Tamzin Merchant, originally supposed to play Daenerys, recalls filming Game of Thrones’ unaired pilot

The road to success is covered with obstacles that often seem insurmountable. A project as big as Game of Thrones had its fair share of problems. The fantasy series was about to be cancelled in the first episode itself. The cast and crew of the show had previously opened up about the scrapped ordeal. Finally, Tamzin Merchant, the actress who originally played Daenerys in the dropped episode, opened up to Entertainment Weekly in an interview.

“Shooting that pilot was a really great lesson,” Merchant said. “It was an affirmation about listening to my instincts and following them, because I tried to back out of that situation and, during the contract process, I did back out. I was talked back into it by some persuasive people. Then I found myself naked and afraid in Morocco and riding a horse that was clearly much more excited to be there than I was.”

She continued, “It was a lesson that if my guts are telling me a story isn’t something I’m excited to tell, then I shouldn’t try to be excited just because other people are telling me that I should be excited. I didn’t have any training as an actor, I only have my instincts. What excites and drives me is a compelling story and a compelling character. So for me, Game of Thrones was never that.”

“I think it’s a testament to Emilia Clarke for making that role iconic — she was obviously excited to tell that story, and she was epic and excellent. But for me, it wasn’t in my heart to tell it.”

Would you have liked to see Tamzin as Daenerys? Tell us in the comments below!