The season 6 Game of Thrones finale may have blown our minds wide open, but another shocker is catching a glimpse of one of the characters IRL. No, we don’t mean seeing Khaleesi walking around with her dragons or Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton fighting battles in the street. With Game of Thrones’ popularity exploding over the years — no pun intended, sorry Margaery — it’s hard not to see an actor from the show walking the red carpet or guesting on Jimmy Fallon.
GOT characters certainly are not like us — let's start with the fact that they live in a fantasy alternate reality — but their real-life counterparts are a tad closer. On the small screen, we're endlessly captivated with Daenerys’ complicated updos. Yara’s beautifully natural complexion is the stuff of dreams. Although we know it's fiction (or at least haters have told us that...), we can’t help but be awed by their striking beauty personalities. The only thing that's more fun than watching the show is seeing these characters without their extensions, robes, braids, or gowns. Some of them are completely unrecognizable. Take a look at the shocking comparisons between the beloved characters and their real-life Hollywood players. Although, full disclosure: They're fierce before and after.
Arya Stark
Believing she is the master of her own fate, Arya rips apart the status quo of what it means to be a girl in GOT world. After posing as a boy for most of the series, Arya is determined to make what she wants happen and reunite her family. Shoving beauty norms and “ladylike” expectations aside, she fights for what she wants and does it without taking a second glance in the mirror.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Maisie Williams
While both women are determined and steadfast, Maisie does it with longer, freshly dyed hair. Last week she switched to a badass midnight-blue shade, complete with black roots and slightly icier ends. But over the weekend of July 9 and 10, Maisie debuted even bluer highlights at the Wimbledon Ladies' Final, giving off major mermaid vibes. Considering the major changes Arya underwent this season (and basically, through the whole series), we think this real-life transformation is fitting.
Photo: Neil Mockford/GC Images.
Cersei Lannister
Although Cersei’s hair was cut in an unfortunate and deplorable event, her new ‘do invoked some serious confidence post-shame walk. We can’t help but acknowledge the #girlpower Cersei shows — going from a sidekick puppeteer to "bow down." We’d say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you more likely to take the Iron Throne. Our hunch is it’s the grown-out pixie.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Lena Headey
A jet-black pixie cut is full-on badass in our eyes. We don’t doubt that Headey took some of that Cersei power with her when walking off the set of season 6.
Photo: Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock.
Daenerys Targaryen
Only fitting to put Khaleesi after Cersei, because hello, she’s on her way to Westeros — and quite possibly the Iron Throne itself — and we know she’s going to shake up whatever Cersei has established. Lucky for us, we get another season to stare at her gorgeous — and impossibly intricate — platinum braids.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Emilia Clarke
Our hearts be still: Emilia Clarke slays with her cheeky smile and choppy bob. We think the Mother of Dragons would approve of her edgy counterpart.
Photo: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock.
Jon Snow
Whether or not you’re a superfan, Jon Snow is too recognizable to miss these days — or so we thought. When resurrected, his hair became a lot shorter — well, short enough for superfans to take notice — and he no doubt embraced the man bun.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Kit Harington
Let’s be real, Kit Harington basically is Jon Snow, but recently he shaved his famous beard and looks like a whole new man. Either way, we love us some Kit.
Photo: Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle/GC Images.
Gilly
While pretending to mask her identity as a Wildling, Gilly actually cleaned up pretty well, if only temporarily. She got a chance to introduce herself to Sam Tarly’s parents while under a total Princess Diaries — or Pretty Woman — makeover. Taking a brush t o her hair did Gilly some good.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Hannah Murray
Once a blonde, Hannah Murray now has jaw-dropping auburn locks. We like this glam and easygoing look just the way it is — no transformation needed.
Photo: Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock.
Melisandre
We know vampires don’t exist in the GOT world, but Melisandre eerily resembles one. While she’s actually a priestess, her real age was revealed this season and it made her flaming red hair, porcelain skin, and rosy complexion even more striking once we knew it was all an illusion.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Carice Van Houten
Carice van Houten goes for wavy, mahogany locks and standout lipstick.
Photo: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock.
Yara Greyjoy
We’d say season 6 was totally about strong women coming out on top. Greyjoy is the ultimate warrior, fighting her uncle to be the leader of her house and supporting Daenerys in the process.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Gemma Whelan
While Yara basically stares into our souls during every episode she’s in, Gemma’s softer look feels slightly more approachable — of course, the lack of dirt on her face certainly helps.
Photo: Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images.
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