Game Of Thrones: 8 Characters Who Didn't Meet Our Expectations

5. Stannis Baratheon

When I first heard Stephen Dillane had been cast as Stannis, I had some reservations. I'd seen him in John Adams as Thomas Jefferson and thought his acting was masterful, but when it comes to playing Stannis Baratheon I can't help but feel the man's not quite hitting the mark. In the books, much is said of how Stannis would break before he bends, whereas in the TV show he's already bent considerably, willingly sacrificing his beliefs for what he believes will bring him success in attaining the Iron Throne, particularly with R'hllor. The biggest issue is his anger - I just don't see Stephen Dillane grinding his jaw enough. The Baratheon words "Ours is the Fury" feel somewhat hollow next to the Stannis of the TV show. Perhaps this is purely subjective, but simply not smiling isn't enough, and Stannis should be scowling a hell of a lot more.
Contributor

When not writing Chris spends more time thinking about playing videogames than actually playing them and can usually be found reorganizing his Blu Ray and book collections. He owns four different editions of A Song of Ice and Fire and no, it isn't overkill. He's left the neon haze of Tokyo and Seoul for the more sedate streets of Bournemouth.