Game Of Thrones: 10 Actors Who Were Nearly Cast

8. Dominic West

Dominic West, main man from a fellow top HBO show The Wire, revealed that he had turned down an early role in the show as wildling leader Mance Rayder, a character who would play an increasingly significant role as the show wore on. He rejected the offer for family reasons, understandably not wanting to be away in Iceland for such long periods, though he told the Huffington Post that his family weren't happy with the news: "I was offered something on Game Of Thrones and unfortunately, I hadn't seen it. But, my nephew and his father said, 'Gosh, Game Of Thrones is the only great show on!' And I felt terrible, because I'd just turned them down."