BeforeEmilia Clarkewas Daenerys Targaryen, there was Tamzin Merchant.
The then-21-year-old Merchant landed the female lead role inHBO’s original ill-fatedGame of Thronespilot that was filmed in 2009.
One of those changes: the actor who played the Mother of Dragons.
At the time, the British actress was coming off another hit costume drama, Showtime’sThe Tudors.
She would later go on to join WGN’sSalem, the CW’sSupergirl,and Amazon’sCarnival Row.
Merchant is also about to launch her literary debut, the young adult fantasy novelThe Hatmakers.
Merchant has never publicly discussed theGame of Thronespilot in any detailuntil now.
“Shooting that pilot was a really great lesson,” Merchant said via Zoom from London.
I was talked back into it by some persuasive people.
The Merchant version was filmed as more of a seduction than in the eventually aired pilot starring Clarke.
“I didn’t have any training as an actor, I only have my instincts.
And what excites me and what drives me is a compelling story and a compelling character.
So for me,Game of Throneswas never that.
But for me, it wasn’t in my heart to tell it.”
Actors being swapped out after a pilot is filmed is a very common occurrence.
“Like, ‘oh my mode of transport is quite interesting today!’
We all knew Daenerys' journey was critical.
Her scenes with Jason just didn’t work.”
While co-executive producer Bryan Cogman added, “I thought Tamzin did a really good job.
It’s hard to say why things didn’t work out.
Ultimately, it’s obvious Emilia Clarke was born to play that part.”
She’s walking on her path and she gets taken by this lady in a golden carriage.
The lady sweeps her off to this grand life of riches and luxury.
And she burns the red shoes that the girl made.
I just wouldn’t be the creator that I am today [like with the book].
I’m profoundly grateful to have claimed my own path to be carving it for myself."
