In the absence of Henry Cavill, HBO needs to look at these 5 actors to play Aegon I Targaryen in their Game of Thrones prequel.

Ever since Henry Cavill debuted as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, the actor’s white-haired look has consumed the dreams of every Game of Thrones fan. Often referred to as the perfect pick for Aegon Taragaryen, the actor might not be available for the fantasy juggernaut, given that he is currently working hard to get a Warhammer 40,000 cinematic universe off the ground.

Henry Cavill on The Witcher | Credits: Netflix
However, whenever the first Targaryen monarch makes an appearance on any of Game of Thrones shows, there are a host of options that producers and fans could look to cast Aegon I Targaryen with, and some of them might already have a lot of experience in the genre.

1. William Moseley

William Moseley in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian || Credit: The Walt Disney Company

William Moseley broke onto the film scene with The Chronicles of Narnia, already proving how suited the actor is to the fantasy setting. A character like Aegon the Conqueror would benefit from a younger actor, one who could pull off the 25-year-old who conquered Westeros with his siblings.

Moseley would be able to pull off the young look that the character would need. He has already played a regal monarch that an entire country lives up to, and now after a few years of leaving The Chronicles of Narnia behind, has the right look to play a warrior king, having done so in his younger years with Peter Pevensive.

2. Alexander Ludwig

Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn Ironside in a still from Vikings || Credit: History TV

Travis Fimmel would also be a great pick for Aegon I Targaryen, but the actor might be a little too old to play the conqueror. However, his on-screen son, Alexander Ludwig, who essayed the role of Bjorn Ironside, has the right look for the character. Alexander Ludwig has also proved himself to be a great asset for historical and fantasy settings, emulating the inquisitive nature of Ragnar in his character. Given the right costume, Ludwig could make a great Aegon I Targaryen, bringing out the warrior aspect of the warrior king.

3. Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal in Gladiator II || Credit: Paramount Pictures

Proving his mettle in the historical drama that is Gladiator II, Paul Mescal could also serve as a great Aegon I Targaryen. Given that the character will require a level of ambition and grit that Mescal has already displayed in Gladiator II, the young actor would be a great fit for the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. He also has the right physique to pass for a young conqueror, easily playing the character during his heyday.

4. Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson in The King || Credit: Netflix

Robert Pattinson showed the audience how brilliant the looks are in an armout in Netflix’s The King. The actor has also shown us that he can pull off a committed, aloof genius role in Matt Reeve’s The Batman.

Given that Aegon is often described as being aloof and a great warrior, Pattinson will be able to bring his Batman personality and look good in armor while doing it. The actor has also managed to carve out a niche as a dramatic actor, something that is always an asset for an IP like A Song of Ice and Fire.

5. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Tayler-Johnson in Outlaw King || Netflix

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has already proven himself as quite the aloof warrior in Outlaw King. Coupled with his experience playing soldiers, Taylor-Johnson would carve the dashing figure that Aegon the Conqueror is meant to be. While he might be a little old for the role, he might be able to make the character his own, while also putting to use his acting chops, which have won him roles in some of the biggest franchises in Hollywood.