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18th May 2019

Avengers star recalls their ‘terrible’ Game of Thrones audition

Paul Moore

One Thrones scene proved to be “the most awkward audition I’d ever had.”

As Game of Thrones reaches its conclusion, a few stories about its origins are emerging, especially in relation to casting.

In recent weeks, we’ve learned that Nicholas Hoult (About A Boy, X-Men: First Class) and Joe Dempsie (Gendry) both auditioned for the role of Jon Snow and with the finale approaching, fans of the show will be hoping that it manages to stick the landing in the same way that the MCU did with Avengers: Endgame.

On this note, it turns out that Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch in the MCU) previously auditioned for the role of Daenerys Targareyn.

In an interview with Vulture, Olsen said: “When I first started working, I just auditioned for everything, because I like auditioning. And I auditioned for Khaleesi. I forgot that. It was the most awkward audition I’d ever had”.

Of course, Tamzin Merchant (Pride & Prejudice) was originally cast in the role of Daenerys for the infamous pilot, but she was later replaced by Emilia Clarke.

The rest is history.

With regards to Olsen’s audition, the Avengers star said that she had to recite a monologue from the Season 1 finale.

In her own words, it was the scene“after she just burned.”

We’re fairly certain that she’s referring to the Season 1 finale, Fire and Blood. In that episode, Daenerys declares herself queen of a new khalasar and steps into the lit pyre. She later emerges from the flames, carrying three newborn dragons.

“She’s making this speech to thousands of people about how she’s their queen. They didn’t know if they wanted a British accent or not. So, you did it in both. It was terrible. Anytime someone says, ‘Bad audition story.’ That’s one I remember,” said Olsen.

Well, the star of Wind River and Godzilla didn’t do too badly because after impressing in the MCU, Scarlet Witch has landed a show with Vision on Disney’s new streaming platform.

If you’re feeling nostalgic about previous Game of Thrones auditions, this clip should give you a laugh.

Clip via Good Morning Bloopers