Game of Thrones: Elizabeth Olsen recalls 'terrible' audition for Daenerys Targaryen role
'They didn’t know if they wanted a British accent or not'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Elizabeth Olsen has revealed she once auditioned for the role of Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones.
Speaking to Vulture, the Avengers actor recalled how "awkward" the audition was as the showrunners were unsure whether they wanted an American or British accent.
“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,” she said.
Olsen was asked to give the monologue from the final moments of season one.
“[From] after she just burned," Olsen continued. "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. It was terrible. Anytime someone says, ‘Bad audition story.’ That’s one I remember.”
Tamzin Merchant won the part, appearing in the pilot episode. However, after the pilot failed to impress the producers, Merchant was recast and Emilia Clarke took over.
Game of Thrones has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon and has made Clarke an internationally recognised star. Olsen, meanwhile, has become best known for playing the character Scarlett Witch in the Avengers films.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments