Game of Thrones’ original auditions compiled in one awesome video

As we get lost in fan theories and moments of shear brutality, it’s easy to forget that the performers behind your favorite (or, perhaps, most hated) Game of Thrones characters had to audition for their parts. Kit Harington wasn’t always Jon Snow, right?

The video at the head of this post compiles nearly 14 minutes worth of audition footage for the cast of Game of Thrones. It’s a compelling watch for fans, especially around the seven minute mark when we get to see Rory McCann as he earns the role of Sandor Clegane, better known as The Hound.

The video itself was uploaded by YouTuber Super Guitar Hero back in May of this year. I caught it as it surfaced its way towards the top of the Videos subreddit this past week.

I still need to watch this past season finale. Excuse me.