Fans of Game of Thrones were taken by surprise when a key character returned with a completely new face. Ed Skrein, the original Daario Naharis, was replaced by Michiel Huisman after only three episodes, a dramatic change that was more complicated than a simple scheduling conflict.
What Officially Happened with the Recasting
When Daario Naharis first appeared in Season 3, he was played by Ed Skrein. The character was a charismatic and arrogant sellsword who quickly became an ally and love interest to Daenerys Targaryen. However, when the show returned for its fourth season, a different actor, Michiel Huisman, was in the role.
Early reports suggested that Skrein left the show due to a scheduling conflict, specifically because he was set to star in the movie “The Transporter Refueled”. This was the initial public reason given for the sudden and noticeable recast.
The Political Reasons Behind the Scenes
In later interviews, Ed Skrein clarified that the situation was not so straightforward. He revealed that his departure was not his own choice and was instead due to “politics” behind the scenes. Skrein had intended to stay with the popular series for a long time.
“My plan was to stay with Game of Thrones for the long haul,” Skrein said. “That was always my plan. I would have loved to. It was a wonderful experience, but politics led to us parting ways.”
While Skrein never specified the exact nature of these “politics,” it is often used in the entertainment industry to describe contract disputes, creative differences, or other internal production issues. He has maintained a positive outlook on his time with the show, calling it a “wonderful experience” and stating that he focuses on staying “grounded” and moving forward.
How Fans Reacted to the New Daario
The recasting was a major point of discussion for viewers. Skrein’s version of Daario was notably different from Huisman’s. Skrein played the character with a distinct haughtiness and arrogance, with long, flowy blonde hair and a clean-shaven face. Many fans felt this version was closer to the character described in the original “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series.
When Michiel Huisman took over, his Daario was less overtly arrogant. He had darker, shorter hair and a beard, giving the character a more brooding and serious feel. This stark visual and personality difference was jarring for many fans, some of whom believed Skrein’s portrayal was a better match for Daenerys.
What Ed Skrein Did After Game of Thrones
Despite his unexpected exit from one of the world’s biggest TV shows, Ed Skrein’s career continued successfully. After starring in The Transporter Refueled, he went on to play the villain Ajax in the first Deadpool movie. His other notable film roles include Alita: Battle Angel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and more recently, he gained attention as the villain Atticus Noble in Netflix’s Rebel Moon films. He is also set to appear in the upcoming movie “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”
