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It’s the one audition she’d really rather forget.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Elizabeth Olsen revealed she tried out for the role of Daenerys Targaryen, which eventually went to Emelia Clarke, in Game of Thrones.
“Auditioning has always been something I've enjoyed,” Elizabeth (32) says. “I know other actors hate auditioning. You're your own worst enemy in an audition.
“You're either prepared, or you're not prepared and then after that, nothing is in your control.”
But this particular audition went horribly wrong, Elizabeth recalls.
“I auditioned for, like, the assistant to the casting director in a small room in New York with just a camera on me and them reading the script.
“I was doing the Khaleesi speech when she comes out of the fire. It was awful," she added. "I didn't get a call back,” she says.
READ MORE | Why Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke refuses to get face fillers
This isn’t the first time the Avengers actress has spoken out about the botched audition. During a 2019 interview with Vulture, Elizabeth, a huge GOT fan, shared more detail about the cringeworthy moment.
“It was the most awkward audition I’d ever had. [It takes place] after she just burnt. And 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 [British and American]. It was terrible. Anytime someone says, ‘Bad audition story.’ That’s one I remember,” she says.
Elizabeth isn’t the only talented actor to have been rejected or were turned down a for role in the Emmy Award-winning show.
Take a look at some of the stars who were almost on Game of Thrones:
Sam Claflin
Before starring in the hit movie The Hunger Games, Sam had auditioned for the roles of Jon Snow and Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys’ brother.
“I think I speak on behalf of every British actor when I say we all auditioned for it,” Sam said during a 2016 interview.
Despite not getting a call back, the 34-year-old is a huge fan of the show.
Sam Heughan
During an interview with Vulture, the Outlander actor revealed that he auditioned for the show multiple times but failed to bag a role.
"I auditioned for Game of Thrones seven times! Loads of times,” Sam said. “I auditioned for Renly, Loras, some of the members of the Night's Watch. And I'd always get so close!
“I’d be like, 'Guys, just give me a sword!' Everyone was going in for those parts.”
Dominic West
The 51-year-old The Affair star was offered the role of Wildling king Mance Rayder, but he couldn’t be part of the show due to prior engagements.
“I certainly wouldn't have turned it down. Definitely not,” Dominic said on Good Morning Britain. “I'd love them [to renew the offer actually]. I couldn't before because I was otherwise engaged – that was the only problem.”
Mahershala Ali
While promoting the 2016 film Moonlight on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the 47-year-old actor revealed that he auditioned to play Xaro Xhoan Daxos, a merchant who is established in the city-state of Qarth. Mahershala recalls preparing for the audition with chairs, but when he arrived in the audition room, he was met with a room full of stools.
“I had this whole thing worked out with this chair,” he says. “I was working with doing all these power moves and stances and what not. And then I go in for the audition and I walk into the HBO offices and there are these two stools . . . with no back behind them.”
Lily Allen
The English singer reportedly was offered the major role of Yara Greyjoybut declined it as it involved "too much incest".
“They asked me if I'd be interested in playing Theon's sister," Lily says.
“I felt uncomfortable because I would have had to go on a horse and he would have touched me up and s**t. Once they told me what was entailed, I said no thanks.”
Gillian Anderson
During an interview with Daily Mail, the American actress revealed that she declined a role in Game of Thrones. Despite not revealing the role, many of her fans believe it could be that of Queen Cersei Lannister.
“My 18-year-old cannot believe that I would turn down Game Of Thrones or Downton — things she loves to watch,” she says.
Millie Bobby Brown
Speaking to Jimmy Fallon, The Stranger Things actress revealed that she auditioned for the role of Lyanna Mormont.
"I got a no for that,” Millie says. “That’s kind of when I was like, 'Oh, this is really difficult,' and I guess I really wanted that role.”
Charlie Hunnam
While promoting his movie Arthur, the 41-year-old revealed that he declined a cameo in the series.
“I would love to do a Game of Thrones cameo,” he says. “They offered me a cameo on that show a little while ago, but I was shooting something else so I wasn’t able to do it. But maybe in the future, who knows?”
Mark Strong
The Stardust actor was reportedly offered the role of Stannis Baratheon.
“I was offered a role in it but I can’t ever say who it was,” Mark says.
“I don’t want to belittle the person who eventually did it because they may have no idea they weren’t first choice.”
Sources: The Hollywood reporter, Daily Mail, Vulture, Time, Elle, Style Caster
