NIKOLAJ COSTER-WALDAU, 48
Plays: Jaime Lannister
The actor broke out in his native Denmark with the thriller Nightwatch (1994) and has amassed a body of work on screen (Norwegian action thriller Headhunters, 2011; fantasy action Gods Of Egypt, 2016) and stage (Macbeth).
He seems likely to be a bigger star in Europe than on the international stage.
Post-Game career: 3 stars
ALFIE ALLEN, 32
Plays: Theon Greyjoy
Before Game Of Thrones, he was best known for being the titular Alfie in the 2006 song by his older pop star sister Lily Allen.
Since then, the English actor has worked steadily in film and television, though none of the roles has had anything like the impact of the much-tortured Theon, heir to the Lord of the Iron Islands.
Post-Game career: 2 stars
LENA HEADEY, 45
Plays: Cersei Lannister
Every show needs an uber-villain and the English actress is so good at being bad as evil queen Cersei.
She has shown her range and diversity in film, television and video games. Some of her best-known movies includes thriller The Purge (2013) and period fantasy 300: Rise Of An Empire (2014).
Post-Game career: 3 stars
MAISIE WILLIAMS, 21
Plays: Arya Stark
The English actress told The Straits Times: "We've been completely spoiled on this show, so now I feel like I'm quite picky."
Unfortunately, what she has picked thus far does not seem to have made much of an impact. British mystery drama film The Falling (2014) got her noticed, but it under-performed at the box office..
Post-Game career: 2.5 stars
PETER DINKLAGE, 49
Plays: Tyrion Lannister
Pre-Game Of Thrones, the American actor was best known for critically acclaimed comedy-drama The Station Agent (2003).
As the (sometimes drunken) voice of reason Tyrion, he won three Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His list of extensive credits extend to theatre and voicing video games.
Post-Game career: 3.5 stars
