HBO's Game of Thrones brought many incredible actors into its huge ensemble cast. Each actor gave a fantastic performance and allowed fans to truly immerse themselves in the world of Westeros. Game of Thrones broadened the fantasy fanbase and became one of the biggest and most popular TV shows in history.
Despite Game of Thrones' success, character deaths and poor writing often squandered actors' abilities and potential. The series killed many of its characters before their actors had time to shine. Others were let down by their characters' development, ending up in dead ends where they couldn't demonstrate their skills.
10 Thomas Brodie-Sangster Had More To Give As Jojen Reed
Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s Jojen Reed deserved better, as he lived and died in service of the Three-Eyed Raven and Bran Stark. Brodie-Sangster plays the role of a greenseer incredibly well and has an instrumental role in the fall of the White Walkers.
However, some fans think Game of Thrones didn't utilize Brodie-Sangster to his full potential. The star had been on screens from a very young age and, if he had remained on the show, he could’ve given more as one of the show's few characters with magical abilities. While Jojen knew that the journey would kill him that doesn't mean he had to disappear into the background so soon.
9 Rose Leslie's Ygritte Had So Much Chemistry With Jon Snow
The chemistry between Rose Leslie (Ygritte) and Kit Harington (Jon Snow) was incredible for fans to see and felt very real, in part because of their actual romance outside Game of Thrones. However, Ygritte was killed right before Jon’s eyes, ending any future they could’ve had together.
The death of Rose Leslie’s character is another example of wasted potential, as Game of Thrones lost a deep and wonderful bond, which made for a nice change of pace in such a brutal world. While Ygritte's death was necessary for the plot, fans could have learned more about Ygritte before Olly’s arrow killed her.
8 Tom Hopper's Dickon Tarly Needed More Time
Tom Hopper has a minor role in Seasons 6 and 7 of Game of Thrones as Dickon Tarly, Samwell’s brother, before refusing to bend the knee to Daenerys and being burnt alive. Dickon and his father refuse to pledge to Dany and die with their honor, but they also essentially ended the future of their house.
Dickon is remembered for his death and his connection to Sam. However, there is clearly much more that could’ve come from his character based on Hopper’s other works. His talent may have been wasted in a rather one-note character that never got the time to develop.
7 Richard Madden Played The Beloved Robb Stark
The Red Wedding is one of the worst events in all of Game of Thrones and one of the saddest scenes, as three Starks and many of their men and allies are wiped out. Richard Madden’s Robb Stark met his death after watching his pregnant wife Talisa die horrifically while knowing his mother Catelyn was next.
Robb should’ve been given more of an opportunity in the war, and the plot could’ve gone in another direction to allow Madden to remain in Game of Thrones. Of course, it is unlikely that this major plot point could’ve been changed, but fans sure wish Robb stuck around.
6 Sean Bean's Ned Stark Survived Just One Season
Over the years, Sean Bean has earned a reputation for being killed off in his roles. Nevertheless, it was a shock for Game of Thrones fans when Bean's Ned Stark died in the first season. Ned was, in many ways, the main character of the show.
Ned appeared to be capable of playing the game of thrones when he let go of his honor and conceded to Joffrey. He still died, however, which meant he couldn't reveal the secret of Jon’s true parentage. As a beloved character, fans wish he hadn't died so soon in Game of Thrones.
5 Jason Momoa's Khal Drogo Had More Potential
Khal Drogo also only lasted for one season before losing his life. However, Jason Momoa’s character had big dreams and wanted to cross the sea and rule with Daenerys. Drogo also believed their son would be the ‘Stallion Who Mounts the World’.
Drogo is an incredibly strong man and leader, so a wound being the beginning of his demise was a terrible twist of fate. Additionally, Jason Momoa had fantastic onscreen chemistry with Emilia Clarke. More of Khal Drogo's story could’ve been shown, which would have delighted fans.
4 Natalie Dormer's Margaery Was A Great Contender
Natalie Dormer’s Margaery had just begun to be competition for Cersei. She had started to mold Joffrey, getting him to care about the people's favor, and completely won over young Tommen. Margaery was a real contender, just like her grandmother.
However, Margaery was killed in the destruction of the Sept of Baelor, which was orchestrated by Cersei. Her family and house were then wiped out. It is a shame considering how much potential Margaery had, especially when fans consider Olenna’s legacy. Natalie Dormer certainly had more talent to showcase.
3 Pedro Pascal's Oberyn Martell Died Too Soon
Pedro Pascal joined Game of Thrones in Season 4 as Prince Oberyn Martell and died within the same season. Oberyn is killed by the Mountain in a trial by combat. He volunteered to be Tyrion’s champion to enact revenge upon Clegane for the death of his sister and her children.
Pascal portrayed Oberyn perfectly and left a huge impact on fans, despite his short time on Game of Thrones. However, producers may have made a mistake in ending his time on the show so quickly. Pascal could’ve brought even more to the fan-favorite role and developed his story further.
2 Emilia Clarke's Daenerys Deserved Better
Season 8's poor writing was a huge point of contention for Game of Thrones fans. Many characters had rushed endings, which is exactly what happened with Emilia Clarke's Daenerys Targaryen. The character and the actor deserved more, as Daenerys had spent eight seasons working toward the throne.
It is terribly sad for viewers to see Daenerys' descent into villainy and her death at the hands of Jon Snow, but it also feels like a waste. Her character development is washed away, as is the opportunity for Clarke to portray the queen of the Seven Kingdoms at long last.
1 Joseph Quinn Only Had A Small Role
Many fans know Joseph Quinn as the beloved Eddie Munson from Stranger Things, but he also had a small role in Season 7 of Game of Thrones. Quinn portrays Koner, one of the soldiers standing guard at the gates of Winterfell who turns Arya away.
Quinn has such a short scene that it is easy to forget that he was even in Game of Thrones. However, this is exactly what proves that he was wasted. As a talented actor, Quinn could’ve shined with a bigger role and more lines, and his talent could’ve been properly showcased to the world.