Gillian Anderson could have played Cersei Lannister in the HBO series “Game of Thrones”. However, she declined the role for a specific reason. If one thing had been different, she might have reconsidered.
Most people know Gillian Anderson from the mystery and sci-fi series The X-Files, where she solves supernatural criminal cases as Dana Scully alongside Fox Mulder.
If one aspect of Game of Thrones had been different, we might have seen her in action in the HBO series.
Here you can see a trailer for Game of Thrones:
“I can’t justify being away from home for so long unless…”
As Gillian Anderson explained in an interview with Stylist in 2017, she declined not only a significant role in Game of Thrones but also in the hit series Downton Abbey, even though her daughter would have loved to see her in both formats:
“Yes, but also because I don’t particularly like the roles. Not that they aren’t good! Whether it’s Game of Thrones or Downton Abbey, my 18-year-old [daughter Piper Maru] can’t believe I turned down things she loves.”
The actress further explained the reason why she had declined such major projects: “But with a four and a six-year-old [sons Felix and Oscar], I can’t justify being away from home for so long unless I’m working with Scorsese [a well-known director].“
In this interview, Gillian Anderson did not specifically mention which GOT role it was. However, as Screenrant reported, it later came to light that it was the role of Cersei Lannister.
You can read more about Game of Thrones here with our colleagues from Moviepilot: New Game of Thrones series about the conquest of Westeros: Will the most mysterious catastrophe of the fantasy epic finally be shown?
Thus, Gillian Anderson preferred to focus on her family rather than being away for so long due to work.
If Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver) had directed Game of Thrones, she might have reconsidered, and we could have seen her as Cersei Lannister in the series instead of Lena Headey.
Another well-known actor also turned down a major role: Nicolas Cage could have had a lead role in “The Lord of the Rings” – declined because he’s not a jerk like in “Massive Talent”
