Games of Thrones was inescapable during its time on air. In fact, it still remains a popular show to this day even though its finale aired in 2019, being the most pirated TV series in 2022. The HBO series won the attention of the whole world and had everyone gripped during its time on our screens. Game of Thrones introduced us to beloved characters who experienced pain and loss, and took us on the complicated journey through the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and all the politics and mythical dangers that existed there. Luckily for fans, the franchise will continue with a prequel series called House of the Dragon and multiple spin-off series, including a series about Jon Snow with Kit Harington returning to the role.
Indeed, Harington’s Jon Snow was one of the most beloved characters of the original Game of Thrones series. So much so that it’s hard to imagine any other actor in the role. However, as is the cast with many iconic characters in Hollywood, there was almost a possibility that another actor was cast as Jon Snow instead of Harington. Here are four of them.
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4 Alfie Allen
HBO
Alfie Allen became a staple of the Game of Thrones series through his portrayal as Theon Greyjoy. He portrayed the character throughout the show’s entire eight seasons, ultimately earning him recognition from the Primetime Emmy Awards in the form of an Outstanding Supporting Actor nomination for season 8. Theon evolved the most after he was tormented at the hands of Ramsay, transforming into “Reek,” which tested Allen’s acting capabilities and won the appraisal of critics. Many may not know, however, that Allen also auditioned for the role of Jon Snow, which was revealed, per Business Insider, by the producers of the show. They enjoyed his audition, but envisioned him in a different role, which is how he came about securing his role as Theon in the series.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
3 Iwan Rheon
Iwan Rheon gained notoriety for his role in Game of Thrones through his portrayal of the twisted Ramsay Bolton. He was introduced to the series and quickly became one of TV’s most hated characters, tormenting Theon and other beloved characters, such as Sansa Stark. Rheon’s acting is impeccable, and he embodies the sadistic nature of the role perfectly, which cannot be an easy thing to do. He revealed in an interview that he originally read for the role of Jon Snow, and knowing how he played Ramsay, it’s hard to imagine him playing the heroic King in the North. The show’s creators were impressed by his audition, and kept him in mind when the role of Ramsay came around.
2 Sam Claflin
Lionsgate
Sam Claflin is an admired actor, who gained a huge surge in popularity through his appearance as Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games movies. Claflin appeared throughout the franchise in several films, bringing a captivating flair to the character and boosting his stardom to a global scale. He appeared alongside Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke in Me Before You, and revealed, per Insider, when being interviewed about the role that their paths could have crossed previously through the Game of Thrones series. He auditioned for the role of Jon Snow during the show’s search for an actor, however, ultimately lost out on the opportunity to play him.
1 Joe Dempsie
Joe Dempsie is known for playing Gendry in Game of Thrones, a bastard of Robert Baratheon who eventually crosses paths with Arya Stark, forming a deep connection with her. He became a beloved staple of the franchise, and quickly won the hearts of fans who regarded him as one of the most likable characters in the HBO show. Dempsie later reflected on the casting process, recalling how he auditioned for several roles before he found success with Gendry — one of which was the role of Jon Snow.
