and are some of the most popular and critically acclaimed fantasy sagas of all time. Both and are based on a book series and have prequels expanding on the fictional universe. They introduce several characters that make their fictional world rich and detailed. And with so many characters to give life to, and have many actors in common.
Several actors have appeared in as well as in and its prequel series, . Some portrayed minor roles in before landing bigger roles in the universe. Others were able to bring to life memorable characters in both fantasy sagas, leaving a big impression on fans.
Ian Whyte is an actor, stuntman, and former professional basketball player. Few might know he was one of the two actors who played Madame Maxime in . Ian Whyte portrayed Olympe Maxime in every full-body shot, while actress Frances de la Tour played the role in close-ups.
In , Ian Whyte played several characters, including the White Walker and Gregor Clegane in Season 2. In the later seasons of , Whyte gave life to Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun, the Free Folk giant.
Jim Broadbent is a character actor who gives life to Professor Horace Slughorn in , as well as . during Voldemort's time at Hogwarts and also taught Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter. Slughorn returned to the school after Professor Snape took over Defense Against the Dark Arts.
In , Jim Broadbent played Archmaester Ebrose for four episodes. Ebrose was one of the governing and most senior members of the Order of Maesters. He also wrote a history of Westeros, which he called .
Few fans will recognize Julian Glover from his role in. Glover voiced the giant Acromantula, Aragog, in . Hagrid raised Aragog while he was a student at Hogwarts until he was expelled, and Aragog later lived in Hogwarts' Forbidden Forest.
Julian Glover had a bigger role in as Grand Maester Pycelle. Pycelle served as the Grand Maester for decades and was particularly loyal to Tywin and Cersei Lannister. Pycelle appears clumsy and stammers constantly, yet this is only an act.
David Bradley portrayed the iconic Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch in all films. Filch has a cat called Mrs. Norris, and together they try to catch students breaking the rules. Filch was also a Squib, something Harry learns in .
David Bradley was also in and gave life to Walder Frey, head of House Frey. Walder Frey played a key role in , being the one behind one of the series'
Ciarán Hinds joined Harry Potter in, as Aberforth Dumbledore. Aberforth was Albus Dumbledore's younger brother. He was also the owner of Hog's Head Inn in Hogsmeade, where Dumbledore's Army had its first unofficial meeting during .
After his time in , Ciarán Hinds appeared in as Mance Rayder. Mance was the leader of the Free Folk, also known as the King-Beyond-the-Wall. He was raised by the Night's Watch, yet Mance deserted his post as a young man.
Freddie Stroma gave life to Cormac McLaggen in . Cormac was a Gryffindor student one year above than Harry, Ron, and Hermione. He tried out for Gryffindor's Quidditch team as a Keeper during his seventh year when Harry became Captain. However, the Keeper position went to Ron.
Freddie Stroma was also part of for a single episode. In the episode "Blood of My Blood" from Season 6, Stroma played Dickon Tarly. However, Freddie Stroma was unable to return for Season 7, and the role was recast.
Ralph Ineson appeared in three films as Amycus Carrow, a Death Eater and the brother of Alecto Carrow. The Carrow siblings had a larger role in the books, becoming Hogwarts teachers and harshly punishing students once Snape was Headmaster. They were also part of the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, where Dumbledore died.
In , Ralph Ineson portrayed Dagmer Cleftjaw. He was an ironborn and Theon's first mate in the service of House Gregjoy. However, Dagmer and his men betray Theon, hoping to deliver him to the northern forces so they can go home.
Michelle Fairley had a minor role in . In Fairley gives life to Mrs. Granger, Hermione's mother. Hermione's parents made appearances in several books. However, they were only portrayed in one scene during the seventh film in which Hermione erases her parents' memories.
In , . Catelyn was the wife of Eddard Stark and the mother of Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon Stark. Fairley received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Catelyn, and many were disappointed she did not return after her death as Lady Stoneheart, like in the novels.
Rhys Ifans joined for the seventh film, . He gave life to Luna Lovegood's father and editor of The Quibbler, Xenophilius Lovegood. Xenophilius plays a key role during the film when Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit him. They learn about at the Lovegoods' home before Xenophilius turns them over to the Death Eaters.
Rhys Ifans now stars in the prequel series . He portrays Ser Otto Hightower, a knight of House Hightower, Hand of the King, and Queen Alicent's father.
Natalia Tena had an important role in both Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. She gave life to Nymphadora Tonks in and subsequent films. Tonks was a Metamorphmagus and an Auror and Sirius Black's first cousin once removed. , and they had a child together, Teddy Lupin, and made Harry his godfather.
In , Natalia Tena portrayed Osha, a wildling woman from Beyond the Wall. Osha was a minor character in book series, yet her character was expanded for the TV adaptation. Once she arrived at Winterfell, Osha bonded with and became the protector of Bran and Rickon Stark.
The Harry Potter franchise follows the adventure of a young boy introduced a whole new world of magic, mayhem and darkness. Traversing the obstacles in his path, young Harry's rise to heroics pits him against Lord Voldemort, one of the most dangerous wizards in the world and all his minions.
Created by J.K. Rowling
First Film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Latest Film Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2
Upcoming TV Shows Harry Potter
Cast Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon
Where to watch HBO Max
Spin-offs (Movies) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for a millennia.
Release Date April 17, 2011
Cast Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Kit Harington, Lena Headey
Genres Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
Rating TV-MA
Seasons 8
Creator David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Number of Episodes 73
Streaming Service HBO Max
