The most famous face in the north of Westeros almost looked very different. Years before Iwan Rheon terrified audiences as the cruel Ramsay Bolton on Game of Thrones, he was in the running to play the heroic Jon Snow. Casting director Nina Gold and the show’s creators considered Rheon for the lead role, which ultimately made Kit Harington a global star. This surprising “what-if” is one of the most interesting bits of trivia from the show’s casting process.
Iwan Rheon’s Early Auditions for Game of Thrones
Long before he became known for playing one of television’s most hated villains, Iwan Rheon was just another actor trying to land a part in HBO’s new fantasy series. His first contact with the show was a general audition. He initially read for the part of Viserys Targaryen, the arrogant brother of Daenerys, a role that later went to Harry Lloyd.
The casting team then asked him to try out for a much bigger part: Jon Snow. Rheon has said he did not know much about the project at the time and understood that many actors were competing for the role. Reflecting on the process, he shared a balanced view of the outcome.
“I think they made the right choice; it would’ve been a very different Jon Snow if I’d played him,” Rheon told Interview Magazine.
He also noted that casting often comes down to specific qualities the producers are looking for, which can include simply how an actor looks.
The Actor Who Became Ramsay Bolton
After missing out on Jon Snow, Iwan Rheon did not give up on joining Game of Thrones. He later auditioned for two other roles. One was Daario Naharis, the warrior who becomes a love interest for Daenerys. That part was first played by Ed Skrein and later by Michiel Huisman.
The other role was Ramsay Bolton, the sadistic bastard son of Roose Bolton. Rheon was filming a movie in Spain at the time and had to submit a tape for his audition. He got a chance to meet the producers in person when he was back in London and finally secured the part. This role would define his career and put him on a direct collision course with the character he once wanted to play.
Kit Harington’s Path to Becoming Jon Snow
While Rheon was being considered, the role of Jon Snow went to the then-unknown actor Kit Harington. His path to the part has its own memorable story. Harington once said he showed up to his crucial audition with a black eye. He explained he got into a fight at a McDonald’s the night before, defending a girl he was with from verbal insults.
Harington joked that the black eye might have helped him look the part of a brooding warrior. However, casting director Nina Gold remembers the event differently. She said the black eye did not leave an impression; instead, it was Harington’s powerful acting that won her over.
“All I remember is that he was really, really mind-blowingly good,” Gold said of Harington’s audition.
She first noticed Harington when he was performing in the stage play Warhorse in London and brought him in to read for the part.
Other Actors Who Auditioned for Jon Snow
The search for the right Jon Snow was wide. Iwan Rheon was not the only future cast member who read for the part. At least two other actors who later appeared on the show also auditioned to lead the Night’s Watch.
Alfie Allen, who would go on to play the complicated Theon Greyjoy, tried out for Jon Snow. Joe Dempsie, cast as the blacksmith Gendry, also read for the role. Some observers believe Dempsie could have been a good fit, as his character Gendry shared Jon’s brooding and loyal nature.
Outside the main cast, other well-known actors were in the mix. Sam Claflin, known for The Hunger Games, auditioned for both Jon Snow and Viserys Targaryen early in the show’s development.
The Pivotal Battle of the Bastards
The casting choices set the stage for one of the most climactic moments in the series. In Season 6, Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton faced off in the “Battle of the Bastards.” This epic confrontation saw Jon, recently brought back to life, rallying forces to take back Winterfell from Ramsay, who held Sansa Stark captive.
The battle is remembered for its intense action and shocking moments, including Ramsay killing Rickon Stark. Jon Snow’s forces eventually won, and Sansa delivered Ramsay’s final punishment. This storyline made the earlier casting decision seem even more fitting. Seeing the heroic Jon and the villainous Ramsay clash was a highlight of the series, and it is difficult to imagine the same actor playing both sides of that fight.
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How Fans Can Watch Game of Thrones Now
The complete series of Game of Thrones, featuring Kit Harington’s definitive performance as Jon Snow and Iwan Rheon’s terrifying turn as Ramsay Bolton, is available to stream. All eight seasons can be found on HBO Max.
The series, which aired from 2011 to 2019, is based on George R.R. Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire. It won 59 Primetime Emmy Awards from 164 nominations. The show’s legacy continues with prequel series like House of the Dragon.
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