Reported to be an upcoming Game of Thrones prequel, Aegon's Conquest is arguably the most pivotal event in Targaryen history. The dragonlord of Valyrian descent, Aegon I spearheaded the conquest of the Seven Kingdoms, but he wasn't alone in his expansionism. He was aided by his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, three large dragons, and a small army.
The Targaryens arrived at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush in 2 BC and in two years' time successfully subjugated six out of the Seven Kingdoms. Dorne remained independent during and after the Conquest and was brought under the realm's fold only after the marriage of Aegon's descendant, Princess Daenerys Targaryen to Prince Maron Martell of Dorne. Aegon's Conquest is a thrilling chapter in Game of Thrones lore, filled with intriguing characters who displayed varied mannerisms. Here are some actors who would make perfect casting choices for the potential Game of Thrones prequel.
10 Aegon Targaryen: Timothée Chalamet
The founder of the Targaryen Dynasty of Westeros, Aegon I Targaryen was 25 of age when he prepared for the Conquest. He was born in 27 BC at Dragonstone to Aerion Targaryen and Valaena Velaryon.
Aegon possessed typical Targaryen features that were a reminder of his Valyrian ancestry. He had purple eyes and short-cut silver-gold hair. While fans have been clamoring for Henry Cavill to play Aegon, Timothée Chalamet from Netflix's The King is a more suitable choice. He did a stellar job in depicting the evolution of Hal, the Prince of Wales into King Henry V of England. Chalamet's acting prowess is exceptional, thereby making him a perfect fit for the enigmatic and charismatic Aegon.
9 Visenya Targaryen: Bella Hadid
Aegon's older sister-wife, Visenya Targaryen aided him in the Conquest. She was the eldest daughter of Aerion and Valaena, and she too had classic Targaryen features. She was crucial in seeking the subjugation of House Stokeworth in the early phase of the Conquest.
International supermodel, Bella Hadid dipped her toes into acting by appearing in Ramy season 3, episode 4 "That's What She Said." She played Steve's girlfriend, Lena from a dating app called MuslimMatch. Hadid was an absolute delight in her cameo, and she is the perfect casting choice for Visenya. A person as statuesque, eloquent, and graceful as her will easily be able to take on the mantle of portraying Visenya on the screen.
8 Rhaenys Targaryen: Anya Taylor-Joy
Aegon's younger sister-wife, Rhaenys Targaryen stood by his side during and after the Conquest. While he married Visenya out of duty, his and Rhaenys' marriage was of love.
Rhaenys fought alongside Aegon and Visenya in the Conquest's most pivotal battle, Field of Fire. Like Aegon, she too had purple eyes and silver-gold hair. She wore her long hair loose, and she was strikingly beautiful. Anya Taylor-Joy's performance in The Queen's Gambit proves that she's best suited to play the part of Rhaenys Targaryen. Taylor-Joy will do justice to the character, not to mention she and Chalamet will have a sizzling onscreen chemistry.
7 Orys Baratheon: Sam Claflin
Aegon's true friend and rumored bastard half-brother, Orys Baratheon was one of his biggest strengths in the Conquest. He fought and killed the Last Storm King, Argilac Durrandon in the Last Storm. He married his only living heir and daughter, Argella, took his castle and established House Baratheon.
British actor Sam Claflin is an excellent casting choice for Lord Orys Baratheon. Interestingly enough, Claflin starred opposite Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) in the 2016 romance drama Me Before You. He also joined the fifth season of the period-drama, Peaky Blinders as the antagonist, Sir Oswald Mosley, and returned in season 6.
6 Harren Hoare: Brian Cox
The last king of the Isles and the Rivers, Harren Hoare was a haughty tyrant who refused to bend the knee to Aegon in the Conquest. He took refuge inside his colossal fortification of Harrenhal, thinking its walls were impenetrable. Aegon razed Harrenhal to the ground, killed Harren, and ended his line with Balerion's fire. Harren was an old, grey man at the time of the Targaryen Conquest.
Brian Cox's media tycoon, Logan Roy from the Emmy-winning HBO drama, Succession is best suited for the role of Harren the Black. Interestingly, in his memoir, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat, Cox revealed he turned down the opportunity to play Robert Baratheon's role on Game of Thrones as "the money was not all that great." King Robert was portrayed by English actor, Mark Addy.
5 Torrhen Stark: Richard Armitage
The King in the North, Torrhen Stark took cues from the burning of Harrenhal and Field of Fire and knelt before Aegon. He placed the ancient crown of the Kings of Winter at Aegon's feet and infamously earned the moniker, "the King Who Knelt."
Richard Armitage, known for his playing Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy is best suited to play Torrhen Stark. Armitage is a well-rounded actor and therefore will be able to portray nuances of the King Who Knelt well.
4 Mern IX Gardener: Andy Serkis
King Mern Gardener's reign ended in the battle of Field of Fire. His house was decimated in the pivotal battle that saw a combined Lannister-Gardener army meet the Targaryen side and their three dragons in the plains south of the Blackwater Rush.
British actor, and director, Andy Serkis is a fitting choice to play King Mern IX Gardener. Serkis' name is associated with numerous franchises, and he can do wonders for the potential Game of Thrones prequel.
3 Loren I Lannister: Gary Oldman
Loren I Lannister joined hands with Mern against Aegon the Conqueror in Field of Fire. However, he managed to flee after realizing the battle was a lost cause. He was captured the next day and upon submission was named Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West.
Gary Oldman's career and acting prowess point to the fact that he would make a good Lannister. Oldman's name is associated with the Harry Potter series, and he's remembered for playing the tragic character of Sirius Black. In 2018, the actor won an Oscar for his performance as Winston Churchill in the World War II drama, Darkest Hour.
2 Argilac Durrandon: Pip Torrens
The last Storm King, Argilac Durrandon was slain by Orys Baratheon in the battle of the Last Storm. He'd tried to wed his daughter, Argella to Aegon, but the dragonlord refused, offering Orys' hand in marriage instead.
Argilac cut off the hands of Aegon's envoy and had them sent to him with the message, "These are the only hands your bastard shall have of me." This incident sparked the Conquest and Aegon sent ravens to the rulers in the Seven Kingdoms demanding their submission. Pip Torrens who, among other things, is known for Netflix's The Crown is the perfect actor for Argilac Durrandon's role. Due to his artistic flair, Torrens will surely deliver an unforgettable performance.
1 Meria Martell: Miriam Margolyes
Dorne earns a special place in the Conquest on account of the fact that it was the only kingdom that the Targaryens couldn't conquer. During the Conquest, Dorne was ruled by Princess Meria Martell who neither fought nor bowed down to Visenya.
So far as the unrelenting Meria Martell is concerned, the stage and screen veteran, Miriam Margolyes who played Professor Sprout in Harry Potter will do justice to the character. Meria was around eighty years old during Aegon's war and the arrogant Argilac disparagingly called her "the Yellow Toad of Dorne." Meria was succeeded by her son, Prince Nymor Martell of Dorne.