It’s hard to find two TV series more different than Game of Thrones and Misfits. One is an epic saga about the brutal fight for the Iron Throne, where characters die faster than they can say Winter is Coming. The other is a witty and heartfelt comedy about a group of teenagers trying to survive adulthood without losing themselves. Yet, as it turns out, these two worlds are more connected than one might think.
A total of six actors from Misfits transitioned to Westeros, and while three of them are easy to name, the others are sure to surprise you.
Iwan Rheon – From Hero to Monster
In Misfits, Iwan Rheon played Simon, a reserved guy with the power of invisibility who gradually evolved into the show’s main hero. He was one of the most likable characters in the series, making his role in Game of Thrones a stark contrast. Rheon portrayed Ramsay Bolton, the most sadistic villain in the show, a psychopath and master manipulator who made viewers forget all about his past as the humble Simon.
Michelle Fairley – From Criminal’s Mom to the Stark Matriarch
Michelle Fairley had a small but memorable role in Misfits as Nathan’s mother. However, true fame awaited her in Westeros, where she became Catelyn Stark, the proud and noble Lady of Winterfell, and one of the most tragic figures in Game of Thrones. Her fate was even crueler than her on-screen son’s in Misfits — who can ever forget the Red Wedding?
Josef Altin – A Friend to Jon Snow
Josef Altin had a brief appearance in Misfits, where he was killed by a crazed probation officer in the very first episode. However, in Game of Thrones, his role was far more significant. He played Pyp, a Night’s Watch scout and one of Jon Snow’s closest friends. Pyp brought humor and levity to the harsh life beyond the Wall, but his journey ended tragically as he died defending Castle Black from the wildlings.
Who Else?
Nathalie Emmanuel, who played Missandei — the translator, advisor, and close friend of Daenerys Targaryen — looked nothing like her Misfits character. In the British series, she played Charlie, Rudy’s girlfriend, who had rather peculiar preferences in her personal life. But that wasn’t what led to her downfall.
Ellie Kendrick, who portrayed Meera Reed, the fierce protector and ally of Bran Stark, appeared in Misfits later in the series, playing a villain with the power to control electricity.
One of the most amusing parallels, in our humble opinion, involves actress Gwyneth Keyworth. In Misfits, she played Marnie, Nathan’s love interest with questionable morals, with whom he ran off to Vegas. In Game of Thrones, she once again took on a not-so-virtuous role. She appeared in a couple of episodes as Clea, a brothel worker in Volantis who nearly seduced Tyrion Lannister—only for him to refuse her advances at the last moment, leading to his capture by Jorah Mormont.
