8 Actors Who Turned Down Game Of Thrones

by James Hunt

1. Gillian Anderson (Unknown)

The Fall Gillian Anderson
BBC

Gillian Anderson is a damn icon, especially when it comes to genre fare on TV, and while that status is secured anyway, it might've been doubly so had she taken on a role in Game of Thrones.

The X-Files star revealed to Stylist back in 2013 that she'd turned the show down. Asked if she'd turned down roles because of family committments, she said:

"Yes, but also because I don’t like the roles very much. Not that they’re not good! Whether it’s Game Of Thrones or Downton Abbey, my 18-year-old [daughter Piper Maru] cannot believe I’ve turned down things she loves. But with a four and six-year-old [sons Felix and Oscar], I can’t justify spending that kind of time away from home, unless I’m working with Scorsese."

There are two prevalent theories on who Anderson would've played. One is Cersei Lannister, and is other is Melisandre. Both make a lot of sense when considering Anderson's talent, age, and appearance, which could fit either character, but given Anderson is a fairly big name (especially compared to most actors cast back then), it surely must've been Cersei. While it's hard to imagine anyone other than Lena Headey in the role, and I wouldn't swap her for Anderson or anyone else, there's also a good chance she would've nailed it too.

Do you wish any of these actors had said yes to Game of Thrones? Let us know down in the comments.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.