Similar to “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” is filled with talented actors who bring Westeros’ rich tapestry to life in the HBO series. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, portrayed by Milly Alcock as a teenager and Emma D’Arcy as an adult, navigates a tumultuous political environment as the heir to the Iron Throne.
This includes her contentious relationships with her uncle Daemon Targaryen (Matthew Smith), Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), and Ser Harwin “Breakbones” Strong (Ryan Corr). The latter first appears in Episode 3, where he praises Rhaenyra for killing a wild boar on her own.
Ryan Corr, who portrays Harwin, praised Alcock’s work while speaking to Insider via Zoom, stating: “I’d previously worked with Milly, and I think she’s been absolutely stunning in the first installment of this series. And to carry it on her shoulders, her performance has completely blown me away.”
Due to the 10-year time jump, however, D’Arcy assumes Alcock’s role in episode six. As it is strongly implied that he is the father of Rhaenyra’s three children and not her husband, Laenor Velaryon, Corr’s Harwin and D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra had to work even more closely together (John MacMillan). Due to the controversy, the knight is exiled back to Harrenhal, but not before he shares an emotional, silent farewell with the princess.
Corr and D’Arcy clearly made an effort to ensure that their chemistry conveyed the significance of their secret relationship. According to Corr, it was one of the first things they worked on together. “Some of those scenes were filmed on the first few days of filming over there,” he told Insider. Therefore, it was a form of trial by fire.
The actor then explained why the simple farewell scene was so effective. “So much can be communicated without words. Actors frequently fight to have their words cut from the script, as actions and silence are frequently more powerful than words “he said. I believe the scenes with Emma, particularly in episode six, are an excellent illustration of this.
Corr added that it was a “blessing” to work with the “quality of actors” in “House of the Dragon,” singling out the two actors who have portrayed Rhaenyra. He stated, “Emma is the pinnacle of that.” “They are merely a rock star, just as Milly is. I was very fortunate.”
Unfortunately, we won’t get to see more of Rhaenyra and Harwin’s fascinating dynamic, as the former commander of the City Watch perishes in a fiery inferno at Harrenhal in episode six, which was orchestrated by his own brother, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham).
Farewell, Ser Harwin Strong, We were barely acquainted with you.
HBO airs “House of the Dragon” on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.