When HBO first introduced viewers to the deadly political games of Westeros back in April 2011, no one could have predicted the cultural phenomenon Game of Thrones would become. The series premiere, titled “Winter Is Coming,” had the massive task of laying the foundation for George R.R. Martin’s complex world while introducing audiences to a sprawling ensemble of characters. Looking back now, the Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 1 cast reads like a who’s who of talent, mixing established actors with relative newcomers who would go on to become global superstars.
The episode, directed by Tim Van Patten, premiered on April 17, 2011, and immediately hooked viewers with its mix of political intrigue, shocking twists, and stunning visuals . For those wanting to revisit where it all began or new fans discovering the series for the first time, here is a detailed look at the actors and characters who brought the premiere to life.
The Starks of Winterfell: Honor and Family
At the heart of the premiere was the noble family of the North. Sean Bean played Eddard “Ned” Stark, the honorable Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Bean, already a well-known actor from films like The Lord of the Rings and GoldenEye, brought a quiet strength and moral compass to the role . His Ned Stark became the emotional anchor of the early episodes, and his famous line “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword” perfectly set up his character’s unwavering sense of justice .
Michelle Fairley portrayed Catelyn Stark, Ned’s wife, who carried the weight of a mother’s fear when her son Bran faced a life-threatening fall . Fairley brought depth to a woman torn between loyalty to her family and the dark suspicions she held against the Lannisters.
The Stark children were played by a group of young actors who would grow up before viewers’ eyes. Richard Madden played Robb Stark, the eldest son and heir to Winterfell . Madden, who would later win a Golden Globe for Bodyguard, showed early signs of the leadership qualities his character would develop . Kit Harington, cast straight out of drama school, took on the role of Jon Snow, Ned’s bastard son who decides to join the Night’s Watch . Harington’s brooding presence and sense of outsider status made Jon an instant fan favorite.
Sophie Turner was just 15 when she played Sansa Stark, the eldest daughter who dreamed of princes and songs . Turner perfectly captured Sansa’s initial naivety and girlish romanticism. Maisie Williams brought fire and spirit to Arya Stark, the younger sister who preferred sword fighting to sewing . Williams became a breakout star, with her Arya quickly becoming “your new favorite character” for many viewers .
Isaac Hempstead Wright played Bran Stark, the second youngest son whose curiosity leads him to witness something he should never have seen . The youngest Stark, Rickon, was played by Art Parkinson, who had limited dialogue but made an impression as the wild little brother .
Rounding out the Winterfell household were Donald Sumpter as the wise Maester Luwin, Ron Donachie as the loyal Master-at-Arms Rodrik Cassel, and Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel, the captain of the guards . Kristian Nairn brought to life the gentle giant Hodor, a character who would become beloved despite only speaking that single word .
The Lannisters: Gold and Power
Across from the Starks stood the wealthy and ruthless Lannister family. Lena Headey played Cersei Lannister, the Queen and wife of King Robert Baratheon . Headey brought a cold elegance to the role, hiding deep ambition and fierce protectiveness of her children behind a mask of royal duty.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau portrayed Ser Jaime Lannister, Cersei’s twin brother and a member of the Kingsguard . The Danish actor brought charm and menace to the role, and the premiere’s shocking final moment—where Jaime pushes Bran from a tower window after being discovered with Cersei—established him as a character viewers loved to hate .
Peter Dinklage played Tyrion Lannister, the witty and intelligent younger brother often called “The Imp” . Dinklage’s performance was an instant standout, earning him an Emmy and making Tyrion another “favorite character” for audiences . His scenes in the premiere, including his witty exchanges at Winterfell, hinted at the depth and complexity he would bring throughout the series.
The Baratheons: The King and His Court
Mark Addy played King Robert Baratheon, Ned Stark’s old friend and fellow rebel from the war that put him on the throne . Addy brought a boisterous energy to the role, portraying a king who much preferred drinking and reminiscing about past glories than actually ruling . His arrival at Winterfell with his massive entourage set the plot in motion.
Jack Gleeson played Prince Joffrey Baratheon, the heir to the Iron Throne . Even in the premiere, Gleeson hinted at the cruelty and petulance that would make Joffrey one of television’s most hated villains. Gethin Anthony appeared as Renly Baratheon, the king’s younger brother .
The Targaryens: Exiles Across the Narrow Sea
Across the Narrow Sea in Pentos, viewers were introduced to the last surviving members of the deposed Targaryen dynasty. Emilia Clarke, another drama school graduate, played Daenerys Targaryen . Clarke had the challenging task of portraying a frightened young girl forced into marriage who would eventually become the “Mother of Dragons.” Her transformation began in the premiere, where she received three petrified dragon eggs as a wedding gift .
Harry Lloyd played her abusive brother Viserys Targaryen, who schemes to use Daenerys’s marriage to the Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo to win back the throne . Lloyd made Viserys suitably creepy and entitled.
Jason Momoa, years before becoming Aquaman, brought physical presence and unexpected tenderness to Khal Drogo, the leader of the Dothraki . Iain Glen played Ser Jorah Mormont, the exiled knight who becomes Daenerys’s protector and advisor .
The Night’s Watch: Guardians of the Realm
The premiere also introduced the ancient order protecting the realm from threats beyond the Wall. Joseph Mawle played Benjen Stark, Ned’s brother and First Ranger of the Night’s Watch . John Bradley appeared briefly as Samwell Tarly, though his major scenes would come in later episodes . The opening sequence featured Rob Ostlere as Ser Waymar Royce, Bronson Webb as Will, and Dermot Keaney as Gared, rangers who encounter the terrifying White Walkers .
Other Key Players
Several other important characters made their debut in the premiere. Alfie Allen played Theon Greyjoy, Ned Stark’s ward and a young man caught between two worlds . Conleth Hill would soon appear as the eunuch spymaster Varys, though his introduction came slightly later . Rory McCann was cast as Sandor “The Hound” Clegane, Joffrey’s fearsome bodyguard .
The supporting cast also included Esmé Bianco as the red-haired prostitute Ros, who served as a viewers’ introduction to the world of brothels in King’s Landing . Roger Allam voiced Illyrio Mopatis, the wealthy merchant who arranges Daenerys’s marriage .
Behind the Scenes
The premiere was written by series creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, who adapted Martin’s novels for television . The production shot primarily in Northern Ireland, with additional locations in Morocco, Iceland, and Malta . The episode cost approximately $5-6 million to produce, a significant budget that showed in the scale of Winterfell and the Dothraki sequences .
Where Are They Now?
Fifteen years after the premiere, the cast has achieved remarkable success. Emilia Clarke starred in Solo: A Star Wars Story and continues to work in film and television . Kit Harington married his on-screen love Rose Leslie and has appeared in projects like The Eternals . Sophie Turner played Jean Grey in X-Men films and married musician Joe Jonas . Maisie Williams starred in The New Mutants and continues to take diverse roles . Richard Madden became a star through Bodyguard and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Eternals . Jason Momoa became a global superstar as Aquaman . Peter Dinklage has appeared in Avengers: Infinity War, Cyrano, and The Hunger Games prequel .
Some actors have tragically passed away, including Margaret John (Old Nan), who died in 2011, and Wilko Johnson (Ilyn Payne), who died in 2022 . Others, like Jack Gleeson, stepped back from acting after the series, though Gleeson has recently returned to the screen .
Also Read:
The Legacy
Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 1 remains a masterclass in introducing a complex world without overwhelming viewers. The cast, from the established stars to the fresh faces, brought George R.R. Martin’s characters to life in ways that resonated globally. For fans wanting to stream the episode, Game of Thrones is available on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the United States, Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK, Foxtel and Binge in Australia, JioCinema in India, and Crave in Canada.
For more nostalgia trips and the latest updates on your favorite stars, keep visiting VvipTimes for exclusive content and comprehensive coverage from the world of entertainment.
