Key Takeaways:
– Originally, Jennifer Ehle was cast as Catelyn Stark in Game of Thrones, not Michelle Fairley.
– The showrunners changed the character cast based on the feedback during the pilot episode.
– Around 90% of the first episode was reshot to include Fairley as Catelyn Stark.
– The casting director believed that the final casting was a more appropriate fit for the character.
The Story Behind Catelyn Stark’s Casting
For those who know Game of Thrones, it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role of the Stark family matriarch, Catelyn Stark, other than Michelle Fairley. However, the casting for this key character did not start with Fairley. The initial choice was a surprising one, and the journey to Fairley taking the role is a story worth telling.
From Jennifer Ehle to Michelle Fairley
Before the popular HBO TV series was filmed, there was a pre-production phase – a time to develop scripts and select potential actors for the diverse roles. Nina Gold, the show’s casting director, revealed that many of the main roles in Game of Thrones had to be reconsidered, Catelyn Stark included.
Believe it or not, Michelle Fairley was not the first choice for Catelyn Stark. Rather, it was Jennifer Ehle, famed for her performances in Pride and Prejudice and Fifty Shades of Grey. According to an interview with Vanity Fair, Gold explained Ehle was cast first and had even filmed the pilot, but dissatisfaction from screenwriters led to a change in plan.
Twists and Turns of Casting
Consulted for advice on the script, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin were not pleased with Ehle’s depiction of the character. Although Ehle is brilliant in her own right, the vision for Catelyn Stark seemed to change after the initial pilot was watched.
Concerns were raised, leading to a substantial reshoot of about 90% of the opening episode. Fans might be interested to know that this is why Catelyn Stark and Sansa Stark never appear in the same frame – Ehle was taken out, and Fairley was inserted.
The Switch to Fairley as Catelyn Stark
The shift in casting decisions wasn’t a result of a single factor. Rather, it was a mix of elements that August and Mazin weren’t satisfied with. Without specific feedback, the showrunners thought it best to alter nearly everything to improve the overall quality of the episode.
According to one of the showrunners, D.B. Weiss, the session with the screenwriters was one of the most painful experiences of his life. Upon hearing their feedback, Weiss and David Benioff decided to essentially “change everything.”
Factoring in Personal Concerns
At that time, Ehle reportedly desired to spend more time with her family post-filming, which led her to step away from the project. Yet, it also seemed plausible that she realized she might not be the best fit for Catelyn Stark’s role.
The result? Ehle stepped down, and Fairley took her place, giving life to Catelyn Stark in a way that resonated with fans worldwide. It’s a reminder of how crucial casting decisions can be in defining the success of a show like Game of Thrones, where every character plays a pivotal role.
All the action, drama, and captivating performances, including Fairley’s rendition of Catelyn Stark, can be relived. Every season of Game of Thrones is currently available to stream on Max.
