Be warned. There will be spoilers for Game of Thrones.

Fans are a passionate group. We have strong opinions, and we love to express them. One of the most dedicated fanbases is Game of Thrones. During the original airing of the adaptation of George R.R. Martin‘s series, fans had intense reactions. There was shock and awe witnessing the major battles, dragons soaring, and beloved book characters coming to life. They were also vocal about their frustration with the final two seasons. Some of us would love a redo. While we cannot recreate the original run, there is always a possibility for a new interpretation.

Just as HBO is reviving Harry Potter in series form, if Game of Thrones were to receive similar treatment, this is how the casting might unfold. This is a dream list featuring only 10 characters from a vast universe. We can always revisit this with new characters and suggestions later on. For this list, we’re considering how the character was developed on the page as well as how they were portrayed on screen. We will not include actors involved in House of the Dragon or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The names on this list feature both major Hollywood stars and emerging talents. While there are many other brilliant individuals who could fit these roles, this is simply a wish list from one fan.

1

Catelyn Stark

Ruth Wilson

It’s safe to say that in Game of Thrones, surviving far into the story is uncommon. The series is notorious for killing off characters for impactful storytelling. Therefore, whether they are loyal readers or show-only fans, losing Catelyn Stark during the Red Wedding was a heartbreaking moment. One aspect we loved about Catelyn was her unwavering dedication to her children. Torn by duty and sorrow, Catelyn was portrayed remarkably by Michelle Fairley. Coincidentally, Fairley was cast after Jennifer Ehle stepped away from the role. Ultimately, this decision proved beneficial for the show. She commanded attention with rich emotional intensity and ferocity. Her frantic shift to pure terror during “The Rains of Castamere” remains an iconic television moment, as viewers could feel her heartbreak through the screen.

An actress taking on such an emotionally complex character needs an equally profound emotional range. That actress is Ruth Wilson. With an extraordinary career spanning from The Affair to Luther, Wilson possesses the perfect intensity and maternal instinct to elevate Catelyn’s character. As Lady of Winterfell, Wilson’s ability to portray uncompromising, intense women making difficult choices aligns well with Catelyn’s moral complexities. She could seamlessly embody a desperate mother as deep pain and heavy dramatic moments unfold. Imagining her performance during the Red Wedding evokes thoughts of an acting masterclass. Wilson has previously played vengeful characters like Alice Morgan in Luther, so if Lady Stoneheart emerges in a book-only plotline, she could easily capture that silent outlaw leader hunting down anyone connected to her family’s betrayal.

2

Cersei Lannister

Vanessa Kirby

The universe of Game of Thrones features some chilling and vicious villains, but none are as brilliantly dynamic as Cersei Lannister. Originally portrayed by the exceptional Lena Headey, there was no character you loved to hate more than Cersei. You despised seeing her succeed but admired her cunning ruthlessness. When she faced consequences for her actions, you felt thrilled, yet it was still Game of Thrones; her triumphs were always short-lived. The merciless Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and ruler of the Iron Throne had moments ranging from fiercely protecting her children to executing political maneuvers against rivals while maintaining a secret incestuous relationship. She showed no remorse when a young boy was pushed out of a window to keep her secrets safe. Headey delivered a masterclass in micro-expressions throughout her portrayal. Whether conveying immense menace or profound grief, she made this morally complex tyrant utterly magnetic.

No one may ever replicate Headey’s portrayal perfectly, so today’s lens requires an actress who can embody aristocratic elegance while masking deep emotional volatility with an outward coldness. That actress is Vanessa Kirby. This stylistically different direction would suit Kirby’s resume filled with dastardly women and grieving mothers alike. Through her role as Princess Margaret in The Crown, she has shown an ease in playing high-born figures chafing against restrictions with biting wit and poise. Kirby has the power to convey simmering bitterness alongside unpredictable inner turmoil, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for an entire kingdom. Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sue Storm, Kirby is adept at handling mega franchises while also having experience portraying cold-blooded characters like Alanna Mitsopolis in Mission: Impossible. From White Woman to Invisible Woman to infamous Queen Whore, Cersei Lannister would be an enticing role for this Oscar nominee.

3

Daenerys Targaryen

Anya Taylor-Joy

The two prequel series have shown that fans are captivated by Targaryen lineage and stories set in Westeros during prosperous times. In contrast, Game of Thrones presented quite a different narrative. Perhaps one of the most iconic characters from this series is Daenerys Targaryen. Portrayed by Emilia Clarke, Dany experienced a remarkable journey throughout eight seasons—from exiled princess to powerful queen. Clarke grounded Daenerys with deep emotional vulnerability coupled with steely resolve while also commanding attention through intense gaze, posture, and vocal authority.Dany served as an anchor for the franchise despite mixed feelings regarding her final story arc.

Dany’s complex evolution requires an actress capable of captivating audiences with charm early on so that by the time her hardened mindset emerges, viewers are already invested in her journey. To embody one of television’s greatest roles requires one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars—Anya Taylor-Joy. Dany needs to be visually striking, which Taylor-Joy undoubtedly is.Taylor-Joy evokes an ethereal presence that aligns perfectly with Valyrian aesthetics. She has proven herself as a formidable performer across various projects such asThe Queen’s Gambit, Peaky Blinders, andFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga. If there’s any role that showcases her capacity for depth akin to Daenerys’, it’s found inThe Witch. Portraying the Mother of Dragons requires ferocity—something Taylor-Joy possesses—capable of conveying both cold determination and passionate fire at will.