From Hogwarts to Westeros: 4 Actors Who Appeared in Both Cinematic Universes — But Went Unnoticed

The Harry Potter and Game of Thrones franchises united an entire generation of viewers in their love for fantasy. One is about magic, the other about swords and intrigue. But what they share isn’t just cult status and fan obsession — it’s also their cast: several outstanding British actors managed to appear in both Hogwarts and Westeros. Here are four notable examples you may have missed.

Ciarán Hinds

Aberforth Dumbledore / Mance Rayder

In Harry Potter, he is Albus’s older brother — the silent and gruff owner of the Hog’s Head Inn who played a crucial role in evacuating students during the Battle of Hogwarts. In Game of Thrones, he is Mance Rayder, the charismatic leader of the Free Folk beyond the Wall. Mance unites the tribes, leads them south, and dies by Jon Snow’s hand, remaining until the end a proud, tragic, and unbowed king.

Jim Broadbent

Horace Slughorn / Archmaester Ebrose

Slughorn is the eccentric professor with a heart of gold and a key source of knowledge about Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Years later, Broadbent appeared in Game of Thrones as Archmaester Ebrose — Sam Tarly’s mentor at the Citadel. Brief but memorable: he discusses how knowledge can defeat darkness, adding depth and irony to those scenes.

Julian Glover

Aragog (voice) / Grand Maester Pycelle

If Aragog’s voice scared you — Julian Glover did his job well. He voiced the giant spider in the second Harry Potter film. In Game of Thrones, he portrayed Pycelle, the court maester who pretended to be feeble but operated with subtlety and cunning. His death was one of the darkest and most symbolic in the series: Qyburn’s “little birds” catch up to their creator.

Ralph Ineson

Amycus Carrow / Dagmer

In Harry Potter, he’s one of the Death Eaters — a cruel teacher who tormented students during Snape’s headmastership. In Game of Thrones, he plays Dagmer, an ironborn warrior and Theon Greyjoy’s mentor, one of those who helped take Winterfell. His betrayal and brutality made his name forever synonymous with pain in the North.