One of the benefits of creating an epic tale that’s already largely been written is knowing exactly where your characters could end up in later seasons or sequels. If a ‘Hunger Games’ script gets handed to an actor for a seemingly small role, all that actor would have to do is crack open the rest of the trilogy to see if accepting this paltry supporting role might pay off in huge dividends later on. Of course, one needs to look no further than Rachelle Lefevre who played Victoria in ‘Twilight’ and Bryce Dallas Howard who played Victoria in ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ to see that casting is not always a sure thing, and no one’s safe in Hollywood if a Howard wants your role. (I kid, I kid. Summit says the character was recast because of conflicting film schedules.)
In the case of ‘Game of Thrones,’ however, any number of things could contribute to a decision that’s been floating around in rumors all day. The role of Tommen Baratheon, younger brother to Joffrey, is said to have been recast with an actor already known to the series. According to inside sources reporting to WinterIsComing.net, Prince Tommen, who was originally played by young Callum Wharry (pictured to the left), will now allegedly be played by actor Dean-Charles Chapman, who was seen as Martyn Lannister, one of the captive Lannister squires hastily killed by Rickard Karstark.
Of course, since the news isn’t officially confirmed, there are no answers as to why this decision was made, but if one had to venture a guess, it might be that the comparatively small role was cast before the success of the series could have been known. Couple that with the fact that it’s likely not easy to keep an actor on retainer for several years with limited screen time, as the actor’s last appearance was in ‘Blackwater,’ the ninth episode of season two. That said, Charles Chapman’s performance as the young Lannister captive was particularly touching and painful, so there may be something to be said for stronger acting chops, but there could be a variety of reasons.
It’s certainly not the first recast the series has seen. Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane was recast in the second season also due to scheduling conflicts, and the character of Catelyn Stark was played by Jennifer Ehle and then replaced with Michelle Fairley before the series started, requiring the pilot to be reshot.
Beware where you venture online in the coming days as this rumor circles around to various outlets. Explicit spoilers abound with theories and explanations around this recasting decision. In the harsh world of Westeros where anything can happen, let’s just assume that everything surrounding ‘Game of Thrones’ is a spoiler and leave it at that.
If the news is true, though, how cool must it be as an actor to find out that your small death scene was so moving, the producers couldn’t get enough of you, and you’re being brought back as a completely different character? Now to convince them to recast Sean Bean as the Lannisters’ wacky neighbor…
