Editorial

23 Game of Thrones actors that also star in Marvel movies and TV shows

Published

10 months ago

July 5, 2023

The Marvel Cinematic Universe, renowned for its interconnected storytelling and bringing beloved comic book characters to life on the big screen, has seen an influx of Game of Thrones actors in recent years. From wielding swords to donning super suits, over 20 Game of Thrones’ alumni have transitioned from Westeros to the action-packed world of Marvel. How many of them did you recognize while watching a Marvel movie or a TV show?

Kit Harington (Jon Snow) as Dame Whitman in Eternals

Jon Snow might know nothing about Game of Thrones, but he knows how to capture everyone’s attention, even with a minor role as Dane Whitman in the movie Eternals. In the first installment of this movie series, he does not particularly do much, but Marvel has teased a bright future for him. He is almost sure to reprise his role and transform into the next leader of the Eternals, the Black Knight.

In the comics, Black Knight is stronger than Thor even. He has no superhuman powers of his own, but he wields a plethora of magical weapons. Dane Whitman also gains excellent combat strategies and intelligence when he transforms into the Black Knight.

Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) as Jean Grey in Dark Phoenix

The Queen in the North, Sophie Turner’s Sansa Stark, was one of the few characters on Game of Thrones with a happy ending. In 2016, she expanded her filmography with X-Men: Apocalypse. Three years later, she took center stage as Jean Gray in the movie Dark Phoenix where she acts as the lead and the antagonist.

She plays one of the most powerful mutants in the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. Being one of Charles Xavier’s most trusted students is no small feat. But she is struck by a powerful ray of mystical energy, which she absorbs into her body. These new powers begin corrupting her as she turns into the Dark Phoenix and becomes an uncontrollable danger to everyone. Sophie Turner says she would love to return to the franchise.

Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) as G’iah in Secret Invasion

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Daenerys Targaryen remains one of the most iconic book and TV show characters of all time. Emilia Clarke gained worldwide stardom with her portrayal of the mother of dragons. Although she has been in several movies and plays since then, her latest venture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Secret Invasion, might signal a new era of popularity for Clarke.

In this television miniseries from Marvel Studios, she will be portraying a Skrull separatist named G’iah. Early reviews of the show have left critics and fans with more positive than most Marvel projects this year, which is a notable achievement for the cast and crew. With Samuel L. Jackson leading the series, it is going to be an interesting project for sure.

Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) as Rahne Sinclair in The New Mutants

Maisie Williams won everyone’s hearts as the little but fierce Arya Stark. In 2020, she joined the X-Men universe in the spin-off, The New Mutants. In this superhero horror film, a group of young mutants held captive in a secret facility must confront their fears and inner demons to escape. As they face eerie encounters and unravel the facility’s dark secrets, they learn to control their powers and forge friendships while dealing with their past traumas.

Maisie plays Rahne Sinclair. She has the superpower of transforming into a wolf and werewolf-like forms and hence gets the name Wolfsbane. Initially, director Josh Boone planned for a The New Mutants trilogy, but with the less than lukewarm box-office response, any sequel is very improbable.

Richard Madden (Robb Stark) as Ikaris in Eternals

The biggest Stark brother has established himself in the industry with Bodyguard and Rocketman. He made his Marvel debut in 2021 in Eternals as Ikaris. The de-facto leader of the Eternals and the main antagonist of the movie. Ikaris is like Superman; has laser eyes, is super tough, stoic, and can fly. It was quite exciting watching Robb Stark shed off his furs and horses and don latex suits and the power of flight!

Ikaris’ strength can overwhelm the rest of the group combined, and he puts up a spectacular fight. But, with the way the movie ended, it is unlikely we’ll be seeing him in the sequel, but one can hope.

Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) as Eitri in Avengers: Infinity War

Variety listed Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister as one of the top 5 greatest HBO performances of all time. Anyone who has watched Game of Thrones will know that this title is very well deserved. Some people might have hated his character, and some might have loved him, but his performance was unforgettable throughout every season.

Peter made in Marvel debut as Bolivar Trask in X-Men: Days of the Future Past. Later on, he played the last of the Giant Dwarves, Eitri, in Avengers: Infinity War. Without Eitri’s help, Thor would have been at a significant disadvantage. He also had a scene in Thor: Love and Thunder, but it did not make the final cut.

Finn Jones (Loras Tyrell) as Danny Rand in Iron Fist

Finn Jones had a recurring role in multiple seasons of Game of Thrones, playing the character Loras Tyrell. Loras was initially introduced in season 2 as the heir to Highgarden and the romantic partner of Renly Baratheon, who sought to become the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. His Marvel debut came in the 2017 Netflix series Iron Fist, where he brought to life the story of a billionaire, Danny Rand, returning to New York City after years of being presumed dead.

The primary power associated with Iron Fist is the ability to channel his chi, or life force energy, into his fists, turning them into powerful weapons. This process, known as the “Iron Fist,” grants Danny superhuman strength, speed, durability, and heightened senses. He also appeared in Marvel’s The Defenders and Luke Cage. Iron Fist was canceled after two seasons.

Jessica Henwick (Nymeria Sand) as Colleen Wing in Iron Fist

Jessica Henwick had a brief role in Game of Thrones as Nymeria Sand, one of Oberyn Martell’s daughters who referred to themselves as the Sand Snakes of Dorne. Apart from Game of Thrones, Henwick also portrayed Colleen Wing in the Iron Fist series alongside fellow Game of Thrones actor Finn Jones. Colleen plays a significant role in the Iron Fist show and makes appearances in Marvel’s The Defenders and Luke Cage.

Colleen Wing does not possess any superhuman abilities, but she is a master martial artist. She specializes in various forms of hand-to-hand combat, including kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship). She combines her martial arts prowess with quick reflexes, acrobatics, and agility, making her a highly agile and elusive combatant.

Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Bolton) as Maximus in The Inhumans

Best remembered as the most abominable Ramsay Bolton, Iwan Rheon made a lasting impression on all the viewers, going down as one of the most vile villains in Game of Thrones, which is no small feat. In 2017, a live-action adaptation of The Inhumans was developed as a television series. Iwan Rheon, known for his role as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, played a prominent character named Maximus in the Inhumans series.

The Inhumans are a race of superheroes with supernatural abilities. Maximus is the brother of Black Bolt, the Inhuman king, and has a deep resentment towards his brother’s rule. Driven by his ambition and desire to overthrow his brother and claim the throne, Maximus orchestrates a rebellion against the Inhuman royal family. The show was canceled after its first season.

Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell) as Private Lorraine in Captain America: The First Avenger

Natalie Dormer was the first Game of Thrones alumna to be in a Marvel project, because this was even before Game of Thrones went on air. The fan-favorite Margaery Tyrell actor also played Private Lorraine in Captain America: The First Avenger. In the film, Natalie Dormer portrays Private Lorraine, a young woman who shares a brief encounter with Steve Rogers before he undergoes the Super Soldier experiment that transforms him into Captain America.

Lorraine is seen as an attractive woman who catches Steve’s attention during a USO show. Lorraine is also Steve Roger’s first kiss. But nothing more than that ever happens between the two.

Hannah John-Kamen as Ava/Ghost in The Antman and The Wasp

Hannah John-Kamen portrayed Ornela in Game of Thrones, a member of the dosh Khaleen who develops a friendship with Daenerys Targaryen. Although Ornela only appears in two episodes, her character serves as an example of Daenerys’ original intentions of liberating people.

Following her time on Game of Thrones, Hannah John-Kamen’s career has thrived, with her notable role as Ava Starr in the 2018 film Ant-Man & The Wasp. In the movie, Ava possesses exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills acquired through S.H.I.E.L.D. training. Additionally, she can turn invisible and phase through objects, showcasing her abilities as a versatile and elusive character, and gains the codename Ghost.

Harry Lloyd (Viserys Targaryen) as a Young Charles Xavier in Legions

Game of Thrones fans will know him best as Daenerys’ manipulative and abusive brother, Viserys Targaryen. We say goodbye to him early on in the series, but his character is not so easily forgettable, seeing that Daenerys named one of her dragons after him. He entered the Marvel Universe as Charles Xavier’s younger version in Legions season 3.

On playing such a well-known role, Lloyd tells Collider, “It’s such a fun show to work on. Even just doing a few episodes, there’s a crazy creative crew who are always doing really interesting stuff in the camera.” The series lasted for three seasons.

David Bradley (Walder Frey) as a church keeper in Captain America: The First Avenger

David Bradley, known for his role as Walder Frey in Game of Thrones, also appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger. In the Marvel film, Bradley portrayed a church keeper in Norway tasked with protecting the powerful artifact known as the Tesseract. However, he is primarily recognized for his memorable portrayal of the devious Walder Frey, who played a significant role in the shocking events surrounding the death of Robb Stark.

Ed Skrein (Daario Naharis) as Ajax in Deadpool

Ed Skrein played Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones before Michiel Huisman took over. He has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Skrein played the character Ajax, also known as Francis Freeman, in the 2016 film Deadpool. Ajax serves as the main antagonist and is responsible for the creation of Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds.

In the movie, Ajax possesses enhanced physical abilities and is immune to pain. He engages in a fierce rivalry with Deadpool, engaging in several intense confrontations throughout the film. However, it’s important to note that Ed Skrein did not reprise his role as Ajax in the sequel, Deadpool 2, as the character was recast and portrayed by actor Eddie Marsan due to scheduling conflicts.

Clive Russell (Brynden Tully) as Tyr in Thor: The Dark World

Clive Russell, known for his role as Brynden Tully, also known as the Blackfish, in Game of Thrones, had a notable role in Thor: The Dark World. In Game of Thrones, Russell portrayed the determined Brynden Tully, the uncle of Catelyn and Edmure Tully, who fiercely guarded the stronghold of Riverrun. In an earlier part of his career, Russell took on the role of Tyr, leading the Asgardian army in Thor: The Dark World, portraying the Norse god.

Richard E. Grant (Izembaro) as Zander Rice in Logan

Grant portrayed Izembaro, a member of the Braaviosi theatre troupe, in Game of Thrones. However, in the film Logan, Richard E. Grant took on the role of the villain Zander Rice. Zander Rice was a scientist and the surgical head of Alkali-Transigen, gaining notoriety for being the one responsible for the near extinction of mutants.

Rice was responsible for a plot that aimed to bring mutants to the brink of extinction, but Logan thwarted his plans by killing him. In a more recent role, Grant delivered captivating performances as Classic Loki, a variant character in the Disney+ series Loki, stealing the spotlight in every scene he appeared in.

Joseph Gatt (Thenn Warg) as Grundroth in Thor

In Game of Thrones, Joseph Gatt portrayed Thenn Warg, a fearsome warrior belonging to the Wildling army. Thenn Warg had the ability to warg into animals and control them. Gatt took on the character of Grundroth in the film Thor. Grundroth is a Frost Giant, a race known for their immense size and formidable strength.

Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder) as Mephisto in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Ciarán Hinds played the role of Mance Rayder, the charismatic and formidable leader of the Wildling army, known as the King Beyond the Wall, in Game of Thrones. Hinds also ventured into the Marvel universe with his role in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. In the film, he portrayed the villainous character Mephisto, a powerful demonic entity with manipulative and sinister intentions.

James Faulkner (Randyll Tarly) as a Swiss bank manager in X-Men: First Class

James Faulkner took on the role of Randyll Tarly, the father of Samuel Tarly, in the later seasons of Game of Thrones. Portraying a stern and inflexible character, Randyll Tarly adamantly refused to bend the knee to Daenerys Targaryen’s authority. In the 2011 film X-Men: First Class, James Faulkner made an appearance as a Swiss bank manager.

Ralph Ineson (Dagmer Cleftjaw) as a Ravager pilot in Guardians of the Galaxy

Michael Ineson portrayed the character Dagmer Cleftjaw. Dagmer was a loyal and fierce warrior who served House Greyjoy and had a hand in the Ironborn storyline. Ineson had a background role in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy. He appeared as a Ravager pilot.

Enzo Cilenti (Yezzan zo Qaggaz) as a watchtower guard in Guardians of the Galaxy

In Game of Thrones, Enzo Cilenti portrayed the character Yezzan zo Qaggaz, a prominent slave trader hailing from the city of Yunkai. Yezzan’s storyline in the series revolved around his involvement in the slave trade and his encounters with major characters. Notably, in season 5, he purchased Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont, leading to significant developments in their respective journeys. Later in season 6, Yezzan was present during the pivotal attack on Meereen by the free cities.

In 2014, Cilenti also made an appearance in the Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy, where he played a watchtower guard.

Richard Brake (The Night King) as an Einherjar lieutenant in Thor: The Dark World

Richard Brake made his mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by portraying an Einherjar lieutenant in Thor: The Dark World. As part of Tyr’s army. Brake’s talents extended to the small screen when he joined the cast of Game of Thrones in seasons 4 and 5, embodying the chilling Night King. He was later replaced by Vladimír Furdík due to scheduling conflicts.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Malko) as Algrim the Strong/Kurse in Thor: The Dark World

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In Thor: The Dark World, Akinnuoye-Agbaje portrayed the powerful and formidable character of Algrim the Strong, also known as Kurse. In Game of Thrones, Akinnuoye-Agbaje took on the role of Malko, the captain of a slaving ship, in season 5.