Entertainment
The Perfect ‘Game of Thrones’ Cast if the Show Were Made in 2026
Be warned. There will be spoilers for Game of Thrones.
Fans are a wild breed. We are passionate. We have opinions, and we love to make them heard. One of the greatest and most proud fanbases is Game of Thrones. During the initial run of the adaptation of George R.R. Martin‘s series, the fans had some fervent feelings. There was shock and awe seeing the major battles, dragons take flight, and their favorite book characters come to life. They were also adamant about how furious they were about the final two seasons. Some of us would love a do-over. While we simply cannot recreate the original run, there is always a chance of a new vision.
Similarly to how HBO is bringing Harry Potter back, in series form this time, if Game of Thrones were to get the same treatment, this is how the casting might break down. Now, this is a dream list of only 10 characters within a vast universe. We can always revisit this with new characters and suggestions later on. For this list, we’re looking at how the character was crafted on the page as well as how they were portrayed on screen. We will not be considering those actors who are part of House of the Dragon or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The names on this list include both major Hollywood players and rising stars. Though there are a plethora of other brilliant individuals who could be here, this is simply a wish list from one fan.
1
Catelyn Stark
Ruth Wilson
It’s safe to say that on Game of Thrones, making it far in the story is a rarity. Game of Thrones adores killing off characters for the sake of important storytelling. So, whether faithful readers or simply show-only fans, losing Catelyn Stark during the Red Wedding was a devastating blow. If there is one thing we adored about Catelyn, it was how she would go to the end of the earth for her children. Torn by duty and grief, Catelyn was played remarkably by Michelle Fairley. Coincidentally, Fairley was actually the result of a recast when Jennifer Ehle stepped away from the part. Ultimately, it was a monumental decision that was for the best of the show. She commanded the screen with rich emotional intensity and ferocity. Her frantic shift to pure terror during “The Rains of Castamere” remains an iconic television moment because you could feel the pure heartbreak through the screen.
To take on a character of that emotional depth, an actress needs an equal emotional range. That woman is Ruth Wilson. With an extraordinary career ranging from The Affair to Luther, Wilson has the perfect intensity and maternal instinct to bring Catelyn to the next level. Serving as the Lady of Winterfell, Wilson’s ability to play uncompromised, intense women who make harsh choices would play well into the moral gravity of Catelyn. Wilson could ease into the dangerous desperation of a mother as the deep pain and heavy dramatic beats play out. Fighting the burden of political survival, just imagine the acting masterclass that would come in her turn during the Red Wedding. Wilson has played vengeful before as Alice Morgan in Luther, so should the book-only plotline of Lady Stoneheart emerge, she could capture the silent outlaw leader who hunts down anyone connected to the betrayal of her family with ease.
2
Cersei Lannister
Vanessa Kirby
There are some deliciously chilling and vicious villains in the Game of Thrones universe, but none are as brilliantly dynamic as Cersei Lannister. Originally brought to life by the exceptional Lena Headey, there was no character you loved to hate more than Cersei. You hated to see her succeed, but you admired her for her cunning, ruthless sensibility. When she got her comeuppance, you were thrilled, but it was Game of Thrones; it was always going to be short-lived. The merciless Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and ruler of the Iron Throne, Cersei’s highlight reel of massive moments ranged from fiercely protecting her children to plotting and executing political maneuvers against her rivals. Oh, and keeping a secret incestuous relationship mum. She was more than fine watching a young boy be shoved out of a window in order to keep her affairs quiet. Headey brought a masterclass of micro-expressions to the role. Whether conveying immense menace, profound grief, or strategic calculations, she made the morally complex tyrant utterly magnetic.
There might never be someone who could play the part in the manner that Headey did, so through today’s lens, you need someone who can play aristocratic elegance while masking deep emotional volatility with an outward coldness. That actress is Vanessa Kirby. It would be a stylistically different direction, but Kirby has a resume of playing dastardly, devious women, a grieving mother, and literal royalty. Through her role as Princess Margaret in The Crown, she has an ease in which to play a high-born figure chafing against restriction with biting wit and poise. Kirby has the power to bring a simmering bitterness with unpredictable inner turmoil, which could snap and burn an entire kingdom to the ground. Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sue Storm, Kirby is now well-versed in handling mega franchises, though she did have a brush with it prior when she took on arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis in Mission: Impossible. From the White Woman and Invisible Woman to the infamous Queen Whore, Cersei Lannister would be a delicious part for the Oscar nominee to sink her teeth into.
3
Daenerys Targaryen
Anya Taylor-Joy
As seen with the two prequel series, fans are utterly fascinated with the Targaryen lineage and story in Westeros. Those stories depict a prosperous time for the surname. Game of Thrones was the opposite. Perhaps the most iconic character in all of Game of Thrones is Daenerys Targaryen. Played by Emilia Clarke, Dany had quite a journey across the show’s eight seasons. The Mother of Dragons rose from exiled princess to a powerful queen. Clarke was grounded with deep emotional vulnerability and steely resolve as Daenerys, yet completely commanded the screen through intense gaze, posture, and vocal authority. Though we may have some feelings on the final story arc, Dany was the anchor of the franchise, and Clarke is much to thank.
Dany’s complex transition requires an actress who can capture you with their charm and posture early on, so that by the time her hardened, ruthless mindset arrives, you’ve already been taken by her. To take on one of the greatest roles in television requires one of Hollywood’s most prominent superstars, Anya Taylor-Joy. Dany needs to be physically striking, and that’s exactly who she is. Taylor-Joy evokes an ethereal image that would fit the Valyrian aesthetic. Taylor-Joy has proven herself as a formidable performer, showing different shades of power and strength in projects like The Queen’s Gambit, Peaky Blinders, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. If there’s one part that proves she can take on the depth of Daenerys, it’s 2015’s The Witch. There is ferocity needed to play the Mother of Dragons, which Taylor-Joy has. She can convey cold determination and passionate fire with the flip of a switch. Oh, and she loves dragons!
4
Jaime Lannister
Leo Suter
In a brilliant world of fantasy, someone needed the moniker of “Kingslayer.” That honor was bestowed upon Jaime Lannister. The eldest son of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), Jaime was a brilliant swordsman, a member of the Kingsguard, and the complex twin of Cersei, who notoriously set in motion the action of the story by pushing Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) out the window. He started his journey in the series as a ruthless and arrogant man, only to find a path toward redemption upon losing his sword hand. His arrogance gave way to humility and reflection, making him a morally gray character. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau brought a brooding charm to Jaime. Perpetually torn between love for his family and a desire to do what is right, Coster-Waldau’s magnanimity plucked at the heartstrings. He balanced tragic loyalty with growth, with a masterful relationship with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) to ground him in a wonderfully complex arc.
Jaime requires an actor who has the same charisma and ability to play the moral middle. He must also be striking in stature and have an instant evocation that he is a brave Kingslayer. Who better than an individual who played a Nordic prince and warrior? Enter: Leo Suter. Best known for playing Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla, Suter has proven himself with heavy swordplay, armor, and intense medieval battle sequences with ease. He has the classic handsome features and physical stature that define Jaime. Like Coster-Waldau, the blonde-adjacent aesthetic would match the visual archetype of House Lannister. Suter’s resume features many parts, both modern and period, that exude the dramatic range that matches Jaime’s. Suter shines when he plays a passionate, devoted figure torn between grand ambitions and deep personal loyalties. There is an ease about him when taking on a layered, sympathetic figure facing moral pressures. Should you need more proof of Suter’s perfection for the part, check him out in Victoria and Lynley.
5
Jon Snow
Louis Partridge
There are very few characters more beloved than Jon Snow. Raised as the bastard son of Ned Stark (Sean Bean), he served as the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, later to be revealed as the true-born Targaryen heir. His arc during the full run of the series was a major reason it was one of the biggest hits of all time. The cliffhanger when he was killed by mutineers rocked pop culture, though book readers knew the truth. That is, until the show exceeded Martin’s novels, and the remainder of Jon’s journey was highly anticipated. Between his beautiful companionship with his direwolf Ghost and the most romantic relationship of all with Ygritte (Rose Leslie), Jon Snow was iconic thanks in part to Kit Harington‘s performance. Harington’s natural brooding look and ability to communicate emotion without heavy dialogue matched the character on the page. Harington took on Jon with ease, making him one of the strongest characters in all of Westeros.
Jon must be played by someone who can evoke quiet intensity before launching into profound heroism. He may be rugged, but he also must have nobility hidden within. He needs to be played by someone who seems morally perfect. That perfect performer is perpetually rising star Louis Partridge. Taking on a more book-accurate version of a younger Jon Snow, Partridge brings out a moody, romantic aesthetic that can capture the young commander. Partridge possesses the dark hair, expressive dark eyes, and slender melancholy face associated with the northern lineage. As far as playing in a period-type universe, Partridge is no stranger to wearing a historically inspired costume, notably in Enola Holmes and House of Guinness. Partridge would seamlessly fit into House Stark, offering great range in the part, excelling as an outsider and romantic soul struggling as an outcast.
6
Margaery Tyrell
Florence Pugh
There are many profound and dominating houses within Westeros, but one of the most fascinating and secretly influential lineages was House Tyrell. While one of the greatest quotes in Game of Thrones history came from the sharp-witted Oleanna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), the true master of manipulation was Margaery Tyrell. Clever and ambitious, the queen from Highgarden was unafraid to marry for power. In fact, she did it via three different kings, including Joffrey and Tommen Baratheon (Jack Gleeson and Dean-Charles Chapman). What made her such a brilliantly deceptive queen was her ability to strike with a smile — a stark contrast to her mother-in-law, Cersei. Bringing sharp intelligence, sublime charm, and subtle control to the part was Natalie Dormer. She played Margaery without being a loud or mean antagonist, though calling her a villain seeking to take down the Lannisters may not be fair. Dormer’s Margaery proved that a smart woman can earn power through kindness and public grace.
Margaery, by choice, found herself having to fend off some dangerous men. She did so by figuring out what they wanted and using it to her advantage. She is of a decisive, brilliant mind and requires a powerhouse to play her. Look no further than Florence Pugh. Though some fans may want to see her in a more dominating part like Cersei or Daenerys, Margaery is a stronger fit based on the character and her resume. Pugh has established a career playing sharp, ambitious, and politically savvy women who mask a fierce, calculating intellect behind a warm, outward-facing smile. Whether it’s as Amy March in Little Women, Dani Ardor in Midsommar, or Yelena Belova in the MCU, Pugh’s strength is her versatility. Just like Margaery, with each scenario, a different shade of her range can be utilized to reach the top. The Oscar-nominated actress has a handle on period-tinged dialogue, corsets, and class hierarchy. As much as you’d love to see her on dragon-back, her strength lies in high-stakes dramatic showdowns within the walls of the realm.
7
Ned Stark
Karl Urban
When Game of Thrones began, one of the more prominent families in the story was the Starks, led by Lord “Eddard” Ned Stark. The Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and paragon of duty and honor, Ned was the ultimate face of morality. — so much so that it led to his ultimate and untimely demise. His investigation into the royal family led to his arrest and execution, triggering the massive conflict better known as the War of the Five Kingdoms. Taking on the role was the seasoned vet Sean Bean. He brought a natural grit, lived-in authenticity, and rich emotional gravitas to the part. He anchored the first season with a rare, believable sense of old-school morality and tragic humanity. Bean helped subvert expectations of where the series could head, as fans were devastated to lose him since they deeply cared for his character.
One of the very first and most shocking moments in Game of Thrones for series-watchers was the death of Ned Stark. A major character and presence, killing him off in Season 1 was proof that even top-billing actors were not safe on this show. So, to keep the tradition alive, an equally prominent name needs to take on that part. No one has the grit needed other than The Boys‘ star Karl Urban. Ned was the ultimate family man, as was Billy Butcher. Urban has a proven ability to play stern, rugged, and intensely principled warriors with quiet authority, which made his turn in The Boys a bit of a shock. Yet, true to his core, Urban always brings a grim, no-nonsense protector who can communicate with a scowl. Urban carries a commanding presence in armor and with a blade, famously as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings. Knowing the trajectory of the story, watching Urban’s Ned be executed at the hands of Joffrey would be as much of a blow as it was seeing Bean’s run conclude.
8
Petyr Baelish
David Tennant
Sometimes, the most important characters of a story operate in the shadow, using their power of influence and persuasion to succeed. One of those brilliant side characters in Westeros is Petyr Baelish, best known as “Littlefinger.” He rises from a minor, poor noble background player to become the royal Master of Coin and a master manipulator who uses lies and chaos to gain power. Rather than fighting with a sword, Littlefinger uses trickery, bribes, and secrets to turn noble houses against one another. He famously noted that “chaos is a ladder,” using political messiness to climb each and every rung. Of course, after attempting to turn the Stark sisters against one another, his double-dealing finally caught up to him. Littlefinger was such a striking character because Aiden Gillen ensured he was a quiet, charming danger. Through soft speech and a sly smile, he made Littlefinger feel smarter than everyone he ever faced.
Gillen’s Lord Baelish was not a cartoon villain, but a man driven by old humiliations and a rich appetite for control. Using shifting accents and tones depending on who he was speaking to, he was able to trick people and keep them off balance. Littlefinger needs to be a chameleon, and thus there’s no one better to take on the part than the masterful David Tennant. The Scottish actor has exceptional range playing intensely charismatic, fast-talking, and richly menacing characters. Though many will always see him as a hero playing the Doctor, some of his most dynamic parts are when he plays cold, threatening human monsters, like Killgrave in Jessica Jones and Dennis Nilsen in Des. For this iteration of Littlefinger, rather than operating with subtlety, this version would be played more openly vocal. Tennant’s take might appear outwardly sneaky, but his prowess in persuasion would still make him a threat you don’t want to take on. Tennant excels at delivering sudden shifts from warm and polite to ice-cold and threatening. With an innate ability to take on William Shakespeare’s great texts, Tennant could dominate the complex, manipulative monologues with sharp, calculating precision. Tennant would be utterly chilling as Littlefinger.
9
Robb Stark
Leo Woodall
A hero among heroes, Robb Stark emerged as a fan-favorite character because he was so good. The eldest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark, Robb was known as “Young Wolf” and became King of the North. Following the execution of his father, Robb went after the Lannisters with great fervor. His battle skills were profound, winning every major battle he fought and capturing Jaime Lannister. Perhaps his one true fatal flaw was love. Upon breaking a marriage promise to House Frey by marrying for love, his ultimate downfall came at the Red Wedding thanks to the wheeling and dealing of Walder Frey (David Bradley) and Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton). Richard Madden excelled at bringing Robb to life. He expertly mastered the fierce, commanding presence of a battlefield leader with a warm, vulnerable, conflicted young man prematurely thrust into war. Madden captured the inner turmoil of a man forced to make fatal political and romantic mistakes under immense pressure. He had the physical courage and tactical mindset of his father, allowing Madden to make you believe him to be the next true leader. Madden’s Robb was accessible, grounding the grand fantasy politics with genuine human heartbreak. His loss was just as heavy as Bean’s departure.
To play Robb Stark, one must possess a balance of boyish charm, intense emotional gravity, and a burden of sudden leadership. One actor who has broken through Hollywood recently and could bring the charisma needed for Robb is Leo Woodall. Making a name for himself after his deceptively charming role in Season 2 of The White Lotus, every role he’s played since has exuded a combination of romance and allure. In One Day, Woodall proved he could be the romantic anchor of a sweeping, years-long narrative, striking the perfect balance of dramatic prowess and heart. His expressive screen presence allows him to convey Robb’s heavy inner thoughts, a young man forced to grow up too fast. He’s become a scene-stealer in every project he’s been in simply for his kinetic magnetism with his co-star. Though his Robb might be more of a mystery, it’s clear that Woodall is no mystery in Hollywood. He was born to be a leading man.
10
Tyrion Lannister
Peter Dinklage
There were some extraordinary performances across the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, but at the very top was Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. Referred to as “The Imp,” Tyrion was a witty, highly intelligent dwarf born into the wealthy and powerful House Lannister. With the odds always stacked against him, Tyrion proved himself more than capable thanks to his sharp intellect, strategic political planning, and biting humor, which he used to survive. His journey through the series was quite remarkable. He served as the Hand of the King during the War of the Five Kings, successfully defending King’s Landing during the Battle of Blackwater. After being accused of murdering his nephew, he underwent a dramatic trial, killed his abusive father, and fled Westeros. Only then did he cross the Narrow Sea to become the advisor and Hand to Queen Daenerys. He attempted to steer her toward a just rule, but we all know how that turned out.
Dinklage was utterly perfect in the part. He brought a mix of sharp wit, deep sadness, and profound intelligence, making Tyrion a strong, complex man. His delivery of funny lines was more than just comic relief and levity. The dry, cynical edge made him a well-rounded individual. He resonated as a man cast out by his family, bringing a deep pain. And when he had to command the screen through his big, dramatic moments, namely his infamous trial, he did it with exceptional ease. With that, there is simply no other actor who could play Tyrion like Dinklage; thus, he would get the part again. When the show was initially casting, Martin and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss knew it was always only Dinklage. No other actor was auditioned for the role. Though skeptical at first, as he did not want to fall into flat, stereotypical dwarf tropes, Dinklage instead crafted a fully realized, multidimensional human character far from a caricature. His unique blend of sardonic humor, vulnerability, and masterful performance earned him four Emmys for the part. He’s simply the best.
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