9 Actors Who Rejected Game of Thrones Roles (And Some Still Regret It)

9 Actors Who Rejected Game of Thrones Roles (And Some Still Regret It)

Game of Thrones became one of the biggest TV shows in history, launching many actors to superstardom. But before the epic fantasy series took over our screens, several well-known actors turned down roles that could have changed their careers forever. Some made this decision due to scheduling conflicts, while others weren’t convinced about the show’s potential. Years later, as Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon, a few of these stars openly admitted their regret about passing up these life-changing opportunities.

1. Tamzin Merchant’s Daenerys Dilemma

Tamzin Merchant actually filmed the original Game of Thrones pilot as Daenerys Targaryen before Emilia Clarke took over the iconic role. The producers decided to reshoot most of the pilot, and during this process, Merchant departed the project.

Years later, she expressed relief rather than regret about leaving. The actress admitted the role wasn’t a good fit for her artistic sensibilities.

While Clarke went on to global fame as the Mother of Dragons, Merchant found success in shows like Salem and Carnival Row, following her creative instincts rather than chasing what might have been a uncomfortable journey through eight seasons of intense scenes.

2. Jennifer Ehle’s Catelyn Stark Sacrifice

Pride and Prejudice star Jennifer Ehle originally portrayed Catelyn Stark in the unaired Game of Thrones pilot. She voluntarily stepped away from the role, which eventually went to Michelle Fairley.

Her decision wasn’t about the quality of the show but rather family priorities. With a young child at home, Ehle couldn’t commit to the demanding shooting schedule in Northern Ireland and other international locations.

The actress later mentioned that while she admired the show’s success, she never regretted choosing family over the role. This personal sacrifice highlights the tough choices actors often make between career-defining opportunities and personal life balance.

3. Brian Cox’s Royal Rejection

Succession star Brian Cox revealed he turned down the role of King Robert Baratheon in the first season of Game of Thrones. The part eventually went to Mark Addy, who delivered a memorable performance as the boisterous, unhappy king.

Cox’s reason was straightforward: the pay wasn’t attractive enough compared to other opportunities. In interviews, he’s been refreshingly candid about this business decision.

Unlike some others, Cox expresses genuine regret about his choice, especially as the show’s budget and actor salaries increased dramatically in later seasons. His frank admission shows even veteran actors sometimes misjudge which projects will become cultural phenomena worth the initial financial sacrifice.

4. Lily Allen’s Awkward Family Affair

British singer Lily Allen claims she was approached to play Yara Greyjoy, the warrior sister of Theon Greyjoy—a character portrayed by her real-life brother Alfie Allen. The role eventually went to actress Gemma Whelan.

According to Lily, she declined because the role involved some uncomfortable scenes between the siblings. Given their real-life relationship, this would have been awkward to film.

While Alfie has suggested his sister’s story might be exaggerated, Lily maintains she made the right choice avoiding those potentially strange filming situations. Whether the offer was formal or just exploratory, the casting directors ultimately found their perfect Yara in Whelan’s fierce performance.

5. Dominic West’s Wall of Regret

The Wire and The Crown star Dominic West turned down a role in Game of Thrones that many speculate was Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall. The character was ultimately played by Ciarán Hinds in the series.

West’s decision came down to timing and family considerations. The role required filming in Iceland for six months, and he wasn’t willing to be away from his family for that long.

Years later, West admitted this decision ranks among his biggest professional regrets. As the show became a global phenomenon, he watched from the sidelines, acknowledging he missed being part of television history. His candid admission resonates with anyone who’s passed on an opportunity only to wonder “what if?”

6. Gillian Anderson’s Mystery Role Refusal

X-Files legend Gillian Anderson confirmed she turned down a role in Game of Thrones, though she’s never revealed which character she was offered. Fans speculate it might have been Cersei Lannister or possibly Melisandre, the Red Priestess.

Anderson’s plate was already full with other commitments when the offer came. Her schedule included filming The Fall and later American Gods, making another major series commitment impossible.

Unlike some others, Anderson doesn’t seem to harbor regrets about her decision. She’s continued to choose diverse, challenging roles that showcase her remarkable range, from period dramas to sci-fi. Her career flourished regardless, proving sometimes saying “no” works out just fine.

7. Perdita Weeks’ Schedule Clash

British actress Perdita Weeks had actually been cast as Roslin Frey for the infamous Red Wedding sequence in Season 3. The role eventually went to Alexandra Dowling after Weeks had to withdraw.

Her situation was particularly painful—she had accepted the role but then had to back out due to scheduling conflicts with another project, The Heretics. Adding insult to injury, that project ultimately fell through.

Weeks has expressed disappointment about missing out on being part of such a pivotal Game of Thrones moment. Though her screen time would have been limited, appearing in the show’s most shocking episode would have been a career highlight. Instead, she later found success as Higgins in the Magnum P.I. reboot.

8. Ray Stevenson’s Unknown Opportunity

Veteran actor Ray Stevenson, known for Rome and Thor, mentioned in interviews that he turned down a Game of Thrones role early in the show’s run. While he never specified which character, many speculate it might have been a Season 1 or 2 role.

Stevenson’s reasons seemed to involve timing and creative direction rather than any issue with the show itself. He later expressed some regret as the series became a cultural phenomenon.

Ironically, the actor did eventually join the world of Westeros—just not in Game of Thrones itself. He was cast in House of the Dragon, the GoT prequel series, as Ser Arryk Cargyll, showing the franchise eventually won him over. Sadly, Stevenson passed away in May 2023 before the season aired.

9. Jamie Campbell Bower’s White Walker Walkaway

Jamie Campbell Bower revealed he was cast in the original Game of Thrones pilot as a White Walker. When the pilot was largely reshot, his role was eliminated or recast as the show took a different creative direction.

Unlike others who actively turned down roles, Bower’s situation represents how Hollywood’s casting process can be unpredictable. The actor didn’t seem overly disappointed about missing out on the opportunity.

Bower’s career flourished regardless, with major roles in Twilight, Fantastic Beasts, and most recently as Vecna in Stranger Things. His journey shows how missing one opportunity often leads to other doors opening—his terrifying performance as Stranger Things’ villain might never have happened had he remained in the Game of Thrones universe.