House Of The Dragon Showrunner Ryan Condal Teases Shift In Aemond And Helaena’s Character With Focus On Prophecies

As a dedicated fan who has witnessed the rise and fall of kings, dragons, and the intricate web of power plays in Westeros through the captivating saga of Game of Thrones, I eagerly anticipate every new development in House of the Dragon. With its rich tapestry of characters, thrilling battles, and tantalizing glimpses into the Targaryen dynasty’s past, this prequel series has managed to weave an enthralling narrative that seamlessly connects with the original while forging its own unique path.


Ryan Condal, the executive producer behind House of the Dragon, has been talking about the events of the Season 2 finale and what we can expect in Season 3. The conclusion saw armies across Westeros gearing up for battle, neatly concluding significant story arcs from this season while paving the way for new ones in the upcoming season.

In this dramatization, the character Matt Smith’s (Daemon) allegiance shifted towards Rhaenyra following a prophetic dream about the White Walkers and Daenerys. Meanwhile, Rhaena Targaryen, played by Phoebe Campbell, uncovered a feral dragon residing in the Vale.

In a turn of events, Aegon and Larys chose concealment, while Aemond approached Helaena regarding her dragon-taming aspirations, yet was turned down. The installment concluded as Alicent clandestinely infiltrated Dragonstone, aiming for reconciliation with Rhaenyra; however, she deceitfully exposed her sons to ensure a safe exit for herself and Helaena.

At a recent press gathering, Ryan Condal, the show’s mastermind, fielded queries regarding the series’ upcoming direction. He subtly suggested an epic confrontation slated for Season 3 – The Battle of the Gullet. This impending conflict is set to be a significant milestone, and Condal elaborated that crafting such intense scenes demands substantial resources.

In contrast to Season 2, which featured just one major fight, creator Condal plans to make sure future battles are impactful and thrilling. He hinted that the Battle of the Gullet will be noteworthy, although viewers must be patient and wait for its arrival.

As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t help but dive headfirst into the topic of Nettles’ character during my chat with Condal. While there’s been a buzz about her potential appearance, it seems like Rhaena is stepping up to fill Nettles’ shoes instead. Condal didn’t explicitly say that Nettles was axed from the plot, but hinted at the show’s unique ability to adapt and reinterpret the original source material in its own way.

He noted that the show is an adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, but it offers one version of the history, with room for interpretation.

Additionally, there seemed to be uncertainty regarding Aegon’s dragon, Sunfyre. While the finale depicted characters discussing his demise, Condal left it unclear whether Sunfyre was truly deceased or not.

He explained that adapting the story from the book involves balancing between staying true to the source material and creating engaging television. The show aims to provide a well-rounded narrative while remaining faithful to the book’s events.

Criston Cole, formerly a commander of the Kingsguard, is now the Hand of the King. His perspective on war has undergone a profound transformation following the battle at Rook’s Rest.

As a lifestyle expert, I found myself deeply moved by Fabien Frankel’s portrayal of Criston in the series we’ve been following. His character seemed to be trapped in a bleak reality, grappling with the harsh truths of warfare and uncertain about his own destiny.

Unlike others, Helaena Targaryen possesses a distinctive ability to foresee the future. At first perceived as peculiar, Helaena’s visions take on greater importance as she encounters personal hardships.

In conversation, Condal explained that Helaena’s talents have significantly expanded as a result of the significant hardship and sorrow she has endured. This transformation in her character gives her role in the narrative a more profound depth.

The end scene hinted at potential forthcoming events involving Aemond, as he was foretold by Helaena that he would meet his demise. This prediction infuses intrigue into Aemond’s persona, causing him to ponder his destiny. Condal underscored that Aemond is not solely a villain; instead, his narrative revolves around exploring his past and current circumstances.

In summary, the series delves deeper into relationships between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones characters. A notable thematic tie is seen through Daemon’s vision of Daenerys, but it’s important to note that the show primarily focuses on the Targaryen civil war, not directly linking to Daenerys’ storyline in Game of Thrones as previously depicted.

He emphasized that the show delves into understanding how prophecies and power are perceived within the realm of the Targaryens, enriching the complexity and driving forces behind their actions and decisions.

Hous of The Dragon is available to stream on Prime Video. 

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2024-08-06 20:39