Iwan Rheon Lost Out on a GoT Role That Could've Earned Him $12 Million
It turns out the actor who so brilliantly portrayed Ramsay Bolton was almost cast as a completely different GoT character.
HBO's hit fantasy show Game of Thrones, based on the books by George R. R. Martin became a massive sensation in the 2010s.
The show sparked a global frenzy for all things fantasy and catapulted every actor involved to A-list status.
However, not all of the cast managed to maintain their relevance after the series ended, with only a select few continuing to star in major films and television productions. Iwan Rheon ended up among the unlucky ones who've been mostly forgotten since the series ended. But things might have worked out very differently for him had he been approved for the role he initially auditioned for.
According to Rheon himself, during the pre-production and casting for Game of Thrones' very first season, he got shortlisted for the role of Jon Snow, and by shortlisted, we mean it was between him and one other actor. Rheon was excited about the role, and the producers loved him for it, but in the end, he lost out to Kit Harington, who was ultimately found to be a better fit for the heroic character.
Nevertheless, Rheon reminded everyone of his remarkable acting talent in Season 5 when he struck fear into the hearts of fans with his chilling portrayal of the sadistic Ramsay Bolton, who, having been born a bastard, initially went by Ramsay Snow – so close.
Although his fame skyrocketed, it did not significantly impact his net worth. Rheon currently boasts a respectable net worth of $4 million, but this is just a fraction of what he could have made playing Jon Snow.
Various sources indicate that Harington earned a staggering $12 million from his years on Game of Thrones and doubled that figure after the series ended, thanks to its enduring popularity. Had Rheon secured the coveted role instead, his career trajectory could have been entirely different.
However, it appears Rheon is not dwelling on this missed opportunity, choosing instead to focus on his acting career. And it seems to be paying off, as more and more fans who admired him on Game of Thrones continue to support his work.