Every Major Character Recast in Game of Thrones—and Why the Actors Changed

Daario’s conspicuous change

Ed Skrein first played Daario Naharis, a lieutenant of the Second Sons, in the final three episodes of season 3. Michiel Huisman took over when the character returned in season 4, making the change noticeable to viewers watching the series in a binge.

Some suspected Skrein’s departure was caused by filming conflicts with The Transporter Refueled. In 2015, however, Skrein told EW that “politics” kept him from returning, without giving further details. The two actors also approached Daario’s romantic role differently.

A new Three-Eyed Raven

Struan Rodger portrayed the human Three-Eyed Raven when the character appeared in season 4, in a storyline connected to Bran Stark. After the character was absent through season 5, Max von Sydow took the role in season 6 and returned to help Bran.

The production never officially explained the recasting. One possible explanation is that the show wanted a more prominent, dependable actor as the character’s importance grew, but that reason was not confirmed. The Raven’s appearance and personality also changed with the new performer.

The Night King’s two actors

Richard Brake played the Night King from the character’s first appearance in season 4 through his final appearance in season 5. Vladimir Furdik took over when the character returned in season 6, portraying him as a White Walker until Arya killed him at the Battle of Winterfell.

Scheduling conflicts with The Bastard Executioner were suggested as a reason Brake left, but this was not clearly confirmed. Furdik had worked as one of the show’s stuntmen and had played the first White Walker Jon Snow killed. Executives asked him to assume the Night King role.

The Mountain’s changing performers

The article identifies Conan Stevens, Ian Whyte and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as successive actors to play the Mountain. It says Stevens was replaced by Whyte, who was later replaced by Björnsson. The supplied account ends before explaining why those changes happened or giving further details about the actors’ portrayals.