Lyonel Baratheon actor Daniel Ings auditioned to play Oberyn Martell and Theon Greyjoy

Daniel Ings has become one of the early fan favourites in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for his portrayal of ‘Ser Lyonel Baratheon’, also known as the ‘Laughing Storm’. But long before joining the Game of Thrones universe, Ings was no stranger to the world of Westeros. In a recent interview with Vulture, he revealed auditioning for the original Game of Thrones series years ago and that he didn’t get the parts he intended to.

Quick read:

• Daniel Ings has auditioned for the original Game of Thrones

• He aimed for the roles of Theon Greyjoy and Oberyn Martell

• He said that Alfie Allen and Pedro Pascal were the right choice for those characters

Daniel Ings on almost joining Game of Thrones

Many viewers have been impressed by Daniel Ings’ performance as Lyonel Baratheon, who brings his signature charm and humour, to the prequel series. Yet behind the scenes, Ings’s road to Westeros wasn’t straightforward. According to the above-mentioned interview, before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Ings tried out for two very different roles in Game of Thrones: Theon Greyjoy and Oberyn Martell.

Both parts became iconic in their own ways. Theon was played by Alfie Allen, while Oberyn was brought to life by Pedro Pascal. Though Ings didn’t get either of those roles, he said that both the actors were quite right for their respective roles.

Credits: HBO

Praise for his current character

In many ways, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms became the right place for Ings’ talents. While his earlier auditions with Game of Thrones didn’t lead to a part, he finally got his chance to join this world when he was cast as Ser Lyonel Baratheon.

Ings has said he feels fortunate to be playing a character who fits his energy and style so well. Before filming, he hadn’t even watched Game of Thrones, but once he did, he became a fan like the other viewers.

His portrayal of Lyonel Baratheon has been very well-received. It gives a strong sense of who the Baratheon house was long before the events of Game of Thrones. His ability to be a nonchalant personality despite being a noble and his subtle support for Dunk is winning over the fans.

With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continuing impress, Ings’s performance as Lyonel Baratheon might just be the role that defines his place in the Game of Thrones universe.