Game of Thrones needs no introduction, standing as one of the most popular and successful television series ever made. Premiering on HBO in 2011, the show captivated audiences over its eight seasons with a gripping blend of fantasy, drama, and political intrigue, steadily growing into a cultural phenomenon.
Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, and Isaac Hempstead Wright grew up on the set of Game of Thrones (Credit: Roger Wong / INFphoto)
Surprisingly, although the massive ensemble cast included some of the most revered names in the entertainment industry, many of the most beloved characters were played by barely-known actors and actresses.
Plucked from their normal lives at the cusp of adolescence, their roles in Game of Thrones propelled several young actors into stardom.
Let’s look at how now-famous actresses and actors like Emilia Clarke, Maisie Williams, and Isaac Hempstead Wright got their start on one of the biggest shows of the century.
Game of Thrones Casting Process
The development of HBO’s Game of Thrones series began in 2007, based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novel series. As with many film and television productions, casting commenced after a preliminary script was completed.
While the directors had a few key actors in mind, including Peter Dinklage and Sean Bean, most casting decisions were entrusted to casting directors Nina Gold and Robert Sterne. Given the long-term vision for the show, which, if successful, was expected to span several years, they focused on discovering young, talented actors who were just beginning their careers.
1 and 2. Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner
One of the most significant challenges in casting Game of Thrones was finding the right actors to portray the Stark children, key characters who would play pivotal roles throughout the entire series.
For the role of Arya Stark, a fierce and determined 11-year-old who would face a life of hardship, the casting team selected 12-year-old Margaret Constance ‘Maisie’ Williams.
Maisie Williams was just 12 when she got the part of Arya Stark and skipped a field trip to a pig farm to audition for the role (Credit: HBO)
Surprisingly, Game of Thrones was Maisie’s first professional acting gig. She had spent most of her educational years focusing on musical theater and various forms of dance.
Funnily enough, she almost skipped the audition for Game of Thrones to participate in a school field trip but was swayed by her mother to attend.
Like Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner also landed a career-defining role for her very first gig, as Game of Thrones was the first television part of her career.
Sophie Turner auditioned for her role of Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones at just 13 years old (Credit: HBO)
From a young age, Sophie Turner was actively involved in theater, where her talent quickly caught the attention of her teachers. Her drama teacher encouraged her to audition for the role of 13-year-old Sansa Stark. Fully committed to the part, Sophie dyed her hair red and impressed the casting directors, ultimately securing the significant role at just 14 years old.
“Well, I didn’t tell my parents I auditioned for Game of Thrones, they just kind of found out,” Turner told her Dark Phoenix costar Jessica Chastain in an interview for Vogue Paris.
“Me and all my friends auditioned,” she added. “We just thought it was kind of a fun, jokey thing to do. And then I just got call back, after call back.”
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, Maisie Williams as Arya Stark, Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Bran Stark, Richard Madden as Robb Stark, Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel, and Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin in “Winter Is Coming,” the series premiere of the HBO medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones that aired on April 17, 2011 (Credit: HBO)
“My parents found out when I was in the final seven, and then my mom kind of freaked out, and she called my dad and said, ‘I don’t know if we can do this.’” Turner said.
“But my dad said, ‘Shut up, this is what she has wanted her whole life. You have to let her give it a go.’”
3. Kit Harington and Isaac Hempstead Wright
While you might think that Game of Thrones was a hit from the very beginning, there was actually an original pilot episode that saw horrible reception during private screenings, leading to extensive reshoots.
Some actors were replaced, while several stayed on from day one. Kit Harington was one of those lucky few who kept his role even after re-shoots and eventually became a fan favorite as the 16-year-old Jon Snow.
Kit Harington got his breakthrough role as Jon Snow in the HBO epic fantasy television series Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO)
Like Sophie Turner, Kit Harington had been active in live theater for years before he appeared on Game of Thrones, but the HBO fantasy was also the 24-year-old actor’s first television show.
The youngest of the Stark children, 10-year-old Brandon Stark, was played by an actor who only joined the business so he wouldn’t have to play outdoors during the winter.
In a hilarious turn of fate, this tactic of staying warm would define his professional life, proving that sometimes the smallest of decisions can have everlasting outcomes.
Young Bran Stark practices archery under the watchful eyes of Jon Snow and Robb Stark in this iconic early scene from Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO)
While Isaac Hempstead Wright used acting to avoid playing sports, at 11 years old, he found himself cast in one of the biggest shows ever on television.
As the show progressed, Brandon Stark played an increasingly important role in the story, cementing his career in the entertainment industry.
“I have only recently come to terms with how weird my childhood was. You just kind of go with it when you’re doing it at the time, but I’ve now realized [that] I’ve spent my formative years on the world’s biggest television series, which is strange to comprehend,” he told Complex about growing up on the set of Game of Thrones.
4. Emilia Clarke
Perhaps the most popular actress to achieve Game of Thrones stardom is Emilia Clarke, who gave a stunning and ferocious performance as Daenerys Targaryen.
Unlike most of her younger co-stars, Emilia had appeared in several shows and films before joining Game of Thrones and was even labeled as an upcoming starlet by tabloids in 2010.
Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO)
At age 23, Emilia’s career was pushed to the next level when she was cast as 16-year-old Daenerys Targaryen.
However, Emilia was not the original choice for Daenerys; 23-year-old actress Tamzin Merchant initially portrayed the character in the poorly received pilot episode.
In fact, the role of Daenerys was a significant challenge for critics, leading to the character being recast with Emilia Clarke. Like Arya, Brandon, and Jon Snow, Daenerys evolved into a pivotal character in the show’s later seasons, ultimately transforming Emilia Clarke into one of the most recognized actresses worldwide.
Where Are the Stars of Game of Thrones Now?
It’s been over three years since Game of Thrones ended for good, but in the meanwhile, the show’s youngest stars have stayed busy with new projects.
Isaac Hempstead Wright has enjoyed modest success in various projects, while Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Emilia Clarke, and Kit Harington have skyrocketed to massive fame. Nearly all of these actors have taken on roles in other big-budget projects, further elevating their careers to even greater heights.
Maisie Williams, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, and Isaac Hempstead Wright at the Season 8 premiere of “Game of Thrones” in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 12, 2019 (Credit: Liam McBurney / PA Images / INSTARimages)
The superhero genre has been especially kind, with Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner appearing in films like The New Mutants and Dark Phoenix, respectively.
Most recently, Kit Harington popped up as a supporting character in Eternals, part of the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Emilia Clarke has arguably had the best run of them all, nabbing roles in massive films like Solo: A Star Wars Story, Terminator Genisys, and more.
If there’s one thing that’s for certain, the professional careers of these popular young actors would be completely different if it wasn’t for Game of Thrones.
John Bradley, Maisie Williams, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Conleth Hill, Emilia Clarke, Iain Glen, Sophie Turner, Alfie Allen, Gwendoline Christie, Kit Harington, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Carice van Houten, Liam Cunningham, and Nathalie Emmanuel pose with awards for Outstanding Drama Series in the press room during the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Say what you will about the show’s controversial ending or its rampant displays of sex and violence. Still, the HBO franchise essentially birthed some of our generation’s most promising stars and starlets.
As the young stars of Game of Thrones grew into their roles and fame, their off-screen appearances began to capture just as much attention as their on-screen performances. One standout moment came when Maisie Williams made a memorable fashion statement at the 2015 Emmy Awards.
Maisie Williams Stuns in Blush Pink Midi Dress at 2015 Emmys
In September 2015, Maisie Williams stepped up the style game at the 2015 Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Maisie Williams attends the 2015 Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 20, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Brian To)
The then-18-year-old “Game of Thrones” actress looked adorable in a chic blush pink midi dress styled with a whimsical pair of furry sandals and a few pieces of Kwait jewelry.
Maisie Williams smiles on the red carpet in a blush pink midi dress (Credit: WENN / Brian To)
How do you like her quilted frock and white statement heels?
Maisie Williams wears a fun pair of furry white statement heels on the red carpet (Credit: WENN / Brian To)
Although her exact bubblegum pink dress and white heels haven’t been identified, you can find a similar pair of stylish Jeffrey Campbell shoes at Nordstrom.
Jeffrey Campbell Cookie Faux Fur Heels, $140