There are several actors who appear both in Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings franchises, lending his talents to the two biggest titles in fantasy media. Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings films predate the popularity of Game of Thrones for over a decade, and it made sense for HBO to focus on actors from recognizable fantasy and historical fiction titles when developing its series. For example, Lena Headey was best known for her role in 300Peter Dinklage appeared in The Chronicles of Narniaand Sean Bean played Boromir in Lord of the Rings.
Following Game of Thrones and the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, both franchises expanded with prequel spinoffs. Dragon House and The Rings of Power continued the trend of casting actors from the opposite franchise. After all, finding actors for period dramas is incredibly difficult, and these titles are known for doing an excellent job of finding the right talent to bring iconic book characters to life. Six actors have appeared in titles from both franchises, including specifically named characters rather than extras.
6
Sean Feijão
Ned Stark and Boromir
The actor: Sean Bean is an English actor known primarily for his supporting roles in various films and TV shows. In the 1990s, he rose to prominence as the protagonist of the British series Sharpe.
In Game of Thrones: Sean Bean played Ned Stark, the lead role in the first season of Game of Thrones. Although he only had a brief stint on the series, he remains one of the most memorable and iconic characters in television history. Ned Stark's death finally changed the landscape of what audiences could expect in the modern era of TV.
In The Lord of the Rings: In The Fellowship of the RingSean Bean played Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor. Although he is a hero who sacrifices himself to protect the hobbits, Boromir is a conflicted character who finds himself subject to the allure of the One Ring.
5
Joseph Mawle
Benjen Stark and Adar
The actor: Joseph Mawle is an English actor who has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows since the early 2000s. His most notable roles include The sacred and Ripper Street.
In Game of Thrones: Joseph Mawle played Benjen Stark mainly in season 1 of Game of Thrones. He is the First Ranger of the Night's Watch who supports Jon Snow when he tries to join the order. Benjen disappears beyond the Wall at the beginning of Season 1 and only returns much later, where he is discovered to be partially undead but still sentient.
In The Lord of the Rings: In The Rings of Power Season 1, Joseph Mawle plays the original character, Adar. He was an elf who was corrupted by Morgoth, turning him into an Uruk. He becomes a leader of the Orcs in the Second Age, becoming a direct rival to Sauron.
4
Roberto Aramaio
Young Ned Stark and Elrond
The actor: Robert Aramayo is a young actor who has been working for just over a decade, appearing in plays such as nocturnal animals, The king's manand Pre-war.
In Game of Thrones: Aramayo plays a younger version of Ned Stark, who had visions during seasons 6 and 7. When Bran Stark becomes the Three-Eyed Raven, he looks into the past and sees this version of Ned in the Tower of Joy. Despite only playing a minor role in the series, Aramayo is in one of the series' most memorable scenes, which revealed Jon Snow's parentage for the first time.
In The Lord of the Rings: On Prime Videos The Rings of Power cast, Aramayo plays Elrond. Hugo Weaving previously played the role in Peter Jackson's films, so Robert Aramayo plays a younger, more hopeful interpretation of the character. Elrond was one of the series' main characters in both seasons.
3
Ciarán Hinds
Mance Rayder and the Dark Wizard
The actor: Ciarán Hinds is an Irish actor who has contributed phenomenal performances to film and television for decades. In addition to his fantasy performances, he is known for films such as There will be blood and Belfastas well as TV shows like Pomegranate and The Terror.
In Game of Thrones: Ciarán Hinds plays Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall, in a recurring role between seasons 3 and 5. He unites the greatest force of Wildlings the North has ever seen and leads an attack on Castle Black before Stannis Baratheon intervenes.
In The Lord of the Rings: In The Rings of Power In season 2, Hinds joins the cast as the mysterious Dark Wizard, an antagonist who leads a cult in the land of Rhûn. Season two set him up to be a villain working against Gandalf, and he's likely one of the Istari.
2
Graham McTavish
Harold Westerling and Dwalin
The actor: Graham McTavish is a Scottish actor who has appeared in several high-profile titles including Belief, Outlanderand A.M.C. Preacher.
In Game of Thrones: Graham McTavish appears in season 1 of Dragon House as Harold Westerling, a knight of the Kingsguard and Rhaenyra Targaryen's personal sentry. When the Greens usurp the Iron Throne in Season 1, he flees out of loyalty to Rhaenyra. However, he does not return in season 2.
In The Lord of the Rings: In Peter Jackson The Hobbit trilogy, Graham McTavish plays the dwarf Dwalin. Although he doesn't have much specific characterization, he is present in all three films as a supporting protagonist.