8 Game Of Thrones Actors Who Originally Auditioned For Different Roles

5. Eugene Simon - Joffrey Baratheon

Although never the most important character, Eugene Simon did a good job of portraying Lancel Lannister, taking him from the dim-witted squire of Robert to the lover of Cersei and finally to a righteous, devout member of the Faith Militant. During his later appearances he was a detestable little sh*t, but nothing compared to the even more detestable character he originally auditioned for: Joffrey.

Simon, pre-Sparrows at least, does actually fit the physical description of Joffrey from the books more than Jack Gleeson: tall, skinny, long-haired and with more effeminate features.

Gleeson, however, was an incredible fit from an acting standpoint. He perfectly captured just how vile, sadistic, and yet immature Joffrey was, so much so that he easily became the most hated character on the show (and even got some abuse in real life). Simon might've done a good job, but it's difficult to imagine him topping Gleeson.