19 Things That Almost Completely Changed Game Of Thrones

14. Daenerys Was Played By Someone Entirely Different In The Pilot

Considering how perfectly Emilia Clarke fit into the role of the Mother Of Dragons - growing into the performance as the character herself blossomed - it's unimaginable to think that she wasn't the first choice to play the role. In the pilot the young Targaryen was played by Tamzin Merchant, who had played a role alongside Natalie Dormer in Tudors, and who was moved out of the role in time for the show's green-lighting. Her scenes were reshot with Clarke. Was It A Good Change? Without question: Emilia Clarke's performance - all wide-eyed and innocent at the start and giving way to a stoney, formidable strength of conviction, licked with powerful cruelty against her enemies - is a joy to watch.