8 Game Of Thrones Actors Who Originally Auditioned For Different Roles

by James Hunt

1. Conleth Hill - Robert Baratheon

Game Of Thrones Varys Robert Baratheon
HBO
"Some doors close forever, others open in most unexpected places.” - Varys.

The most out-there entry on the list, it's almost unthinkable that the same actor who plays Varys could instead have worn the crown of King Robert Baratheon in Season 1.

Hill confirmed that he read for the part, only to leave the room and see that Mark Addy was in after him, and went away thinking "Well, he’d be all right for it."

And, of course, he was. Addy's Robert Baratheon is a highlight of Season 1, and among the best casting decisions the show has made. But so too is Hill as Varys, who it's fair to say got something of a sweeter deal: Bobby B lasted just seven episodes, while Varys is still going after seven seasons, although there was one kicker - he wasn't told until AFTER he'd accepted the part that he'd need to shave his head.

"A blessing, then."

Would you have liked to have seen any of these castings happen? 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.