or any subsequent developments.

In this version, I’ve tried to make it more conversational while still maintaining the same structure and providing all necessary information.

Brian Cox as Robert Baratheon

Brian Cox politely declined the offer to play Robert Baratheon, stating that the compensation wasn’t enticing during the initial stages, and he felt that the short duration of the character’s appearance on the show didn’t justify the commitment required.

Initially, Mark Addy played the role of Robert during the initial season, making appearances in scenes set in King’s Landing that laid the groundwork for the power struggle between the Baratheons and the Lannisters.

Or more casually:
Mark Addy took on the role of Robert during the first season, starring in scenes that highlighted the tension between the Baratheon court and the Lannisters, both in King’s Landing.

Gillian Anderson in an undisclosed role

Gillian Anderson turned down the opportunity to be on ‘Game of Thrones‘. She shared that extended filming abroad conflicts were not compatible with her family commitments during that period.

The shooting took place over several months, covering locations like Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, Spain, and Morocco. These extensive travels and schedules played a significant role in her final choice.

Dominic West connected to the Wall

As a passionate film lover, I’d have to turn down an enticing role linked to the enigmatic Wall, once I found out it meant spending nearly half my year in the frosty beauty of Iceland. Instead, I opted for the warmth and laughter of home, choosing to be present with my dear children.

The job he outlined matched up with the narrative involving the North, which eventually included Mance Rayder and the Free Folk. Later on, Ciarán Hinds was cast as part of the ensemble within this storyline.

Charlie Hunnam for a planned cameo

It turns out that Charlie Hunnam had scheduling conflicts due to his ongoing work with ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’, which prevented him from accepting a guest role in ‘Game of Thrones’.

Due to the conflict, his cameo was canceled and the show continued without scheduling another opportunity for him to make an appearance.

Ray Stevenson in an unspecified part

As a fellow film enthusiast, let me share some intriguing insights about Ray Stevenson. Instead of diving into the thrilling world of “Game of Thrones,” Ray chose to focus on roles where he could contribute significantly to the development of the series right from its inception. Remarkably, he had a host of other projects waiting for him, which ultimately prevented him from joining the HBO juggernaut.

Given his busy itinerary, he graciously made way for others, allowing the performance to proceed by drawing talent from a wide array of British and international stage and screen actors.

Lily Allen as Yara Greyjoy

Lily Allen revealed that she was offered the role of Yara Greyjoy, alongside her brother Alfie Allen, but turned it down after finding out about the planned introduction. In simpler terms, she chose not to accept the role.

Gemma Whelan took on the role of Yara for several seasons in the series. However, Alfie Allen later claimed that no offer was extended to him, which has led to some debate about the casting.

Jennifer Ehle as Catelyn Stark

Jennifer Ehle initially portrayed Catelyn Stark in the original pilot but decided against continuing with the series due to personal commitments related to her family, and the extensive time away required for filming, which necessitated a move for production purposes.

In the process leading up to the reshoot, Michelle Fairley took over the role previously held by someone else, and she portrayed Catelyn Stark during the initial storyline of the Stark family.

Jamie Campbell Bower as Waymar Royce

Initially, Jamie Campbell Bower secured the role of Waymar Royce in the initial pilot episode. However, when the series decided to undertake extensive reshoots, Bower was no longer accessible, leading to the recasting of his character.

In the initial broadcast, Rob Ostlere debuts under the character name Royce, initiating the series by venturing north of the Wall where an encounter occurs that foreshadows the impending danger from the northern region.

Perdita Weeks as Roslin Frey

As a passionate cinephile, I was thrilled about Perdita Weeks playing Roslin Frey in an upcoming project. However, an opportunity arose for her to headline another period piece, which she couldn’t resist. Unfortunately, when that production didn’t materialize as planned, she was unable to rejoin our cast since the role had already been recast.

In the end, it was Alexandra Dowling who portrayed Roslin within the Riverlands saga that revolved around the Frey family and the crucial happenings at the Twins.

Ian McNeice as Illyrio Mopatis

In the original, unreleased pilot episode, Ian McNeice portrayed Illyrio Mopatis. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts arose when extensive reshoots were scheduled, preventing his return to the series. As a result, the creative team decided to recast the role for subsequent episodes.

In a television adaptation, Roger Allam assumed the role of Illyrio, making an appearance during Daenerys’ journey in Essos, which forms the basis for her subsequent storyline.

Jonathan Pryce in an early approach

Initially, Jonathan Pryce turned down the opportunity to appear on the show during its early phase. However, he re-entered discussions for a part that matched his professional aspirations at a later stage.

In a later season, he became part of the group (ensemble) by taking on the role of the High Sparrow, thus introducing that character to the political conflicts within King’s Landing.

Pierce Brosnan in an unspecified role

Pierce Brosnan stated that he declined an invitation to be part of ‘Game of Thrones’, expressing discomfort with the excessive violence depicted in the series. He decided against pursuing further discussions about it.

The specific individual wasn’t made public, nor did he reappear for further conversations as the series progressed.

Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys Targaryen

In the initial production, Tamzin Merchant portrayed Daenerys Targaryen. However, she later left the project, and the character’s role was revised and recast during subsequent filming.

In the television series, Emilia Clarke initially took on the role and subsequently played Daenerys Targaryen throughout both the Essos and Westeros storylines.

Share the almost casting that surprises you the most in the comments.

2025-08-21 12:45