Prosthetics designer Barrie Gower is nominated not once but twice this Emmy season for his work on The Last of Us and House of the Dragon. It’s a big accomplishment for the previous Emmy winner — three times for Game of Thrones and once for Stranger Things — but it’s all part of a lifelong passion. “I’m one of those annoying people who knew very early on what I wanted to do for a career, in my early teens, really,” he explains.
Gower grew up in the north of England, where his father managed a cinema. “He’d take me to press screenings and showings of films … I got to meet [animator] Ray Harryhausen when I was 4 or 5 years old. I was a big fan of the Sinbad movies, the visible stop-motion characters.”
As he became a teenager, Gower was heavily involved in art — mostly drawings and sculpture. “I came across a magazine called Fangoria,...
Gower grew up in the north of England, where his father managed a cinema. “He’d take me to press screenings and showings of films … I got to meet [animator] Ray Harryhausen when I was 4 or 5 years old. I was a big fan of the Sinbad movies, the visible stop-motion characters.”
As he became a teenager, Gower was heavily involved in art — mostly drawings and sculpture. “I came across a magazine called Fangoria,...
- 8/5/2023
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This post contains spoilers for "House of the Dragon."
Being a kid is hard, but it's even harder when you live in a medieval-inspired fantasy world and you're the only one in your incestuous family without a dragon. In the seventh episode of "House of the Dragon," titled "Driftmark," Aemond Targaryen (Leo Ashton) decides to take matters into his own hands. He sneaks out after dark and claims the dragon of the recently-deceased Laena Velayron, nearly falling to his death multiple times in the process.
Thrilled by his newfound success, Aemond returns to the castle and is immediately confronted by Rhaenyra and Laena's children. Could Aemond have chosen his words a bit more carefully during this argument? Probably, but we're not here to point fingers. Things get violent fast, and in the heat of the moment, Lucerys Velaryon (Harvey Sadler) ends up cutting open one of his eyes.
What followed...
Being a kid is hard, but it's even harder when you live in a medieval-inspired fantasy world and you're the only one in your incestuous family without a dragon. In the seventh episode of "House of the Dragon," titled "Driftmark," Aemond Targaryen (Leo Ashton) decides to take matters into his own hands. He sneaks out after dark and claims the dragon of the recently-deceased Laena Velayron, nearly falling to his death multiple times in the process.
Thrilled by his newfound success, Aemond returns to the castle and is immediately confronted by Rhaenyra and Laena's children. Could Aemond have chosen his words a bit more carefully during this argument? Probably, but we're not here to point fingers. Things get violent fast, and in the heat of the moment, Lucerys Velaryon (Harvey Sadler) ends up cutting open one of his eyes.
What followed...
- 12/20/2022
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Warning: The below article contains descriptions of violence, miscarriage, and abuse.
"House of the Dragon" flew onto our screens and did the impossible -- it made us (mostly) forget about that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad final season of "Game of Thrones." But more importantly, it made us excited to return to Westeros. The captivating characters in "House of the Dragon" and the nuanced storytelling are all part of what makes this HBO series soar. Plus, it has dragons galore!
You can't tell a "Game of Thrones" story without conflict, and most Westeros conflicts inevitably devolve into bloodshed. That probably has something to do with everyone wearing swords like they are some kind of belt accessory. Here, we'll rank this debut season's best fight scenes and their action set pieces. One note: Of the 12 items on this list, one-third of them include Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). (That dude loves to mix it up!
"House of the Dragon" flew onto our screens and did the impossible -- it made us (mostly) forget about that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad final season of "Game of Thrones." But more importantly, it made us excited to return to Westeros. The captivating characters in "House of the Dragon" and the nuanced storytelling are all part of what makes this HBO series soar. Plus, it has dragons galore!
You can't tell a "Game of Thrones" story without conflict, and most Westeros conflicts inevitably devolve into bloodshed. That probably has something to do with everyone wearing swords like they are some kind of belt accessory. Here, we'll rank this debut season's best fight scenes and their action set pieces. One note: Of the 12 items on this list, one-third of them include Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). (That dude loves to mix it up!
- 10/25/2022
- by Eric Pierce
- Slash Film
‘Need Ser Criston Cole’s skincare routine’: House of the Dragon fans joke about character not ageing
House of the Dragon fans have been joking about Ser Criston Cole not ageing during the series despite multiple time jumps.
Cole has been played by the same actor, Fabien Frankel, throughout the Game of Thrones prequel despite other roles being re-cast by older actors due to two time jumps adding up to around 16 years.
Leading character Rhaenyra Targaryen has been played by both Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy throughout the hit HBO show, and series villain Alicent Hightower has been played by both Emily Carey and Olivia Cooke.
In episode eight, which aired on 9 October, a time jump of six years saw both Rhaenyra and Alicent’s children, such as Aemond Targaryen and Jacaerys Velaryon, grow up and be recast by older actors.
Despite this, Frankel is still playing Cole, with fans cracking jokes about this situation online.
“Sorry but is Ser Criston Cole Ever going to age,” wrote one viewer,...
Cole has been played by the same actor, Fabien Frankel, throughout the Game of Thrones prequel despite other roles being re-cast by older actors due to two time jumps adding up to around 16 years.
Leading character Rhaenyra Targaryen has been played by both Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy throughout the hit HBO show, and series villain Alicent Hightower has been played by both Emily Carey and Olivia Cooke.
In episode eight, which aired on 9 October, a time jump of six years saw both Rhaenyra and Alicent’s children, such as Aemond Targaryen and Jacaerys Velaryon, grow up and be recast by older actors.
Despite this, Frankel is still playing Cole, with fans cracking jokes about this situation online.
“Sorry but is Ser Criston Cole Ever going to age,” wrote one viewer,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Furvah Shah
- The Independent - TV
House of the Dragon’s latest episode sees the younger generation of Targaryens replaced by new actors.
*Spoilers for House of the Dragon episode eight below*
The episode, which aired on Sunday (9 October), travels six years into the future with child characters recast as teenagers and young adults.
The new instalment sees Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) sons Jacaerys and Lucerys, Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) children Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond, and Daemon’s daughters Baela and Rhaena being recast.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon’s eldest child Jacaerys Velaryon is now portrayed by Harry Collett, taking over from young actor Leo Hart.
The couple’s second-born son and the heir to Driftmark, Lucerys is now played by Elliot Grihault.
Taking over from Ty Tennant, adult Aegon Targaryen is played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
His brother Prince Aemond Targaryen, who lost his eye in the last episode, is now played by Ewan Mitchell,...
*Spoilers for House of the Dragon episode eight below*
The episode, which aired on Sunday (9 October), travels six years into the future with child characters recast as teenagers and young adults.
The new instalment sees Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) sons Jacaerys and Lucerys, Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) children Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond, and Daemon’s daughters Baela and Rhaena being recast.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon’s eldest child Jacaerys Velaryon is now portrayed by Harry Collett, taking over from young actor Leo Hart.
The couple’s second-born son and the heir to Driftmark, Lucerys is now played by Elliot Grihault.
Taking over from Ty Tennant, adult Aegon Targaryen is played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
His brother Prince Aemond Targaryen, who lost his eye in the last episode, is now played by Ewan Mitchell,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
This article contains House of the Dragon episode 8 spoilers.
Even a character as arrogant as Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen has to begrudge it was a good line. When a young and still bleeding Prince Aemond (then Leo Ashton) takes his hand and places it in the queen’s, he says, “Do not mourn me Mother, it was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye but I gained a dragon.” The little flicker across his uncle’s face suggests the older prince is impressed.
Such was our first hint on House of the Dragon that these are two Targaryens cut from the same stuff: fire and blood. And after last night’s episode, that fact has become both clearer and more perilous for the realm of Westeros.
The first time we see Prince Aemond after a six-year time jump between episodes, it’s jarring. He has a new...
Even a character as arrogant as Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen has to begrudge it was a good line. When a young and still bleeding Prince Aemond (then Leo Ashton) takes his hand and places it in the queen’s, he says, “Do not mourn me Mother, it was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye but I gained a dragon.” The little flicker across his uncle’s face suggests the older prince is impressed.
Such was our first hint on House of the Dragon that these are two Targaryens cut from the same stuff: fire and blood. And after last night’s episode, that fact has become both clearer and more perilous for the realm of Westeros.
The first time we see Prince Aemond after a six-year time jump between episodes, it’s jarring. He has a new...
- 10/10/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
House of the Dragon’s latest episode sees the younger generation of Targaryens replaced by new actors.
*Spoilers for House of the Dragon episode eight below*
The episode, which aired on Sunday (9 October), travels six years into the future with child characters recast as teenagers and young adults.
The new instalment sees Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) sons Jacaerys and Lucerys, Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) children Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond, and Daemon’s daughters Baela and Rhaena being recast.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon’s eldest child Jacaerys Velaryon is now portrayed by Harry Collett, taking over from young actor Leo Hart.
The couple’s second-born son and the heir to Driftmark, Lucerys is now played by Elliot Grihault.
Taking over from Ty Tennant, adult Aegon Targaryen is played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
His brother Prince Aemond Targaryen, who lost his eye in the last episode, is now played by Ewan Mitchell,...
*Spoilers for House of the Dragon episode eight below*
The episode, which aired on Sunday (9 October), travels six years into the future with child characters recast as teenagers and young adults.
The new instalment sees Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) sons Jacaerys and Lucerys, Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) children Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond, and Daemon’s daughters Baela and Rhaena being recast.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon’s eldest child Jacaerys Velaryon is now portrayed by Harry Collett, taking over from young actor Leo Hart.
The couple’s second-born son and the heir to Driftmark, Lucerys is now played by Elliot Grihault.
Taking over from Ty Tennant, adult Aegon Targaryen is played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
His brother Prince Aemond Targaryen, who lost his eye in the last episode, is now played by Ewan Mitchell,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
Ryan Condal, the co-showrunner of the streaming series ‘House of the Dragon’, recently shared the idea behind the stealing of a dragon by Aemond Targaryen in the latest episode of the show.
Talking about making Aemond Targaryen the rider of Vhagar, Ryan said in a statement, “We really wanted to dramatise the claiming of the dragon, and this little kid on the biggest dragon felt like the best way to do that. He’s the only kid on the other side without a dragon, and he desperately wants one. He’s been bullied for not having one. So, he finds himself at the funeral feeling alone and detached, sees an opportunity and he goes on to cease it.”
The prequel series to ‘Game of Thrones’ is set 200 years before the events that captivated audiences in ‘Game of Thrones’, the series is a remarkable, turbulent story of the House of Targaryen.
Talking about making Aemond Targaryen the rider of Vhagar, Ryan said in a statement, “We really wanted to dramatise the claiming of the dragon, and this little kid on the biggest dragon felt like the best way to do that. He’s the only kid on the other side without a dragon, and he desperately wants one. He’s been bullied for not having one. So, he finds himself at the funeral feeling alone and detached, sees an opportunity and he goes on to cease it.”
The prequel series to ‘Game of Thrones’ is set 200 years before the events that captivated audiences in ‘Game of Thrones’, the series is a remarkable, turbulent story of the House of Targaryen.
- 10/7/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Episode seven of "House of the Dragon" was one of the twistiest and most shocking yet, but it did leave a lot of viewers with a question about what might have been going on off-screen: Are Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) sleeping together? If they are, that would have inadvertently led to the fight that tore the Targaryen family apart. Let's consider the facts.
The relationship between the two started in earnest in episode five, after Criston slept with Rhaenyra (played then by Milly Alcock). Alicent speaks to him to see if he knows anything about Rhaenyra sleeping with her uncle, Daemon (Matt Smith), but Criston confesses to their own liaison instead. Alicent feels betrayed because she defended Rhaenyra's virginity to the king. At the end of the episode, Criston kills Rhaenyra's husband's lover, and he almost decides to kill himself, but Alicent stops him.
The relationship between the two started in earnest in episode five, after Criston slept with Rhaenyra (played then by Milly Alcock). Alicent speaks to him to see if he knows anything about Rhaenyra sleeping with her uncle, Daemon (Matt Smith), but Criston confesses to their own liaison instead. Alicent feels betrayed because she defended Rhaenyra's virginity to the king. At the end of the episode, Criston kills Rhaenyra's husband's lover, and he almost decides to kill himself, but Alicent stops him.
- 10/4/2022
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
This article contains House of the Dragon spoilers through episode 7 and some light speculative spoilers from Fire & Blood.
The race for the world’s most uncomfortable chair is heating up, as House of the Dragon leans into the fire half of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire saga. You might need a copy of Martin’s Fire & Blood book to keep track of the various Targaryens, Velaryons, and Hightowers, but as we approach the season one finale, the major players are coming into focus.
With there being more time jumps than illegitimate bastards, the young actors playing the children of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) are due another recast in episode 8. Those up on their family history will know there are big things to come for Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney/Ty Tennant) and younger brother Aemond “One Eye” (Ewan Mitchell/Leo Ashton), but what about their sister?...
The race for the world’s most uncomfortable chair is heating up, as House of the Dragon leans into the fire half of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire saga. You might need a copy of Martin’s Fire & Blood book to keep track of the various Targaryens, Velaryons, and Hightowers, but as we approach the season one finale, the major players are coming into focus.
With there being more time jumps than illegitimate bastards, the young actors playing the children of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) are due another recast in episode 8. Those up on their family history will know there are big things to come for Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney/Ty Tennant) and younger brother Aemond “One Eye” (Ewan Mitchell/Leo Ashton), but what about their sister?...
- 10/4/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for the latest episode of "House of the Dragon."
"Game of Thrones" is known for shocking its viewers, a trait that can be traced back to George R.R. Martin's source material. I still remember shouting out a string of expletives as the Red Wedding unfolded in the pages of "A Storm of Swords," but even that didn't fully prepare me for season 3's "The Rains of Castamere." Whether it's Ned losing his head or Oberyn having his cranium crushed, "Game of Thrones" taught viewers to expect the unexpected.
The series set the bar so high that it's prequel, "House of the Dragon," has had some pretty massive boots to fill. Well, its most recent installment, "Driftmark," matched the original show's gnarly higher watermark. Some have complained about the slow burn of season 1 thus far, but without the building of all that tension, watching it all...
"Game of Thrones" is known for shocking its viewers, a trait that can be traced back to George R.R. Martin's source material. I still remember shouting out a string of expletives as the Red Wedding unfolded in the pages of "A Storm of Swords," but even that didn't fully prepare me for season 3's "The Rains of Castamere." Whether it's Ned losing his head or Oberyn having his cranium crushed, "Game of Thrones" taught viewers to expect the unexpected.
The series set the bar so high that it's prequel, "House of the Dragon," has had some pretty massive boots to fill. Well, its most recent installment, "Driftmark," matched the original show's gnarly higher watermark. Some have complained about the slow burn of season 1 thus far, but without the building of all that tension, watching it all...
- 10/4/2022
- by Jamie Gerber
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for all recent episodes of "House of the Dragon."
"House of the Dragon" has a lot of characters on its roster, and not all of them seem to matter in equal measure. But just as Bran ended up winning the game of thrones after spending a whole lot of that series' runtime on the sidelines, a seemingly unimportant "House of the Dragon" character may actually be the key to the show's future.
Helaena Targaryen, played by Evie Allen, has only appeared on the fringes of the Targaryen-Hightower drama so far. She seems to be a rather introverted child, and while it's unclear whether she's coded as neurodivergent or simply eccentric, she has little use for the infighting of her siblings or the conflict of her extended families. In fact, she spends much of her time looking at insects, spouting fragmented and seemingly meaningless phrases along the way.
"House of the Dragon" has a lot of characters on its roster, and not all of them seem to matter in equal measure. But just as Bran ended up winning the game of thrones after spending a whole lot of that series' runtime on the sidelines, a seemingly unimportant "House of the Dragon" character may actually be the key to the show's future.
Helaena Targaryen, played by Evie Allen, has only appeared on the fringes of the Targaryen-Hightower drama so far. She seems to be a rather introverted child, and while it's unclear whether she's coded as neurodivergent or simply eccentric, she has little use for the infighting of her siblings or the conflict of her extended families. In fact, she spends much of her time looking at insects, spouting fragmented and seemingly meaningless phrases along the way.
- 10/4/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
“House of the Dragon” Episode 7, “Driftmark,” might be the series’ best so far.
After weeks of prologue and arguable time wasting, the show has arrived unambiguously at conflict between the houses of Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke). After the funeral of Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), Rhaenyra’s son Jacaerys (Leo Hart) slashes the eye of Alicent’s son Aemond (Leo Ashton), which leads to the series’ most outstanding scene — not the child knife fight that ends with the stabbing, but the quarrel that follows. The episode was written by Kevin Lau and directed by Miguel Sapochnik.
As Targaryens, Velaryons, and everyone around them crowd the hall to figure out exactly what happened, the formidable “House of the Dragon” cast gets to showcase their talents on a glorious stage. King Viserys (Paddy Considine) demanding to know what happened, and despite various ailments and growing age, his fury is palpable.
After weeks of prologue and arguable time wasting, the show has arrived unambiguously at conflict between the houses of Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke). After the funeral of Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), Rhaenyra’s son Jacaerys (Leo Hart) slashes the eye of Alicent’s son Aemond (Leo Ashton), which leads to the series’ most outstanding scene — not the child knife fight that ends with the stabbing, but the quarrel that follows. The episode was written by Kevin Lau and directed by Miguel Sapochnik.
As Targaryens, Velaryons, and everyone around them crowd the hall to figure out exactly what happened, the formidable “House of the Dragon” cast gets to showcase their talents on a glorious stage. King Viserys (Paddy Considine) demanding to know what happened, and despite various ailments and growing age, his fury is palpable.
- 10/3/2022
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
This House of the Dragon review contains spoilers.
House of the Dragon Episode 7
If nothing else, House of the Dragon’s most recent two episodes have made it clear that the show is really going to miss director and co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik.
Last month, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Sapochnik (who directed some of Game of Thrones‘ most action-packed installments like “The Battle of the Bastards” and “Hardhome”) would be leaving the series that he developed alongside co-showrunner Ryan Condal before season 2. This being Warner Bros. Discovery’s biggest TV product by a wide margin, viewers can be forgiven for looking for spilled tea all around Sapochnik’s departure. In listening to Sapochnik on the most recent episode of the official House of the Dragon podcast, however, it really does seem like the guy just needs a break.
And what a well-earned break it will be! Just like last week...
House of the Dragon Episode 7
If nothing else, House of the Dragon’s most recent two episodes have made it clear that the show is really going to miss director and co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik.
Last month, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Sapochnik (who directed some of Game of Thrones‘ most action-packed installments like “The Battle of the Bastards” and “Hardhome”) would be leaving the series that he developed alongside co-showrunner Ryan Condal before season 2. This being Warner Bros. Discovery’s biggest TV product by a wide margin, viewers can be forgiven for looking for spilled tea all around Sapochnik’s departure. In listening to Sapochnik on the most recent episode of the official House of the Dragon podcast, however, it really does seem like the guy just needs a break.
And what a well-earned break it will be! Just like last week...
- 10/3/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Kids, they grow up so fast. After last week’s discombobulating decade-long time jump on House of the Dragon, the Targaryen and Velaryon broods have gone from mere babes (or glints in the eye) to rambunctious children. Drinking, wanking, fighting. And now that the dust has settled on that quantum leap, it’s time for them to take centre stage.
Bad Heir Days
But first, an olive branch. “It’s time that you came home,” Viserys (Paddy Considine) says to his brother, Daemon (Matt Smith). “I know we’ve had our differences but let them pass with the years.” Perhaps he’s forgotten that Daemon was expelled from court for trying to shag his niece. The same forgiveness cannot be said to stem from Daemon to Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), now returned as Hand. “No matter how fat the leech grows, it always wants for another meal,” Daemon whispers, with venom,...
Bad Heir Days
But first, an olive branch. “It’s time that you came home,” Viserys (Paddy Considine) says to his brother, Daemon (Matt Smith). “I know we’ve had our differences but let them pass with the years.” Perhaps he’s forgotten that Daemon was expelled from court for trying to shag his niece. The same forgiveness cannot be said to stem from Daemon to Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), now returned as Hand. “No matter how fat the leech grows, it always wants for another meal,” Daemon whispers, with venom,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Nanna Blondell stars as Lady Laena Targaryen in Episode 6 of House of the Dragon Season 1. Pic credit: HBO/Ollie Upton
Episode 6 of House of the Dragon not only saw a massive time jump but the death of one of the important characters.
In Episode 5, viewers saw Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) turn up uninvited to Princess Rhaenyra’s (Milly Alcock) wedding to Ser Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate). Here, he set eyes on Lady Laena (Savannah Steyn), who is the sister of Laenor.
With a ten-year time jump, it was revealed in Sunday night’s episode that Daemon and Laena (now portrayed by Nanna Blondell) had gotten married since Rhaenyra’s wedding.
Laena had also given birth to twin girls, Baela (Shani Smethurst) and Rhaena (Eva Ossei-Gerning).
However, things did not go well for this union and Laena died during childbirth with their third child.
Well, not exactly during childbirth. When it...
Episode 6 of House of the Dragon not only saw a massive time jump but the death of one of the important characters.
In Episode 5, viewers saw Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) turn up uninvited to Princess Rhaenyra’s (Milly Alcock) wedding to Ser Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate). Here, he set eyes on Lady Laena (Savannah Steyn), who is the sister of Laenor.
With a ten-year time jump, it was revealed in Sunday night’s episode that Daemon and Laena (now portrayed by Nanna Blondell) had gotten married since Rhaenyra’s wedding.
Laena had also given birth to twin girls, Baela (Shani Smethurst) and Rhaena (Eva Ossei-Gerning).
However, things did not go well for this union and Laena died during childbirth with their third child.
Well, not exactly during childbirth. When it...
- 9/27/2022
- by Rachel Tsoumbakos
- Monsters and Critics
Tolstoy once wrote that “all happy families are alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”. It is a credo that George Rr Martin, author of the Game of Thrones series, carried through into his novels. And here, in the first episode where House of the Dragon takes a significant jump forward in time, the mantra is as true as ever. This is now the story of three, deeply unhappy, families.
Family affair
The first of these families is headed by Princess Rhaenyra (now played by Emma D’Arcy) who has just given birth for the third time. Her sham marriage to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) has necessitated the procreational skills of Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), eldest son of the Hand. “Healthy?” she asks the midwife, as the baby arrives. “Kicking like a goat, Princess,” the woman replies, earthily.
But the child, (fake) father and mother are...
Family affair
The first of these families is headed by Princess Rhaenyra (now played by Emma D’Arcy) who has just given birth for the third time. Her sham marriage to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) has necessitated the procreational skills of Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), eldest son of the Hand. “Healthy?” she asks the midwife, as the baby arrives. “Kicking like a goat, Princess,” the woman replies, earthily.
But the child, (fake) father and mother are...
- 9/26/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Tolstoy once wrote that “all happy families are alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”. It is a credo that George Rr Martin, author of the Game of Thrones series, carried through into his novels. And here, in the first episode where House of the Dragon takes a significant jump forward in time, the mantra is as true as ever. This is now the story of three, deeply unhappy, families.
Family affair
The first of these families is headed by Princess Rhaenyra (now played by Emma D’Arcy) who has just given birth for the third time. Her sham marriage to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) has necessitated the procreational skills of Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), eldest son of the Hand. “Healthy?” she asks the midwife, as the baby arrives. “Kicking like a goat, Princess,” the woman replies, earthily.
But the child, (fake) father and mother are...
Family affair
The first of these families is headed by Princess Rhaenyra (now played by Emma D’Arcy) who has just given birth for the third time. Her sham marriage to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) has necessitated the procreational skills of Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), eldest son of the Hand. “Healthy?” she asks the midwife, as the baby arrives. “Kicking like a goat, Princess,” the woman replies, earthily.
But the child, (fake) father and mother are...
- 9/26/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Olivia Cooke stars as Alicent Hightower in Season 1 of House of the Dragon. Pic credit: HBO/Ollie Upton
Episode 6 of House of the Dragon saw some major characters aged up as a ten-year time jump occurred.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) was now a mother, giving birth to her third child in the opening minutes of the episode.
Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) also bore another child, a son called Aemond (Leo Ashton).
Along with this, Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) had also married since Episode 5. He was wed to Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), the sister of Rhaenyra’s husband, Laenor (John MacMillian).
The pair had two daughters, the twins Baela (Shani Smethhurst) and Rhaena (Eva Ossei-Gerning). Unfortunately, Laena died during the birth of their third child.
With Laena’s death, it looks like Episode 7 might take a closer look at House Velaryon.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen and...
Episode 6 of House of the Dragon saw some major characters aged up as a ten-year time jump occurred.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) was now a mother, giving birth to her third child in the opening minutes of the episode.
Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) also bore another child, a son called Aemond (Leo Ashton).
Along with this, Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) had also married since Episode 5. He was wed to Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), the sister of Rhaenyra’s husband, Laenor (John MacMillian).
The pair had two daughters, the twins Baela (Shani Smethhurst) and Rhaena (Eva Ossei-Gerning). Unfortunately, Laena died during the birth of their third child.
With Laena’s death, it looks like Episode 7 might take a closer look at House Velaryon.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen and...
- 9/26/2022
- by Rachel Tsoumbakos
- Monsters and Critics
Shani Smethhurst as Baela Targaryen and Eva Ossei-Gerning as Rhaena Targaryen, as seen in Episode 6 of House of the Dragon Season 1. Pic credit: HBO/Ollie Upton
As was expected, Episode 6 of House of the Dragon introduced a massive time jump of ten years.
This also meant that some of the younger characters were aged up.
Princess Rhaenyra and her husband, Laenor Velaryon, had actor changes, with Emma D’Arcy and John MacMillian replacing Milly Alcock and Theo Nate, respectively.
Alicent Hightower was also aged up, and Olivia Cooke stepped in for Emily Carey because of this.
In addition to this, the children of Alicent were also recast, with Ty Tennent portraying Aegon Targaryen and Evie Allen playing Helaena, who was only a baby in Episode 5 of House of the Dragon.
Added into the mix were several new children. So, let’s have a look at who all these kids are.
Fabien Frankel...
As was expected, Episode 6 of House of the Dragon introduced a massive time jump of ten years.
This also meant that some of the younger characters were aged up.
Princess Rhaenyra and her husband, Laenor Velaryon, had actor changes, with Emma D’Arcy and John MacMillian replacing Milly Alcock and Theo Nate, respectively.
Alicent Hightower was also aged up, and Olivia Cooke stepped in for Emily Carey because of this.
In addition to this, the children of Alicent were also recast, with Ty Tennent portraying Aegon Targaryen and Evie Allen playing Helaena, who was only a baby in Episode 5 of House of the Dragon.
Added into the mix were several new children. So, let’s have a look at who all these kids are.
Fabien Frankel...
- 9/26/2022
- by Rachel Tsoumbakos
- Monsters and Critics
Tolstoy once wrote that “all happy families are alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”. It is a credo that George Rr Martin, author of the Game of Thrones series, carried through into his novels. And here, in the first episode where House of the Dragon takes a significant jump forward in time, the mantra is as true as ever. This is now the story of three, deeply unhappy, families.
Family affair
The first of these families is headed by Princess Rhaenyra (now played by Emma D’Arcy) who has just given birth for the third time. Her sham marriage to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) has necessitated the procreational skills of Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), eldest son of the Hand. “Healthy?” she asks the midwife, as the baby arrives. “Kicking like a goat, Princess,” the woman replies, earthily.
But the child, (fake) father and mother are...
Family affair
The first of these families is headed by Princess Rhaenyra (now played by Emma D’Arcy) who has just given birth for the third time. Her sham marriage to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) has necessitated the procreational skills of Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), eldest son of the Hand. “Healthy?” she asks the midwife, as the baby arrives. “Kicking like a goat, Princess,” the woman replies, earthily.
But the child, (fake) father and mother are...
- 9/26/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Emma D’Arcy stars as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in Episode 6 of House of the Dragon Season 1. Pic credit: HBO/Ollie Upton
Episode 6 of House of the Dragon opens with a massive time jump.
This means that viewers have to say goodbye to Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra and Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower. They are replaced with Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, respectively.
Additionally, a few other characters are replaced as children age, and John MacMillan will now portray Laenor Velaryon.
It is learned that around 10 years have passed since Episode 5 aired, and the episode opens with Rhaenyra having just given birth to a boy.
Laenor is super excited that another child has been born to them, making it three in total for them so far.
While this may seem like a happy time, all of Rhaeynra’s children look nothing like her or Laenor, and now the queen wants Rhaenyra to visit her.
Episode 6 of House of the Dragon opens with a massive time jump.
This means that viewers have to say goodbye to Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra and Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower. They are replaced with Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, respectively.
Additionally, a few other characters are replaced as children age, and John MacMillan will now portray Laenor Velaryon.
It is learned that around 10 years have passed since Episode 5 aired, and the episode opens with Rhaenyra having just given birth to a boy.
Laenor is super excited that another child has been born to them, making it three in total for them so far.
While this may seem like a happy time, all of Rhaeynra’s children look nothing like her or Laenor, and now the queen wants Rhaenyra to visit her.
- 9/26/2022
- by Rachel Tsoumbakos
- Monsters and Critics
Fear not, people of Westeros: The line of succession is strong.
True, we’ve said goodbye to Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Emily Carey as Queen Alicent Hightower, two key peformances that helped make House of the Dragon a massive hit. But even after a 10-year time jump, the introduction of a whole new generation of Targaryen heirs, and the replacement of Alcock and Carey with older actors Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke respectively, this prequel series has somehow not missed a beat. Indeed, this is the show’s best episode yet.
True, we’ve said goodbye to Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Emily Carey as Queen Alicent Hightower, two key peformances that helped make House of the Dragon a massive hit. But even after a 10-year time jump, the introduction of a whole new generation of Targaryen heirs, and the replacement of Alcock and Carey with older actors Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke respectively, this prequel series has somehow not missed a beat. Indeed, this is the show’s best episode yet.
- 9/26/2022
- by Sean T. Collins
- Rollingstone.com
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