Along with the huge scope of Game of Thrones, the show also had one of the biggest casts on television. This fantastic world was filled with interesting and complex characters that fans either loved and hoped would survive, or they hated and hoped would be the next to die.
Despite how likable the characters were, the talented cast did a wonderful job bringing them to life. While it is hard to imagine any other actors filling these famous roles, it is fun to think about how the show might look differently if it were made a few decades earlier and which '80s stars would appear.
Ned Stark: Michael Landon
Ned Stark's time on the show was a lot shorter than the other people on this list, but it's impossible to deny his impact. As the head of the Stark family, he was a noble leader and caring family man who remained honorable while also making some huge mistakes that led to his death.
Michael Landon was one of the most iconic television dads of all time thanks to his role on Little House on the Prairie. He brings that same strong, loving, and honorable quality to the role of Charles Ingalls which would be a good fit for Ned Stark as well.
Theon Greyjoy: Sting
Though Theon Greyjoy started out as merely a background character, he eventually grew into one of the show's most interesting characters. He is an arrogant and weak young man whose path of betrayal and murder leads him to experience horrible torment before finding redemption.
While Sting is much more famous for his music career, he did dabble in acting, including his villainous role in David Lynch's Dune. Sting proved he can play the kind of sleazy and nefarious young man whose ego is bigger than his brain.
Jorah Mormont: Michael Caine
Jorah Mormont is perhaps the most loyal and important ally to Daenerys Targaryen. He continuously puts his life on the line for her while also falling in love with the young queen. But he still remains a professional soldier and a wise advisor.
Michael Caine was already a legend of the acting world in the '80s but his career proves he could have been great in this role. He always carries that sense of professionalism with him as well as an intelligence that makes him seem like the perfect voice of reason.
Arya Stark: Danica McKellar
Arya Stark had one of the most interesting arcs in the show, going from defiant little girl to one of the most badass warriors in Westeros. She was an instant fan-favorite for her strength and for standing up to all of the terrible people she came across.
In the 1980s, Danica McKellar was known as one of the young stars of the coming-of-age show, The Wonder Years. In that role, she also proved to be a strong young woman who made her own path in life.
Sansa Stark: Molly Ringwald
Many fans were not too fond of Sansa Stark when the show began. She came off as a self-centered and stupid girl who fell in love with Joffrey, one of the evillest people in the show. Over time, Sansa gained strength and intelligence to become one of the most cunning people in Westeros.
When thinking of '80s stars, it's hard not to think of Molly Ringwald who was an icon of the era thanks to the many John Hughes movies she appeared in. Many of those roles had the same type of arc as Sansa, as she started out as a selfish or timid girl who eventually found her strength.
Jaime Lannister: Cary Elwes
Jamie Lannister is another character whose opinion among fans changed drastically over time. He was initially seen as one of the worst villains on the show before a more heroic side of his character was revealed. In the end, it is safe to say he was a complex character with good and bad qualities.
Cary Elwes is the kind of actor who can strike a good balance between the dashing hero and the nefarious villain. Even with roles in movies like The Princess Bride, Elwes would also occasionally show his eviller side at times as well.
Cersei Lannister: Michelle Pfeiffer
While there were many villains that came and went on the show, Cersei Lannister was likely the most effective of them all. She looked like the beautiful queen from fairy tales but was a dark and murderous schemer underneath it all as well as one of the best political players on the show.
Michelle Pfeiffer is a captivating talent, not only for her beauty but also for the intensity she brings to her roles. While she can play sweet and caring very well, she can also switch to the deliciously evil types of roles effortlessly.
Tyrion Lannister: Linda Hunt
If there was one character who stands out as the most popular on the show, it would probably be Tyrion Lannister. He is the cunning, sharp, and hilarious dwarf hero who fans were rooting for from the very beginning of the series.
While it is very hard to replace Peter Dinklage in this role, Linda Hunt would have been an interesting choice at the time. Like Tyrion, Hunt's small stature never stands in the way of her persona as an intelligent and captivating person. She also won an Oscar for playing a male character so her versatility is not in question.
Daenerys Targaryen: Winona Ryder
For most of the series, Daenerys Targaryen was the character most fans wanted to see sitting on the Iron Throne in the end. She was powerful, strong, and caring to those around her. However, she also had a darker side which quickly took over in the final season.
Winona Ryder was another popular actor of the '80s whose talents allowed her to play a wide range of roles. She also had those sweet and caring qualities while also being able to play the darker roles as well.
Jon Snow: Val Kilmer
Despite the massive ensemble of the show, Jon Snow is likely the main character of the whole story. He is the dashing yet brooding hero who faces many dark and dangerous challenges in his quest to do the right thing.
Val Kilmer was an '80s hero type who was also very good at bringing a darker quality to his roles. He was a unique kind of hero who nevertheless felt like the guy who was going to come to save the day.