By Sue Taylor 
Introduction
Fans around the world know the Game of thrones cast for their powerful performances, unforgettable characters, and emotional storytelling. But beyond the epic battles and royal drama of Westeros lies a treasure trove of surprising facts about the actors themselves. From hidden talents to unusual beginnings, the Game of Thrones Cast has more secrets than even Varys could uncover. Here are some fascinating, lesser-known facts that reveal a whole new side to the stars of one of television’s greatest shows.
Emilia Clarke Almost Didn’t Get the Role of Daenerys
Emilia Clarke, who became synonymous with Daenerys Targaryen, wasn’t the first choice for the role. The Game of Thrones Cast originally included another actress in the pilot episode, but after HBO decided to reshoot, Clarke auditioned — and won hearts immediately.
During her audition, she famously did a little “robot dance” to make the producers laugh. That moment sealed her place in the Game of Thrones Cast, proving that charisma can conquer even dragons.
Kit Harington’s Royal Connection
Before he became Jon Snow, Kit Harington discovered that he might have a touch of royalty in his blood. He’s a descendant of John Harington, the inventor of the first modern flush toilet — quite the claim to fame! Ironically, the Game of Thrones Cast often joked about Kit’s brooding personality on set, saying he was “the most serious guy in the room.”
Still, his humility and dedication made him a natural leader among the Game of Thrones Cast, both on and off screen.
Peter Dinklage Was the First Actor Cast
Before any other role was filled, Peter Dinklage was the very first actor officially cast in Game of Thrones. The creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, wrote the part of Tyrion Lannister specifically for him.
Dinklage’s performance would go on to define much of the show’s success, and his inclusion set a high standard for the rest of the Game of Thrones Cast. His quick wit and grounded perspective also made him a mentor figure for younger cast members.
Sophie Turner Adopted Her On-Screen Direwolf
One of the most heartwarming facts about the Game of Thrones Cast is Sophie Turner’s adoption of Zunni, the dog who played Sansa Stark’s direwolf, Lady. After Lady’s short-lived appearance on the show, Turner couldn’t bear to part ways and gave the dog a loving home.
That gesture reflected the emotional connection that many in the Game of Thrones Cast developed with their characters — a mix of loyalty and love that fans still admire today.
Maisie Williams’ Audition Almost Went Wrong
Maisie Williams was only 12 when she auditioned for Arya Stark, and her mother nearly didn’t take her to the second audition because it conflicted with school. Thankfully, she went — and the rest is history.
Williams’ fierce dedication and natural talent earned her a place among the Game of Thrones Cast legends. To this day, she credits the show with shaping her creativity and confidence as an artist.
Lena Headey and Jerome Flynn’s Real-Life Tension
Not all members of the Game of Thrones Cast were best friends. Lena Headey (Cersei) and Jerome Flynn (Bronn) reportedly avoided filming scenes together due to a strained personal history. The show’s producers even had to ensure that their characters never shared a frame.
Despite this, both actors delivered unforgettable performances, showing the professionalism that defined the Game of Thrones Cast.
Gwendoline Christie’s Audition Inspired by Bravery
When Gwendoline Christie auditioned for Brienne of Tarth, she committed to the role completely. She cut her long hair, stopped wearing makeup, and trained in sword fighting. Her dedication impressed producers so much that they cast her immediately.
Her fierce determination inspired other members of the Game of Thrones Cast, showing that authenticity and passion always shine through.
Jason Momoa’s Audition Was Pure Energy
Jason Momoa’s audition for Khal Drogo was legendary. Instead of delivering lines, he performed a traditional Māori haka — a warrior dance — to showcase his intensity. The casting team was blown away.
That raw energy carried into his performance and helped make Drogo one of the most memorable characters in the Game of Thrones Cast, despite appearing in only one season.
Nathalie Emmanuel’s Early TV Career
Before joining the Game of Thrones Cast, Nathalie Emmanuel was already a familiar face to British audiences. She began her career on the long-running UK soap Hollyoaks. Her transition from daytime drama to global fantasy epic showcased her versatility and ambition.
Her portrayal of Missandei brought warmth, intelligence, and compassion to the show — qualities that made her one of the most respected members of the Game of Thrones Cast.
Rory McCann’s Real-Life Hero Moment
Rory McCann, known as The Hound, once rescued a group of hikers from a near-fatal accident in real life. Before acting, he worked as a painter and even appeared in a famous Scottish porridge commercial.
His rugged charm and real-life bravery made him a natural fit for the Game of Thrones Cast, perfectly embodying the complex nature of Sandor Clegane.
The Cast’s Secret Group Chats
During the height of filming, the Game of Thrones Cast stayed connected through secret group chats. These threads were filled with memes, jokes, and emotional messages, especially as the show neared its end.
Sophie Turner revealed that one chat was called “The Small Council,” where cast members discussed scripts and shared behind-the-scenes photos. It was just one more sign of how close the Game of Thrones Cast became over the years.
Hidden Cameos and Easter Eggs
Few fans know that members of the Game of Thrones Cast made sneaky appearances outside their main scenes. For example, Conleth Hill (Varys) once appeared disguised as a background character in a crowd scene, just for fun. Even the show’s creators cameoed as slain soldiers.
These moments reveal how playful and passionate the Game of Thrones Cast was about the world they helped create.
Conclusion
Behind the epic battles and fiery dragons lies a world of fascinating secrets about the Game of Thrones Cast. From unexpected friendships to personal triumphs, every actor brought more to the table than what we saw on screen. These lesser-known facts remind us that the magic of Game of Thrones wasn’t just in the script — it was in the people who made it come alive. The Game of Thrones Cast will always be celebrated not only for their performances but for the rich, human stories behind them.