The question of who was originally cast as Daenerys Targaryen touches on early development in Game of Thrones, long before Emilia Clarke stepped into the role. Behind the scenes, several established actresses were considered and screen tests were conducted before the final decision settled on Clarke.
This overview clarifies the casting journey by examining early candidates, the audition process, and how the character evolved to match the onscreen vision. The structured facts below help separate rumor from production records while highlighting key turning points in the character’s creation.
| Candidate | Stage | Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamzin Merchant | Early script and unaired pilot (2008) | Filmed pilot dropped, role recast | Shot scenes in both English and pilot, later replaced |
| Megan Richards | Screen tests and costume tests (2009) | Not selected for series order | Young contender tested for younger Daenerys |
| Kate Beckinsale | Active discussions (2008–2009) | Passed before series launch | Considered for stronger political framing |
| Catherine Zeta-Jones | Reported interest (2008) | No formal offer made | Industry buzz, never officially approached |
| Emilia Clarke | Final casting and series order (2009) | Confirmed lead, filmed through season 8 | Defined the role in the released series |
Reading the Early Screen Tests
Screen tests for who was originally cast as Daenerys reveal how the show explored different tones before settling on a definitive style. Each reading emphasized alternate aspects of power, vulnerability, and regal presence, shaping how producers visualized the character.
These sessions influenced costume language, camera placement, and even aspects of the script, showing how deeply casting decisions informed the visual design of the Iron Throne era.
The Pilot Rehearsal Process
During the pilot rehearsal phase, several actors worked through extensive table reads and blocking sessions that tested chemistry with co-stars. Changes in pacing, dialogue, and emotional beats emerged as directors adjusted Daenerys’s arc for a television audience.
Observers noted how subtle shifts in delivery affected perceptions of authority and empathy, guiding the writers toward clearer motivations once Emilia Clarke locked into the role.
Casting Directors and Creative Leadership
Casting directors worked closely with showrunners to balance star power against long-term character durability when deciding who was originally cast as Daenerys. Their preference for adaptable performers helped keep the role fluid enough to evolve across seasons.
Creative leadership valued actors who could shift between cautious diplomacy and bold command, ensuring that Daenerys remained plausible as both a liberator and a politically ambitious leader.
The Evolution of Daenerys’s Character Arc
As scripts developed, Daenerys’s arc expanded from a exiled noble to a central ruler, altering requirements for the actress who would embody her. The original casting plans had to accommodate growth in scale, from modest council scenes to massive battle sequences.
This evolution explains why initial candidates did not always remain viable, while highlighting how the role demanded increasing physical, emotional, and vocal range over time.
Key Takeaways on Daenerys Casting
- Multiple established actresses were considered in early development stages.
- Pilot filming with Tamzin Merchant was abandoned during recasting.
- Screen tests influenced script adjustments and visual style.
- Final casting of Emilia Clarke aligned with a clearer long-term vision.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which actress was involved in the earliest pilot screen tests for Daenerys?
Tamzin Merchant filmed the original unaired pilot in 2008 but was replaced when the series was reimagined for broadcast.
Why did Kate Beckinsale not become Daenerys despite early discussions? Beckinsale remained under other commitments and scheduling conflicts emerged, leading production to explore other options before the series order was finalized. Were there any major A-list stars actively pursued for the role in 2008?
Catherine Zeta-Jones was rumored to be interested, but no formal offer or meeting took place, keeping her out of the running as the project clarified its vision.
How did screen tests with younger actors shape the final casting choice?
Tests with Megan Richards informed decisions about age-appropriate portrayal and dialogue rhythm, helping producers refine the character before committing to an established lead.