After initially hearing via an anonymous commenter that British actor Tom Payne was auditioning for the role of Viserys, it looks as that has been confirmed through Payne’s Twitter page. He has posted two separate tweets in the past week dealing with a potential role on Thrones.
Have a recall for an HBO show on monday. Fingers crossed. Spent the week workshopping a new play.Screening of a short film I did in 2 weeks!6:13 PM Jun 6thfrom web
Waiting to hear from Game of Thrones casting dept……35 minutes ago from web
Winter Is Coming: Isn’t the Internet great? I was all doubting this anonymous commenter that Payne was up for an audition and then we hear from Payne himself over Twitter! Of course, it is possible that that is not actually Tom Payne’s Twitter account (we all know about impostor accounts) but it seems legit due to the amount of followers and the longevity of the account. He doesn’t mention specifically that he is up for Viserys, but he certainly looks the part. I had pegged him as Theon in one of my casting posts, but Viserys would definitely work as well.
Loading ...
73 Comments
he's got the look. has anyone seen any of his work?
AnonymousQuote Reply
Definitely Theon.
AnonymousQuote Reply
I haven't seen anything he's done, but I think looks wise he would be good for either Theon or Viserys. I just hope they don't try to make him Robb. A bit too old for that, I would think.
slyhellQuote Reply
Recognize him from Miss Pettigrew & Skins – but both were pretty minor parts so it's a tough call on his potential. He definitely looks like a killer Theon/Viserys and HBO has repeatedly demonstrated their ability for choosing talented unknowns, so I think he seems promising!
AnonymousQuote Reply
Winter….this poster is now saying that he has seen the cast list and he claims that someone named Kaya Scodelario has been cast as the mother of dragons Dany
coltaine777Quote Reply
I think he means he has seen a fanmade cast list
AnonymousQuote Reply
Here: http://screenterrier.blogspot.com/2009/06/game-of-thrones.html
AnonymousQuote Reply
@Anon…you miight be right…I'm gonna do some snooping around online to see …I know Winter will get to the bottom of it LOL
coltaine777Quote Reply
Oooh. Based purely on looks, I'm crossing my fingers for him as Viserys (a role which honestly doesn't require that much acting talent anyway, in my opinion). He's a little too gaunt for Theon, I think.
heiligeglutQuote Reply
coltaine777: Yeah, he's updated now and confirmed that it was just a prospective cast list. Probably the ScreenTerrier one. Wonder where he got the link…
WinterIsComingQuote Reply
He's added another post about GoT, he says th list with Scodelario was just "internet hearsay," it's it's just a fan's wish list.
BrudeQuote Reply
To me, it's hard to say if Payne would be a good Viserys, because it really depends on his acting, which I've never seen. Also I would bet that Viserys will be played by someone a bit older.
Vis is a crucial character and a narrow role. It need to be exactly performed for a few reasons.
As Theon, and a few other characters, I can see that plainly from Payne's mugshots that he can fill those shoes.
bardamuQuote Reply
"Would be a fun reunion if it happened". Does that mean he has been already casted as Viserys? Maybe he just can't tell yet :P
LeonQuote Reply
This actor looks like he could be the Viserys in my head. I hope he gets the part.
SarikaQuote Reply
He could act as both if needed. Remember McCall/Wolcott from Deadwood?
AnonymousQuote Reply
He's 26 bardamu. He is plenty old enough to play Viserys.
sven20Quote Reply
Hmm, if he plays Viserys he'll have to dye his hair and wear lenses. Looks more like a Theon to me, but why not.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Hmm, if he plays Viserys he'll have to dye his hair and wear lenses. Looks more like a Theon to me, but why not.
I have a feeling the producers are not holding out too much hope of finding an actor with naturally silver hair and violet eyes.
BrudeQuote Reply
I really don't think that girl from Skins would be a good Dany
AnonymousQuote Reply
Yeah completely agree. She's completely wrong for it. Dany needs to be an unknown.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Wouldn't read too much into it, she may not even have auditioned. As for Tom Payne I do think he looks the part for Viserys, but at the recall stage of the auditioning process you can bet your life that could be said of anyone who got that far for their respective part. Just the others seem to have kept their mouths shut about it as they are supposed to.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Looks like a pretty good Viserys to me.
Just thought I'd say that the fake GRRM twitter was pretty humourous.
I've been thinking of writing a series of Bromance Novels starring Tyrion and Bronn. Comments? STAY ON TOPIC, NO ASoIaF Comments tolerated!
AnonymousQuote Reply
Talking about twitter, there's a chance to see the site on twitter? like spoilertv did? I would love to have links to your post via twitter *_*
irishxlovexQuote Reply
Tom Payne seems a good choice for Viserys, at least in the looks department.
What intrigues me more is the possibility of Kaya Scodelario as Danaerys. I'd seen "Skins" only a short while back and remembered how striking she was, though she hardly had any speaking lines. She looked like a frightened, underfed model-in-waiting.
Which is why I think she has Dany, at least looks wise. Skinny frame, big, scared eyes, but can pull off a determined look relatively well.
No idea if she has any range. Not that Dany is the most vocal girl in the world… but she needs to run the gamut, emotionally.
Now to the infamous Targ hair:
For each and every potential Targ actor or actress I have in mind, I always mentally try to stick them with "platinum" hair. And it never works. In my mind's eye it always comes off as a bad silver wig, no matter who's playing the part.
Can anyone give me an example of a "silver" wig that wasn't on an ancient dude and did not look fake?
Is it blaspheme to say, for the sake of a well-done, gripping, award-winning series (as GoT should be) … I hope they nix the weird hair color?
About Yea HighQuote Reply
Yes, yes it is. I think you may have the wrong impression of what the silver may look like. Its not metallic, but natural, more whitish, which would shine silvery at times.
AnonymousQuote Reply
About Yea High,
The Targaryen hair colour is supposed to be a kind of silver/gold colour, right?
I guess something coloured like the left-most wig here might work? Or even the righthand one. I think that colour hair would only work with certain skin tones, though – I don't think very pale skin tones would be able to pull it off very well.
SilverstarQuote Reply
OK …. im going to throw it out there ….. if not Viserys …. i could see him as Renly …. and i know im going to hear it and i know he's 26 but maybe Jon …. don't crucify me …. LOL
LadyNYC74Quote Reply
Renly should have a more nice, classically pretty…uh.. non-gaunt look.
Jon isn't really a shit suggestion. But i really hope they choose someone younger. Otherwise some of the point of the "boy becomes man" thing, would be lost.
BørreQuote Reply
http://www.filmpolski.pl/z1/76z/8876_1.jpg < Witcher, from polish shitty movie adaptation. Geralt looked great though.
But for real, i think they will go for X-men Storm wigs.
AnonymousQuote Reply
I think he has the perfect look for Vis. I dont think so for theon. Theon is a charming suave dude and I dont think Tom has that "Look"
AnonymousQuote Reply
I will be upset if he is casting as Jon or Robb.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Someone want to try Photoshopping a pic of him with silver/gold hair and violet eyes?
AnonymousQuote Reply
He definitely looks the part.
BubbaQuote Reply
Found another twitterer:
http://twitter.com/MarthaOxford
AnonymousQuote Reply
lol he looks like a wimpy bastard. He'll be perfect as either Viserys or Theon :)
ThorQuote Reply
Anon: Nicely done. Based on her pic I have to assume she was auditioning for Dany or Sansa. Doesn't sound like she will get it though.
WinterIsComingQuote Reply
I'm sorry, but that fake GRRM twitter is great.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Big fan of grrmpy here
AnonymousQuote Reply
He's pretty like a girl, so I like the idea of him as Renly.
But he could also do the dark, haunted, secretly scheming thing…so I could see Theon.
And yes, he's kinda gaunt, but he could fill out. I just don't see Viserys here. Maybe I'm the only one, but the book doesn't describe Viserys as overly handsome or pretty. If the only reason people are suggesting Payne for Viserys is the gaunt-ness, I can't get behind that.
For Viserys, I'd rather see Robert Kane (http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/069201665771). He's also gaunt, and that immediate profile photo shows he can do that arrogant "you-should-be-kissing-my-ass-because-we're-in-the-same-room" sneer of Viserys.
JoshQuote Reply
I think he could make a quite good Viserys, but Theon would be even better choice. Go Team Theon! Besides, I'm hoping for a natural blond for Vis, people never dye their eyebrows also and that looks creepy in a wrong way ;)
As for Jon, I don't know, maybe Payne could put some edge on him. At least it would be interesting to see his interpretation
KaisaQuote Reply
Seeing how guarded all the info. from this show seems to be I wonder if this will affect his chances of getting a role in it. I mean we haven't even heard a thing from Dinklage or McCarthy yet.
dizzyQuote Reply
At 5'7 it would take some movie magic to make him seem as big a Renly is supposed to be. It could be done but I'm sure there are bigger more handsome actors out there to play Renly.
Plus Renly wont be in the pilot. So I doubt they are even casting his part yet.
sven20Quote Reply
oooh Kaya Scodelario…hmm….the intrigue…
AnonymousQuote Reply
@Josh: Robert Kane is SO Viserys… I think he's too old, but nice choice anyway
LeonQuote Reply
I have seen pic with Payne face and Amok image, Theon is better than Viserys… I think collage maker like Payne as Theon))))
see at the bottom: http://martin.chronarda.ru/2009/tom-pejn-v-roli-vizerisa/
JessyQuote Reply
I actually think he would make a great Viserys. Like that russian bloggers advanced paste-and copy (not trying to sound .. anything less than respectful, only lack of english vocabulary after a long day)! The man is clearly more attractive from a purely his-own-natural-color-scheme POV.. But I've seen him as a possible V since it first came up.
Though loving the intel, quite a sloppy boy, considering him spilling small beans(LOL!) on TWITTER… It's not like that's for him and his ten closest friends eyes only. Don't they have clauses about this on contracts for auditioning and callbacks etc…? Oh – obvious that's not MY world.. ;) Would be a shame for him to get himself out of the game before it has barely started though.
Anywho. He looks mad enough for Viserys. Though I believe I remember him from somewhere, and if I remember correctly, his acting skills left me quite unimpressed. No offence intended. I think I thought his acting was utterly one-face-one-emotion, and that was permanently amused-yet-gawkingly-astonished.
But I could give him less credit than he earns.
Plus I have actually heard of actors "evolving"… so let's not judge him based on blurry images from a blurry mind. :)
In fact I should probably, and will(would if I knew him :P ), appologize when we get to see him to a grand job as whichever role next.
@Jessy. What makes you think he/she likes him better as Theon?
LivveyQuote Reply
Even if he is auditioning for Viserys its not unheard of for the casting director to cast someone in a different role if they suit the part.
AnonymousQuote Reply
To whoever thinks HBO/BBC is keeping this project under wraps,
I don't think HBO is quite keeping this a secret. They would look ridiculous spreading information that doesn't exist yet. Whatever there was to tell has been told, including one leaked script. So what if someone tells his friends that he got a callback?
AnonymousQuote Reply
I think Kaya would be a pretty perfect match if he was cast as Viserys to be honest, they look pretty similar
AnonymousQuote Reply
Wonder who the casting director is, don't think it says on imdb. Would be nice to know as it may provide a bit of insight knowing who they have worked with in the past.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Viserys has to be nailed, because his character just doesn't have much time to develop. And because without it properly done, launching Daenerys' starting situation will not sit well.
Payne looks villainous enough, but there's more to Viserys. Like frantic desperation, being consumed by anger, and the denial of reality.
Theon, the privileged lordling with a chip on his shoulder, has more room for interpretation.
So again, it depends on Payne's acting range to me. It's impossible to tell if he would be a good Viserys just from his profile.
bardamuQuote Reply
The way he's leaning one one leg kinda smirking kinda evil looking. That reminds me of Theon.
AnonymousQuote Reply
@Livvey. I think thus, because she has made Theon better than Viserys, and because I understand Russian)))). Little. She wrote that she likes the second image (Theon), but she thought that Theon should be more aggressive.
By the way, here Dinklage as Tyrion http://martin.chronarda.ru/wp-content/gallery/casting/ittyrion_yes.jpg Nice)
JessyQuote Reply
Pretty cool! The blond Dinklage/Tyrion actually seems to work in that pic.
BørreQuote Reply
He just posted on Twitter that he's afraid that he's said too much and that it might hurt his chances with GoT! Nuuuuuuuuuuu! =P
AnonymousQuote Reply
Hope it doesn't go against him anyway and I doubt it would. It's not like he's done anything awful, just made an innocent comment to a friend but such is the nature of the internet nothing is sacred.
May have been a little naive but that can probably be said of all of us from time to time. For what its worth he has a definate bad guy look about him very suitable for viserys, I am sure he would do it justice. Couldn't see him as Jon at all though.
AnonymousQuote Reply
I really hope it hasn't damaged his chances as I think he's a really good match for Viserys.
AnonymousQuote Reply
He blew it. There's no way he'll be Viserys now. Maybe Theon.
AnonymousQuote Reply
I hope it hasn't damaged his changes as I think he's a really good match for Theon. Could see him as Viserys at all though.
AnonymousQuote Reply
If he's good enough he'll get the job. HBO ain't no dummies. They won't sacrafice the quality of the show out of what would amount to spite/punishment over a tiny twitter post.
DanQuote Reply
Hello Comrads,
I've collected nayce rumors to share with you from a very reliable source.
1. Tom Payne, that murtherin' thafe of a blaggard, he already signed with HBO a wake ago.
2. Kristen Bell is signed to play that poor crathure Daenerys.
3. Lynn Flewelling is the ghost co-author of SoIaF.
4. McCarthy & Dinklage are lovers.
5. winter-is-coming.blogspot.com is funded by the BBC.
Alright then.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Dan: I agree with you. If he is good for the role, they will get him. Pure speculation, but maybe he got the role and tried to do some backpedaling and throw people off with that last tweet?
Anon: At #5, I wish!!
WinterIsComingQuote Reply
Interesting choice!
I worked with Tom last december on the George Best drama for BBC 'Best: His Mother's Son'. I played a journalist trying to get a quote from him as he leaves his house. It was a very good programme and he made a great George. Although we didn't have much contact with him he did have a chat with us and enjoyed the banter amongst us lowly extras. I think he will fit in well in the GOT family.
RimshotQuote Reply
All the same (conscerning speculation about Tom Paynes acting skills) I have some feeling of unrest as to wether or not he can play "complicated" enough a Viserys. Like Bardamu states – there are many emotions to consider. But I do think he could play raging well enough. Just a feeling. Or is that my mind mixing him up with the doctor from Battlestar Galactica raging insanely about this and that – making this so easy for me to imagine? Anyone besides me who noticed the likeness?
@ Jessy: Ah! Cool language to know :) I'll take your answer then — though still don't see an remarkable difference between the two pictures regarding .. just what really? quality or?
@ Anon with the half-wishinglist-half-conspiracytheory (LOL): Really? Kirsten Bell? Isn't she a bit old? Guess she still looks a little young – and if they COULD make her look younger somehow (special effects, lighting, makeup?? without makeup…?????) she would SO be my top pick. She could PLAY Daenerys excellently.
Still think it's a bogus list though. Sorry.
About WIC being or not being BBC funded… Off course you would deny it… But anycase, I guess I don't really see how it matters in the end. The goal is the same – the realisation of this project. Whomever is the feeding hand (eeh weird english – I know..) – we all want ASOIF on HBO over the next 7-8 years or so. So in my book that just means more probable intel…
LivveyQuote Reply
"Wonder who the casting director is, don't think it says on imdb. Would be nice to know as it may provide a bit of insight knowing who they have worked with in the past."
Nina Gold appears to be the 'main' casting director:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002274/
As you can see from that, she is damn good. She has worked on ROME, JOHN ADAMS, HOT FUZZ and THE DEVIL'S WHORE (raising hopes that she might cast John Simm and Dominic West in roles, which would be excellent).
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
@ Livvey
I mean to say Theon more accurate, and yes he is more quality )))
JessyQuote Reply
@Jessy :) okidoke. thanx
LivveyQuote Reply
Just from that post he could be either. Looks great, a few hunks would help drive up the female fans
EnchantéQuote Reply
New update from him
"At the bbc waiting to do a readthrough. Finally got a job!"
I'm guessing this means that he probably hasn't signed on to AGOT, as, even though the BBC is involved to some capacity in that, I doubt very much that there would be read-throughs going on yet, when they still haven't finished casting?
SilverstarQuote Reply
Silverstar: Thanks for the heads up. I would imagine you are correct… unless he is reading with a potential Dany to see how they interact on screen?
Or even if it is another job, doesn't necessarily mean he is out of the running for Viserys though. Like you said it is pretty early for readthroughs on Thrones, maybe he has something with the BBC that is filming later this summer leaving him still available for Viserys?
I suspect we will know soon enough.
WinterIsComingQuote Reply
Looks like the UK casting is complete for the time being but it doesn't seem like anyone has actually been cast yet as it all appears to have gone very quiet the last few days.
Didn't I read here a while back that someone said they were casting the younger roles in the UK and planned to have it wrapped up by the end of June?
At the moment that statement could be accurate, they are probably discussing the possibilities back in the US with the production team so it could be a quiet week or two ahead till we get some news filtering through I don't think HBO have a history of rushing these things.
AnonymousQuote Reply
Anon: Yeah, it seems that they are now taking a look in LA and NYC for the few remaining roles. I suspect they already have chosen who they want from the UK and are (or will be soon) in negotiations with them.
WinterIsComingQuote Reply
Tom Payne has twittered that he is now out of the running for GOT
ScreenterrierQuote Reply