The Iron Throne Aftermath: 7 Game Of Thrones Cast Members And Their Shocking New Careers In 2025

Five years after the dramatic conclusion of *Game of Thrones*, the ensemble cast has scattered across Hollywood, taking on roles that are often a stark contrast to their time in Westeros. As of December 12, 2025, the careers of the actors who brought characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and Tyrion Lannister to life continue to evolve, with many securing prestige projects and others embracing bold, unconventional new directions, proving that life after the Iron Throne is anything but predictable.

The monumental success of the HBO fantasy series, which ran from 2011 to 2019, catapulted many relative newcomers into global superstardom, while cementing the legacies of established veterans. Today, the presence of a *Game of Thrones* actor is often seen as a mark of prestige for any new production. This article dives deep into the most recent and surprising career updates, upcoming projects, and personal developments of the biggest stars from the Seven Kingdoms, revealing what they are truly doing now.

The Stark and Targaryen Legacies: Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke

The central figures of the *Game of Thrones* saga, Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke, have both navigated complex post-series careers, balancing blockbuster expectations with a desire for challenging, diverse roles. Their paths demonstrate a clear effort to move beyond the shadow of the Wall and the fiery reign of the Dragon Queen.

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Kit Harington (Jon Snow) – From King in the North to Conqueror

Kit Harington, who famously played the brooding hero Jon Snow, has maintained an active and varied career since the final season. While he appeared in Marvel's *Eternals* (2021), his more recent and upcoming work signals a return to high-stakes drama and historical epics.

• The King and Conqueror (2025): Harington is set to star in another medieval drama, *The King and Conqueror*, a highly anticipated limited series. This move sees him return to a historical setting, albeit one based on real-world events, playing the role of Harold Godwinson, which is a significant departure from the fantasy realm of the Night's Watch.
• Industry (2024): He took on a modern, high-intensity role in the third season of the HBO finance drama *Industry*, showcasing his versatility outside of period costumes.
• Audible Project: He also joined several other *Game of Thrones* stars in a new Audible project, lending his voice to the world of Harry Potter.

His post-*Thrones* work, including appearances in shows like *Extrapolations* and *Lot No 249* (2023), highlights an actor consciously seeking roles that challenge the public's perception of him as only the stoic Jon Snow.

Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) – Embracing the Unconventional

Emilia Clarke, the iconic Mother of Dragons, has actively sought projects that allow her to explore different genres, often with a focus on comedy and independent cinema.

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• Secret Invasion (2023): Clarke made a significant jump into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starring in the Disney+ series *Secret Invasion*. This sci-fi spy thriller allowed her to join a major modern franchise, contrasting sharply with the fantasy epic that made her famous.
• The Amazing Maurice (2022): She lent her voice to the animated film *The Amazing Maurice*, demonstrating a lighter side to her acting repertoire.
• Bold Roles: Reports indicate Clarke, like her co-stars, is keen on exploring "bold, unconventional roles", suggesting a deliberate move away from the high-fantasy drama of Daenerys Targaryen.

The Lannister and Stark Power Players: Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams, and Sophie Turner

The actors behind the complex Lannister siblings and the formidable Stark sisters have leveraged their *Game of Thrones* fame into a diverse array of projects, from blockbuster films and crime dramas to unexpected voice-acting roles.

Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) – The Prestige Actor

Peter Dinklage, the Emmy-winning Tyrion Lannister, has successfully transitioned into a highly respected character actor in cinema, often choosing roles in critically acclaimed films and major studio productions.

• The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): Dinklage took on a major role as Casca Highbottom in the prequel to *The Hunger Games* series, further cementing his status in major franchises.
• Cyrano (2021): His powerful performance in the musical film *Cyrano* earned him a Golden Globe nomination, proving his dramatic range extends beyond the political maneuvering of King's Landing.
• Upcoming Projects: He continues to be a fixture in film, with his presence guaranteeing a level of prestige and acting gravitas.

Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) – Directing and Crime Drama

Lena Headey, who portrayed the ruthless Queen Cersei Lannister, has diversified her career by moving into directing and taking on gritty, modern roles.

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• The White House Plumbers (2023): She starred in the HBO political drama *The White House Plumbers*, showcasing her talent in a satirical and historical context.
• Directorial Debut: Headey is actively pursuing directing projects, demonstrating her ambition to work behind the camera as well as in front of it.

Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) – From Assassin to Animated Villain

Maisie Williams, the fierce Arya Stark, has perhaps sought the most unconventional and surprising roles, deliberately choosing projects that challenge her public image.

• Criminal (Upcoming): Williams is set to star in the Amazon crime drama *Criminal*, a sharp turn into the modern, dark world of police procedurals.
• The Twits (2025): In a truly unexpected move, she will be lending her voice to the animated Netflix film *The Twits*, based on the Roald Dahl classic, set for release in 2025. This project demonstrates her willingness to embrace family-friendly and voice-acting work.

Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) – The Bold and Unconventional

Sophie Turner, who played the Queen in the North, Sansa Stark, has also gravitated toward roles that are "bold" and "unconventional", often focusing on thrillers and independent projects.

• Do Revenge (2022): Turner appeared in the satirical dark comedy film *Do Revenge*, a successful teen film that allowed her to showcase a lighter, yet still complex, side of her acting.
• The Staircase (2022): She starred in the true-crime drama series *The Staircase*, demonstrating her commitment to mature and intense dramatic roles.

Unexpected Shifts and Controversial Roles

The post-*Game of Thrones* landscape has also seen actors take breaks, return to theater, and even face challenges related to their iconic roles, illustrating the personal impact of such a massive series.

Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon) – The Long Break and Return

The actor who played the universally despised King Joffrey Baratheon, Jack Gleeson, famously took a long hiatus from acting after the show, a decision often attributed to the intensity of his controversial role. Gleeson has since returned to acting, primarily in independent theater and smaller film projects, showing a preference for a quieter, less blockbuster-driven career path.

Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont) and Others in Audible's Harry Potter

In a fascinating convergence of fantasy worlds, several *Game of Thrones* actors have joined the cast of Audible's new Harry Potter project, including Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont). This collective move highlights the cast’s continued collaborative spirit and the demand for their distinctive voices in high-profile audio dramas.

The Shadow of Season 8 Criticism

The controversial final season of *Game of Thrones* continues to be a topic of discussion, with several key cast members, including Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke, having weighed in on the contentious ending. This collective criticism from the actors themselves added a layer of complexity to their post-show interviews and public appearances, as they navigated their personal feelings about the conclusion of their defining roles.

From the medieval battlefield of *The King and Conqueror* to the dark comedy of *The Twits*, the *Game of Thrones* cast members—including entities such as Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Isaac Hempstead Wright, and John Bradley—are proving that the only constant in their careers is change. Their current projects in 2025 demonstrate a deliberate and successful effort to redefine their careers, moving beyond the dragons and White Walkers of Westeros to conquer new realms in film, television, and even animation.