Kit Harington wasn't the only member of the Game of Thrones cast who auditioned to play Jon Snow. In fact, before Harington got the role, three of the HBO series' stars tried out for Jon — and although two of them are incredibly difficult to imagine as the character, there's one I really see the vision for. Jon Snow is one of the most important characters in A Song of Ice and Fire, and thus, Game of Thrones, so it's no surprise many actors were vying for the part when the TV series started casting.

Of course, Harington came to define the role, ensuring it'd be impossible to envision anyone else as Jon in hindsight. Harington brought just the right amount of brooding, comion, and charm to Jon's character, adapting him from Game of Thrones cast aimed for it. Two of them went on to play characters at odds with Jon, but one would actually have been a promising choice to play him.

3 Game Of Thrones Stars Auditioned For Jon Snow Before Kit Harington Got The Role

Iwan Rheon, Alfie Allen, & Joe Dempsie Tried Out For The Character

A number of Game of Thrones actors auditioned for roles other than the ones they got, with Carice Van Houten trying out for Cersei Lannister before snagging Melisandre and Natalie Dormer aiming for the Red Woman before landing on Margaery Tyrell. But besides Harington, three of the HBO show's stars wanted to play Jon: Iwan Rheon, Alfie Allen, and Joe Dempsey. Clearly, their auditions were promising enough that the casting directors kept them around. However, all three wound up playing different characters, two of whom were a far cry from Jon Snow.

Rheon eventually played one of Jon Snow's biggest enemies: Ramsay Bolton. And Allen also found himself at odds with Jon as the series continued, as his character — Theon Greyjoy — betrayed the Starks and had to regain their trust. Joe Dempsie had a few interactions with Jon while portraying Gendry, and he held the most similar role personality-wise. After watching all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, it's not easy to imagine any of them as Jon. But while Rheon and Allen feel better equipped for more morally dubious roles, I see the vision for Dempsie.

It's Hard To Imagine Iwan Rheon Or Alfie Allen As Jon After Their Game Of Thrones Performances

Their Time As Ramsay & Theon Showed A Totally Different Side Of Them

With Rheon and Allen playing Ramsay and Theon, respectively, it's difficult to see them capturing Jon's humble and comionate personality — even if both actors likely have the range to. Rheon was iconic as Ramsay Bolton, one of the few clear-cut villains to show up in Game of Thrones. His gleeful cruelty and barely repressed rage are conveyed impressively, but they don't fit with Jon's characterization. Rheon even told Interview that there "would’ve been a very different Jon Snow" if he'd played the character, so it's probably for the best the casting directors made the choices they did.

Allen feels more similar to Jon by the end of Game of Thrones — after he finds his honor — but Theon's character falls into extremes that also don't really work for Jon either. At the beginning of Game of Thrones, Allen leans into Theon's cocky and entitled nature. However, he takes a sharp turn after his character is captured by Ramsay, becoming fearful and servile. Allen's range suggests he could've played Jon, but his portrayal of Theon doesn't reveal what that would have looked like. Dempsie, on the other hand, exhibits his qualifications for playing Jon, even as Gendry.

Joe Dempsie Would Have Made A Great Jon Snow, But Kit Harington Defined The Role

He Mastered Many Of The Character's Qualities As Gendry

As hard as it is to see the vision for Rheon or Allen as Jon Snow, I can totally see Dempsie portraying the character — probably because he exhibits many of Jon's traits as Gendry. Gendry is often brooding and frustrated by his circumstances, but he also showcases moments of loyalty and bravery that would make Jon proud. He's competent when he needs to be, but he also has trouble navigating power dynamics and social situations. Dempsie conveys all of this expertly, meaning he'd be a shoo-in for Jon Snow.

It's for the best that Harington ended up playing the character in Game of Thrones, as he defined him in many great ways.

However, it's for the best that Harington ended up playing the character in Game of Thrones, as he defined him in many great ways. And Dempsie is just as compelling as Gendry, even if it means we see less of him throughout the series. They fell into their final roles seamlessly, ensuring the HBO show's cast went down as one of the best in television history.