The 12 biggest differences between the first 'Game of Thrones' pilot and the final version fans saw

Kim RenfroApr 17, 2021, 17:53 IST

Tyrion's brothel scene was one of the only part of the original "Game of Thrones" pilot that made it into the final aired version.HBO

"Game of Thrones" famously got off to a rocky start with the first attempt at a pilot episode.
The cocreators changed some major details from their failed pilot to the final version for HBO.
We broke down the differences by comparing the script for the scrapped pilot and the aired episode.

A new director came in to reshoot the pilot after the cocreators realized there was a "massive problem" with the first version.

HBO

Daenerys Targaryen was recast, and Emilia Clarke replaced Tamzin Merchant.

Tamzin Merchant. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

All of Catelyn Stark's scenes were reshot with new actress Michelle Fairley instead of Jennifer Ehle.

Michelle Fairley as Catelyn. HBO

Another minor character, Ser Waymar Royce, was also recast.

Ser Waymar Royce in the "Game of Thrones" episode. HBO

In addition to recastings, Benioff and Weiss reworked almost the entire pilot script, including the opening scene.

The Wall is shown in the cold open of the "Game of Thrones" pilot. Game of Thrones/HBO screenshot

In the new pilot, Benioff and Weiss were more deliberate about introducing the White Walkers.

A White Walker in the "Game of Thrones" pilot. HBO

The opening sequence was also changed.

The iconic opening sequence of "Game of Thrones." HBO

The writers went back and added more exposition to the dialogue, which helped the audience understand who was related to who.

Bran, Jon, and Robb in the "Game of Thrones" pilot. HBO

Another obvious example of this spoon-feeding can be seen in the changes made to Cersei and Jaime's first scene together in the throne room.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister in "Game of Thrones." HBO

Some scenes from the original pilot did make it into the show, like a scene where a raven flies toward Winterfell.

A raven in the "Game of Thrones" pilot. HBO

The brief scene of Bran Stark on the rooftops of Winterfell is also saved from the original pilot.

Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark in the "Game of Thrones" pilot. HBO

Tyrion's hair was much more blonde in the first pilot, and you can see that first wig in this scene:

Ros and Tyrion in the "Game of Thrones" pilot. HBO

There were also some rescued scenes between Ned, Robert, and Benjen. You can tell they're from the original pilot because Sean Bean's hair looks a bit different.

Sean Bean in "Game of Thrones." HBO

The show also did away with flashbacks, which were better suited to the books.

A flashback to Brandon Stark's death as seen in a 2011 promo video for "Game of Thrones." HBO

Daenerys's wedding to Khal Drogo had to be totally redone thanks to the new casting, which mean George R.R. Martin's cameo was cut.

George R.R. Martin. Rich Polk/Getty Images

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