Some characters, when introduced in a TV show, become fan-favourites over time and play a pivotal role in the story. Natalie Dormerās Margaery Tyrell, who was added to the series in episode 3 of season 2, gained massive popularity due to her wits, seductiveness and cunning nature. Although, she originally auditioned for a different role on Game of Thrones, and that was Melisandre!
In James Hibberdās book, Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon, Natalie talked about her journey on the show. (Also, check out why she left the series). She recalled how thrilled she was for the audition. She said,
āIāve never spoke about this previously: I didnāt audition for Margaery Tyrell originally. I auditioned for Melisandre. Then I got a call from my agents saying, āThey loved you but want you to audition for another role.ā And Iām like, āDamn, this Melisandre role looks f**king cool!ā Dan [Weiss] and David [Benioff] said, āThereās this character Margaery, and weāre still exploring what weāre going to do with her.ā
ā You look back and realize Melisandre couldnāt have been anyone else, Carice [van Houten] did an amazing job, but I always had a chuckle on the couch when a Melisandre scene came on. Margaery brought a very sort of modern PR kind of angle [to the ensemble]. She was canvassing the common peopleās hearts and minds. I tried to think of her as like a hybrid of Michelle Obama and like a Kate Middleton or Princess Diana,ā she added.
Itās hard to imagine Dormer in any other role, she nailed it so brilliantly. Would you have liked to see Dormer as Melisandre? Tell us in the comments below!
