3. Character Recasting
More of an minor annoyance than a serious issue, recasting, which is the process of altering a character's actor with another without explanation, hasn't been particularly noticeable in Game of Thrones as of yet, though there has been the occasional instance of a minor character's actor (usually featured extras) being replaced. For season four, however, no less than three characters of significant importance have been recast. Dutch actor Michiel Huisman has been cast in the role of Daario Naharis, replacing Ed Skrein in the shoes of the mercenary that charmed his way into Daenerys Targaryen's inner circle last season. Meanwhile, Dean-Charles Chapman, who appeared as the ill-fated Martyn Lannister last season, has been cast as King Joffrey's younger brother Tommen Baratheon, replacing Callum Wharry. It remains to be seen whether Aimee Richardson will continue playing their sister Myrcella, but given that Chapman is older than Wharry, it seems that Joffrey's younger siblings are being aged up for some reason. Most irksome is that the role of Gregor Clegane has been recast for the third time, with Ian Whyte (who replaced Conan Stevens) making way for Icelandic giant Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. Such a move means that casual viewers will find it difficult to identify the character, which is a shame given the major part that he plays in one of the upcoming seasons best and bloodiest moments.