Warning: Spoilers for earlier seasons of Game of Thrones ahead!
HBOOver the years, Game of Thrones has grown to become one of the most iconic shows of all time, and it’s main characters have become A-list stars.
If you showed somebody the luscious locks of Jon Snow, they’d instantly recognise the HBO fantasy drama.
In fact, the same could probably be said for most of the main cast.
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But Game of Thrones truly is a massive show, and there are hundreds if not thousands of supporting actors that have been and gone in the years since we first visited Westeros.
Some of them played characters that are still on screen today, after producers saw fit to change the actor’s playing some more minor characters between seasons.
Some you might recognise, others not, but it just goes to show that even the most eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fans might miss some action behind the scenes.
HBOLet’s start out with one of the more noticeable ones. Daario Naharis, otherwise known as the sellsword who swore his love and loyalty to Daenerys.
Way back in season 4, he was played by Ed Skrein, who has now gone on to star opposite Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool as Francis.
But back in Westeros, his mantle was picked up by Michiel Huisman, who has a slightly more grizzled look and, I’m going to say it, who gives a better performance.
HBOMoving swiftly on to another more notable actor change, is ‘The Mountain’, also known as Gregor Clegane.
Now The Mountain is pretty important nowadays, and seems to be getting more important than ever after The Hound’s potential foreshadowing a couple of episodes ago.
But the current actor, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, has not always played the biggest baddest dude in the land.
HBOThe part was originally played by Conan Stevens, before being played by Ian Whyte. Both of whom have had opportunities in films such as The Hobbit and Prometheus respectively.
Moving further north (as far north as you can go actually), let’s look at the Three Eyed Raven.
At the end of season four, our first glimpse of the soothsayer was given to us in the form of Struan Rodger in what was a more authentic look based on book descriptions.
HBOAs soon as his role became more prominent, the reigns were handed to Max von Sydow, a distinctly bigger name.
Fans might know von Sydow from iconic films such as The Exorcist and Minority Report.
It makes complete sense to get such a veteran actor into the reigns on such an important character, you really need a safe pair of hands.
HBOLet’s move on to our poor little Tommen, once king of Westeros.
Before his ascension to the throne and his untimely demise, he was played by Callum Wharry. In the earlier seasons, when the role was more minor, he was played by Dean-Charles Chapman.
There isn’t really much more to say here, because Tommen was so god damn boring.
HBOI’ve left the best until last because at this point we need a bit of a laugh, yes ladies and gentlemen, it’s Dickon Tarly.
The man with the most preposterous name in Westeros, is currently played by Tom Hopper. He’s a good looking guy so I’m sure many people are wondering where on earth he’s come from.
Well, actually he was played by a completely different actor. Harry Potter alumni Freddie Stroma, who magically went by the wayside when scheduling conflicts meant that he was unable to return for filming.
There you have it, keep your eyes peeled for any more.
