When Netflix was first developing its extremely high-budget drama and fantasy epic, The Witcher, back in 2018, they could not have known what success the show would become. At that time, they were just making the choices they felt were right. Well, whatever they did sure was right. And the one thing all fans around the world agreed upon was the shows’ casting.

The Man of Steel, Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Princess Ciri (Freya Allan), and Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) all were loved by fans. So, Netflix did the best casting for the show possible. But Netflix also had some peculiar requirements while casting the actors.

No Game of Thrones actor could audition for The Witcher

To say the least, if Henry Cavill had been a cast member of HBO’s Game of Thrones, his chances of being cast as Geralt would have been little to none. Yes, the casting call sheet for The Witcher clearly stated, “No ‘Game of Thrones’ actors,” according to Ian Beattie, who portrayed Meryn Trant in the latter series, during the 2019 MCM Comic-Con in Birmingham.

While we don’t know why Netflix would have such a rule, there are a few possibilities. When the streamer published The Witcher in 2019. It was almost as if it was filling the void left by the end of Game of Thrones on television.

The obvious parallels between the two series — both are epic fantasy dramas based on well-known literature — made Netflix producers cautious. Having a face similar to one seen in Game of Thrones would have just contributed to the similarities that The Witcher was attempting to dispel.

There were, however, certain exceptions to this one-of-a-kind rule. Eventually, two Game of Thrones actors were hired to join the cast. In Season 2, Kristofer Hivju, who playedTormund on Game of Thrones, joined the cast.

Vladimir Furdik, who portrayed the Night King and assisted in the training of characters such as Kit Harington, organized battle scenes and coached Cavill in swordplay in Season one.

What do you think about this casting call requirement by The Witcher? Do you think it worked? Let us know in the comments.