It can be tricky to choose the right actors to portray certain characters in masterpieces partially due to inspired casting choices, such as Cary Elwes' Westley in The Princess Bride or Liv Tyler's Arwen in The Lord of the Rings franchise.

Sometimes, casting directors are determined to acquire certain actors for particular roles, which was the case for Game of Thrones—the producers wanted Sean Bean to play Ned Stark and Peter Dinklage to play Tyrion Lannister from the beginning. Walt Disney waited for Julie Andrews to play the titular character in Mary Poppins, one of the best fantasy movies of the 1960s. Some actors have acquired iconic roles through the classic audition process, but it does not diminish their performances. Regardless of how it happened, several fantasy TV shows made perfect casting choices for certain characters.

10 The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

Kat Graham As Bonnie Bennett

Kat Graham portrays Bonnie Bennett in The Vampire Diaries, Elena Gilbert's best friend, who also discovers she is a witch. Bonnie Bennett is one of the most important characters in The Vampire Diaries. She is resilient, fearless, and stands her ground no matter what. Bonnie is always the person who saves everyone; Elena and her friends would die without her. It got to the point that the narrative kept sacrificing Bonnie's happiness and individual storylines for lesser characters. Not many actors could portray this strong witch, but Kat Graham was the ideal choice.

Kat Graham deserved more substance in The Vampire Diaries so that the narrative could fully realize Bonnie Bennett's potential.

Unfortunately, The Vampire Diaries did not utilize Bonnie's character the way she deserved, even though Kat Graham is easily one of the best and most compelling actors in the show. Bonnie Bennett was at her greatest during her storylines, such as discovering her witch identity and powers or navigating her role as the Anchor to the Other Side. Kat Graham deserved more substance in The Vampire Diaries so that the narrative could fully realize Bonnie Bennett's potential. Thankfully, at least Bonnie Bennett has a terrific actress to portray her silver lining moments.

9 Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

Robert Carlyle As Rumplestiltskin

Rumplestiltskin is one of the most iconic villains in Once Upon a Time, with his ever-changing personality, selfish pursuits, and complicated emotions. His Storybrooke counterpart, Mr. Gold, is considerably different from Rumplestiltskin, especially in mannerisms and cheating methods. He has been a villain for most of the show, but he has portrayed the hero on a few select occasions. Rumplestiltskin comes with a complex backstory, emotional baggage, and many idiosyncrasies. Once Upon a Time could not be successful without a stellar actor capturing Rumplestiltskin and Mr. Gold's personalities, attributed to the renowned Robert Carlyle.

Robert Carlyle was so good as Rumplestiltskin that it seemed like he played multiple roles. The classic Rumplestiltskin is conniving comically, while Mr. Gold is reserved and sinister. Rumplestiltskin in the Wish Realm is the worst version of himself, having lost all humanity. Rumplestiltskin's brief heroic moments are so believable that his villainous acts are forgotten. Once Upon a Time has a talented cast, but Robert Carlyle's Rumplestiltskin easily stands out the most. No one could have portrayed this convoluted character except for Robert Carlyle.

8 Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Emilia Clarke As Daenerys Targaryen

Although most of the Game of Thrones cast are perfect for their roles, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen has always been different. Clarke's portrayal of Daenerys is special—even after the divisive final season. Clarke always tried to maintain a level of humanity within Daenerys despite her fate. She has also read A Song of Ice & Fire numerous times, taking notes to portray Daenerys as accurately as possible. Emilia Clarke gave her heart and soul to portray Daenerys, even if the Game of Thrones ending was not what she initially thought it would be.

Emilia Clarke was so destined to play Daenerys Targaryen that when Game of Thrones filmed the first pilot, Daenerys was portrayed by a different actress—Tamzin Merchant. When David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had to reshoot the pilot episode, they implemented many changes, including recasting Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. Although many reasons are responsible for this decision, it still indicates that Emilia Clarke was born to play Daenerys Targaryen. The circumstances aligned for this casting decision to work. Nobody else could have played Daenerys Targaryen.

7 Outlander (2014-)

Sam Heughan As Jamie Fraser

Outlander's Jamie Fraser is a great historical romance hero, and Sam Heughan is the perfect actor to portray him. Jamie is stubborn, devoted, honorable, courageous, and intelligent—all critical characteristics a romance hero must portray, which Heughan does beautifully. Although his book counterpart's physical description is notably different, it is impossible to picture anyone else as Jamie Fraser because of how great Sam Heughan is. Heughan's performance is mesmerizing, and the chemistry he has with his costar, Caitríona Balfe, is electrifying.

Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe on screen together is magical, partly due to Heughan's portrayal of Jamie Fraser. Furthermore, the author of the Outlander book series has vehemently defended Sam Heughan's portrayal of Jamie Fraser, explaining to Entertainment Weekly that she knew within "five seconds" that Heughan was Jamie Fraser. An author wholeheartedly believing in an actor portraying their character is the highest possible compliment and the most significant sign that the show made the perfect casting choice, making Sam Heughan's portrayal of Jamie Fraser ideal.

6 His Dark Materials (2019-2022)

Dafne Keen As Lyra Belacqua

It can be difficult to find a suitable actress to portray protagonist Lyra Belacqua. She is rebellious, independent, charming, brave, and determined, bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders. Thankfully, the adaptation of His Dark Materials has Dafne Keen to portray Lyra. In an interview with Fabric Magazine, Dafne Keen revealed that she received the role of Lyra Belacqua before reading the books, but she devoured them "within two weeks whilst on set." Dafne Keen thoroughly understood Lyra from the beginning, comprehending the protagonist's journey and purpose.

It is hard to believe that there was a previous adaptation of the first book in His Dark Materials, especially since this adaptation, The Golden Com, is one of several sci-fi books to have excellent adaptations. However, His Dark Materials is definitely one of them, partly due to Dafne Keen's unforgettable performance as Lyra Belacqua.

5 The Witcher (2019-)

Anya Chalotra As Yennefer of Vengerberg

Anya Chalotra portrays Yennefer of Vengerberg in Netflix's The Witcher. Yennefer is a powerful sorceress who helps Geralt of Rivia protect Ciri, the crown princess of Cintra. There are many differences between the show and book versions of Yennefer of Vengerberg, but one thing is certain—Anya Chalotra is the perfect actress to portray her. Although Netflix is more thorough with Yennefer's backstory, Yennefer is also far more obsessed with power than she is in the books. However, she has a lot more agency and independence in the show.

Anya Chalotra had excitedly spoken to Marriska Fernandes about reading The Witcher books and thoroughly exploring the rich universe the day after she secured the role. Chalotra speaks about Yennefer with love, enthusiasm, and ion. Regardless of the interview, Anya Chalotra is devoted to her character. Chalotra understands Yennefer like no one else; she is a stellar actress who perfects the role. Had Netflix decided to follow Yennefer's book characterization more closely, Anya Chalotra would have been so perceptive of Yennefer of Vengerberg that she would have done an excellent job no matter how the show characterized Yennefer.

4 Shadow & Bone (2021-2023)

Jessie Mei Li As Alina Starkov

Alina Starkov is the protagonist in Shadow & Bone and the Shadow & Bone trilogy, the series that started Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse books. Alina is a young soldier and mapmaker in Ravka's First Army, and her life turns upside down when she learns that she is Grisha and the prophesized Sun Summoner. Netflix held an open casting call for Alina Starkov, but Jessie Mei Li secured the role. Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov is so iconic that Leigh Bardugo, the author of the Grishaverse, cast Jessie Mei Li herself.

Leigh Bardugo revealed to Netflix canceled Shadow & Bone just after two seasons, especially after season 2 rushed Alina Starkov's story and implied a riveting future that explores the darker side of her character.

3 Shadow & Bone (2021-2023)

Amita Suman As Inej Ghafa

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Shadow & Bone has several excellent castings, including Amita Suman's portrayal of Inej Ghafa. Inej is a skilled, knife-wielding acrobat who has endured a terrible life under Tante Heleen's thumb. She is a complex character who requires an actor who can capture her emotions through eye and body movement, a talent that Amita Suman exhibits naturally. Amita Suman has also been one of the biggest advocates for Inej Ghafa, always highlighting the importance of narratively exploring Inej's trauma or discussing the importance of each relationship Inej has with the other crows of Kaz Brekker's crew in Six of Crows.

2 House Of The Dragon (2022-)

Emma D'Arcy As Rhaenyra Targaryen

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House of the Dragon has notably taken a turn from Fire & Blood, but the essence of the conflict is still the same. The show provides the opportunity for characters to be more fleshed out, and that includes none other than the protagonist, Rhaenyra Targaryen. Emma D'Arcy portrays the Targaryen queen, and they embody the role completely. Rhaenyra is a multifaceted character who requires an actor who understands her motivations, complex relationship with gender, and gray personality, which Emma D'Arcy accomplishes.

Emma D'Arcy even went to dinner with Emilia Clarke before filming House of the Dragon season 1, which helped the actor frame Rhaenyra and her arc before filming. Emma D'Arcy has also highlighted important aspects of Rhaenyra's character, such as her grief related to her son Lucerys, her complex dynamics with Alicent and Daemon, and her struggles as a woman in a patriarchal system. Regardless of how the remainder of House of the Dragon unfolds, Emma D'Arcy will continue to portray Rhaenyra Targaryen with brilliance.

1 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power (2022-)

Charlie Vickers as Sauron

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Charlie Vickers plays Sauron in the Prime Video's Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Vickers read all the material related to The Lord of the Rings to prepare for the role. He talks about Sauron's complicated journey while providing additional characterization that helps to understand Sauron. It is difficult to imagine anyone else as Sauron. Charlie Vickers' performance is so phenomenal that his portrayal paints Sauron—even during the Lord of the Rings timeline—in a different light.

Vickers has had the chance to play two versions of Sauron on the Prime Video fantasy show — Halbrand and Annatar. In the first season of Rings of Power, the show played with the mystery box of who among those characters was Sauron. Toward the end of season 1, it became clear that Helbrand was Sauron after all, allowing Vickers' character to drop the act and reveal his true intentions. In season 2, Vickers embodied Annatar, Sauron's new form designed to trick the Elves ever further.

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Fabric magazine, Marriska Fernandes, Express.