Any new show by producer Frank Doelger – whose credits include “Game of Thrones,” “The Swarm,” “John Adams” and “Rome” – must rate as an event. That event takes place Oct. 17 at Cannes Mipcom trade fair, with the world premiere of “Concordia,” on which Doelger serves as executive producer and showrunner.
Produced by Intaglio Films, a joint venture of Zdf Studios and Beta Film, which share international distribution, “Concordia” is backed by a powerful partnership of Zdf, Mbc, France Télévisions and Hulu Japan. Shot in English, the six-part series is directed by Barbara Eder.
“Concordia” begins in classic Noir style cutting from a seeming suicide on a windswept moor to the discovery of a young man’s dead body, found beside a road just outside Sweden’s Concordia, a attempt to create a utopia powered by AI surveillance to ensure a fairer, more humane and safer society.
Near 20 years old, Concordia is...
Produced by Intaglio Films, a joint venture of Zdf Studios and Beta Film, which share international distribution, “Concordia” is backed by a powerful partnership of Zdf, Mbc, France Télévisions and Hulu Japan. Shot in English, the six-part series is directed by Barbara Eder.
“Concordia” begins in classic Noir style cutting from a seeming suicide on a windswept moor to the discovery of a young man’s dead body, found beside a road just outside Sweden’s Concordia, a attempt to create a utopia powered by AI surveillance to ensure a fairer, more humane and safer society.
Near 20 years old, Concordia is...
- 10/17/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
“House of the Dragon” looks set to continue the trend that its predecessor, “Game of Thrones,” set with a slew of its stellar cast contending for Emmys. Currently, we are predicting three of the ongoing cast of this HBO hit — Emma D’Arcy, Paddy Considine, and Matt Smith — to reap Emmy bids for their performances. They will contend in lead drama actress, lead drama actor and supporting drama actor respectively.
But we just launched our prediction center for guest stars and we are predicting that three of the performers who appeared in only a handful of episodes will make an impression on TV academy voters. Tom Glynn-Carney and Ty Tennant are among those vying for Best Drama Guest Actor bids while Bethany Antonia is among the hopefuls for Best Drama Guest Actress.
Glynn-Carney and Tennant play the same character in “House of the Dragon,” which is set almost 200 years before “Game of Thrones...
But we just launched our prediction center for guest stars and we are predicting that three of the performers who appeared in only a handful of episodes will make an impression on TV academy voters. Tom Glynn-Carney and Ty Tennant are among those vying for Best Drama Guest Actor bids while Bethany Antonia is among the hopefuls for Best Drama Guest Actress.
Glynn-Carney and Tennant play the same character in “House of the Dragon,” which is set almost 200 years before “Game of Thrones...
- 4/28/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
This article contains spoilers from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and therefore may spoil portions of House of the Dragon season 2.
Close viewers of HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon may have noticed a troubling trend with the House Velaryon of Driftmark. As season 1 of the prequel progressed, the ancient family with Valyrian roots (much like the Targaryens) seemed to be running low on potential heirs.
Lord Corlys Velaryon a.k.a. The Sea Snake (Steve Toussaint) is about as powerful as a Westerosi noble can be. Thanks to his fruitful voyages across The Narrow Sea, Corlys’s house is blessed with untold riches and influence. Yet, as we saw with his close call near the end of the season, Corlys can’t live forever. One day someone will have to succeed him as Lord of the Tides and sit atop the Driftwood Throne. Unfortunately,...
Close viewers of HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon may have noticed a troubling trend with the House Velaryon of Driftmark. As season 1 of the prequel progressed, the ancient family with Valyrian roots (much like the Targaryens) seemed to be running low on potential heirs.
Lord Corlys Velaryon a.k.a. The Sea Snake (Steve Toussaint) is about as powerful as a Westerosi noble can be. Thanks to his fruitful voyages across The Narrow Sea, Corlys’s house is blessed with untold riches and influence. Yet, as we saw with his close call near the end of the season, Corlys can’t live forever. One day someone will have to succeed him as Lord of the Tides and sit atop the Driftwood Throne. Unfortunately,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The award comes with 38,000, making it one of the world’s largest film prizes.
Goteborg’s lucrative Dragon Award for best Nordic film has gone to Danish director Malou Reymann’s second feature Unruly.
The drama premiered at Toronto and had its Swedish premiere at Goteborg. TrustNordisk handles sales and the Danish cinema release is planned for spring 2023.
Reymann previously directed Rotterdam Big Screen winner A Perfectly Normal Family.
Unruly is about the Sprogø Women’s Institution in the 1930s, when “morally feeble” girls and women were sent to the island to become more compliant. The story focuses on Maren,...
Goteborg’s lucrative Dragon Award for best Nordic film has gone to Danish director Malou Reymann’s second feature Unruly.
The drama premiered at Toronto and had its Swedish premiere at Goteborg. TrustNordisk handles sales and the Danish cinema release is planned for spring 2023.
Reymann previously directed Rotterdam Big Screen winner A Perfectly Normal Family.
Unruly is about the Sprogø Women’s Institution in the 1930s, when “morally feeble” girls and women were sent to the island to become more compliant. The story focuses on Maren,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Seasoned helmers Ole Bornedal, Erik Poppe, Mikael Håfström, newcomers Mika Gustafson, Sara Gyllenstierna and rising talent Ulaa Salim are some of the 15 Nordic helmers set to pitch their feature projects in post-production at this year’s Nordic Film Market.
The leading Nordic film confab is due to run Feb. 2-5 in a hybrid version, parallel to Sweden’s 46th Göteborg Film Festival (Jan.27-Feb. 5), the biggest film-tv event in Scandinavia.
For its first full-scale outing post-covid and first year under the helm of industry chief Josef Kullengård, the Nordic Film Market is set to draw a record 500 delegates on-site, on top of nearly 60 on-line visitors. “The interest from the international industry is amazing! It will be a record year for us, even compared to pre-pandemic times,” boasts. Kullengård, a habitué of the event’s backstage gigs who took over from Cia Edström in October to allow her to focus on...
The leading Nordic film confab is due to run Feb. 2-5 in a hybrid version, parallel to Sweden’s 46th Göteborg Film Festival (Jan.27-Feb. 5), the biggest film-tv event in Scandinavia.
For its first full-scale outing post-covid and first year under the helm of industry chief Josef Kullengård, the Nordic Film Market is set to draw a record 500 delegates on-site, on top of nearly 60 on-line visitors. “The interest from the international industry is amazing! It will be a record year for us, even compared to pre-pandemic times,” boasts. Kullengård, a habitué of the event’s backstage gigs who took over from Cia Edström in October to allow her to focus on...
- 1/17/2023
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
George R.R. Martin loves to make audiences cringe. Martin's "Game of Thrones" books and the massively successful HBO series the universe inspired — "Game of Thrones" and "House of The Dragon" to date, with more to follow — are rich with subversive and flinch-inspiring moments. Consider the former's gasp-inspiring pilot finale. Yes, the images of Jaime and Cersei Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Lena Headey) engaging in coitus were shocking. Seeing Jaime push Bran Stark (Issac Hempstead Wright) out a window? Even more so.
But neither is the scene's most crucial or resonant moment. That honor goes to Jaime's tossed-aside utterance of, "The things I do for love," before his hands cast Bran toward paralysis. There's a whole world of uncomfortable to be unpacked in those six words. Jaime loves his sister and is willing to murder for her, and the casualness with which he dispatches of a child (plus the drollness of...
But neither is the scene's most crucial or resonant moment. That honor goes to Jaime's tossed-aside utterance of, "The things I do for love," before his hands cast Bran toward paralysis. There's a whole world of uncomfortable to be unpacked in those six words. Jaime loves his sister and is willing to murder for her, and the casualness with which he dispatches of a child (plus the drollness of...
- 11/1/2022
- by Scott Thomas
- 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
Content Warning: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 and discussion of birth trauma and stillbirth.
The childbirth scenes in House of the Dragon have been a talking point among fans online since the horrifying Cesarean section depicted in the first episode. Some of what we’re seeing on the show represents things we’ve seen before – screaming mothers, pacing fathers, crying infants. But there are aspects of childbirth presented on House of the Dragon that we hardly ever see on mainstream television, and that’s really exciting.
Mainstream TV dramas have been showing more and more of the gory details of childbirth over the years and some shows have given us memorable birth-and-labor sequences. We’ve seen a couple having sex in an attempt to help labor along in Outlander, the tragic death of a woman from undiagnosed eclampsia in Downton Abbey, and the exact same...
The childbirth scenes in House of the Dragon have been a talking point among fans online since the horrifying Cesarean section depicted in the first episode. Some of what we’re seeing on the show represents things we’ve seen before – screaming mothers, pacing fathers, crying infants. But there are aspects of childbirth presented on House of the Dragon that we hardly ever see on mainstream television, and that’s really exciting.
Mainstream TV dramas have been showing more and more of the gory details of childbirth over the years and some shows have given us memorable birth-and-labor sequences. We’ve seen a couple having sex in an attempt to help labor along in Outlander, the tragic death of a woman from undiagnosed eclampsia in Downton Abbey, and the exact same...
- 10/25/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for the first season of House of the Dragon, which is now streaming in its entirety on HBO Max.
“The Black Queen” was the season finale of House of the Dragon Season One, and its climax appropriately summed up nearly everything about the show, good and bad.
As the cocky, sadistic Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) chased his anxious nephew Prince Luke (Elliot Grihault) through a stormy sky, pitting his massive dragon against Luke’s comparatively tiny one, it was impossible to not be impressed by the visual splendor,...
“The Black Queen” was the season finale of House of the Dragon Season One, and its climax appropriately summed up nearly everything about the show, good and bad.
As the cocky, sadistic Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) chased his anxious nephew Prince Luke (Elliot Grihault) through a stormy sky, pitting his massive dragon against Luke’s comparatively tiny one, it was impossible to not be impressed by the visual splendor,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
Image Source: HBO
"House of the Dragon"'s first season is going to cover a pretty major swath of time, though we're not sure yet exactly how many years it will cover. Before the season began, we knew the actors playing Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower - Milly Alcock and Emily Carey - would be swapped out for older actors Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke. That huge jump forward in time finally happened with episode six. But most of the episodes involved jump in time from the one that came before.
The first episode covers the events around the death of Aemma Targaryen (Sian Brooke) as she delivers a Targaryen heir, who quickly dies. Viserys names Rhaenyra heir and shares the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy with her, removing his brother Daemon (Matt Smith) from the line of succession. Episode two doesn't pick up the next day, and some pretty important time has passed.
"House of the Dragon"'s first season is going to cover a pretty major swath of time, though we're not sure yet exactly how many years it will cover. Before the season began, we knew the actors playing Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower - Milly Alcock and Emily Carey - would be swapped out for older actors Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke. That huge jump forward in time finally happened with episode six. But most of the episodes involved jump in time from the one that came before.
The first episode covers the events around the death of Aemma Targaryen (Sian Brooke) as she delivers a Targaryen heir, who quickly dies. Viserys names Rhaenyra heir and shares the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy with her, removing his brother Daemon (Matt Smith) from the line of succession. Episode two doesn't pick up the next day, and some pretty important time has passed.
- 10/24/2022
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
“House of the Dragon” Season 1 has been a wild, 20-year journey, full of backstabbing and incest and the occasional death by small metal ball. HBO’s “Game of Thrones” prequel pulled in audiences and is clearly trying to raise the bar set by “Game of Thrones” in every department — including disgust and shock value. As Season 1 draws to a close, we look back on the violence, body horror, and feet. Even when this show has us bringing up our dinner, it doesn’t fail to entertain.
Here are the 10 grossest things in “House of the Dragon” Season 1.
“House of the Dragon” is a hit, and it’s clearly trying to raise the bar set by “Game of Thrones” in every department — including disgust and shock value. Just shy of half a season in, this show is on track to out-gross its predecessor with violence, body horror, and incest. It might be nauseating to watch sometimes,...
Here are the 10 grossest things in “House of the Dragon” Season 1.
“House of the Dragon” is a hit, and it’s clearly trying to raise the bar set by “Game of Thrones” in every department — including disgust and shock value. Just shy of half a season in, this show is on track to out-gross its predecessor with violence, body horror, and incest. It might be nauseating to watch sometimes,...
- 10/19/2022
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Six-time Primetime Emmy award-winner Frank Doelger, whose credits include “Game of Thrones,” “The Swarm,” “John Adams” and “Rome,” and Intaglio Films, a joint venture between Beta Film and Zdf Studios, have started production on surveillance drama thriller “Concordia,” set in an experimental utopian community.
Zdf, Mbc, France Télévisions and Hulu Japan have signed up as partners for the six-part series, shot in English and directed by Barbara Eder. Doelger helms as executive producer and showrunner, alongside the executive producers Ute Leonhardt, Rafferty Thwaites, Jan Wünschmann and Robert Franke. Shooting takes place at various locations in Rome, Northern Italy, and Leipzig in Germany.
The world of “Concordia,” created by Mike Walden and Nicholas Racz, is powered by AI to ensure a freer, fairer, and more humane society. As the community approaches its 20th anniversary, cities around the world are lined up to replicate its success. Then the secret behind its creation...
Zdf, Mbc, France Télévisions and Hulu Japan have signed up as partners for the six-part series, shot in English and directed by Barbara Eder. Doelger helms as executive producer and showrunner, alongside the executive producers Ute Leonhardt, Rafferty Thwaites, Jan Wünschmann and Robert Franke. Shooting takes place at various locations in Rome, Northern Italy, and Leipzig in Germany.
The world of “Concordia,” created by Mike Walden and Nicholas Racz, is powered by AI to ensure a freer, fairer, and more humane society. As the community approaches its 20th anniversary, cities around the world are lined up to replicate its success. Then the secret behind its creation...
- 10/17/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Frank Doelger is helming a surveillance drama set that counts broadcasters Zdf, Mbc and France Télévisions and streamer Hulu Japan as partners.
The Game of Thrones executive producer is showrunner and executive producer on the six-part Concordia, which has gone into production, with shooting taking place in various locations in Rome, northern Italy and Leipzig, Germany. His Beta Film- and Zdf Studios-owned joint venture production house Intaglio Films is producing.
Barbara Eder, who is attached to Doelger’s Mipcom launch drama The Swarm, which we wrote about last week ahead of the market, is directing the show, which is shooting in English. Ute Leonhardt, Rafferty Thwaites, Jan Wünschmann and Robert Franke are also exec producers, with Nicholas Racz and Mike Walden the series co-creators. They are writing alongside Isla van Tricht and the producers are Tobias Gerginov,...
The Game of Thrones executive producer is showrunner and executive producer on the six-part Concordia, which has gone into production, with shooting taking place in various locations in Rome, northern Italy and Leipzig, Germany. His Beta Film- and Zdf Studios-owned joint venture production house Intaglio Films is producing.
Barbara Eder, who is attached to Doelger’s Mipcom launch drama The Swarm, which we wrote about last week ahead of the market, is directing the show, which is shooting in English. Ute Leonhardt, Rafferty Thwaites, Jan Wünschmann and Robert Franke are also exec producers, with Nicholas Racz and Mike Walden the series co-creators. They are writing alongside Isla van Tricht and the producers are Tobias Gerginov,...
- 10/17/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The next project from Emmy-award winning producer Frank Doelger (Game of Thrones, Rome) will be the surveillance sci-fi thriller Concordia, a six-part drama set in an utopian community and produced by Doelger’s Intaglio Films, a joint venture between German groups Beta Film and Zdf Studios.
The English-language series, which has begun production, is backed by German and French public broadcasters Zdf and France Télévisions, Hulu Japan and Mbc. Barbara Eder, who shot several episodes of Doelger’s upcoming eco-thriller series The Swarm, will helm all six episodes of Concordia.
The series, created by Mike Walden (The Frankenstein Chronicles) and Nicholas Racz (The Burial Society), imagines a utopian community run by artificial intelligence intended to ensure a freer, fairer and more humane society. Initially judged a tremendous success, as the community approaches its 20th anniversary, cities around the world line up to copy its model.
The next project from Emmy-award winning producer Frank Doelger (Game of Thrones, Rome) will be the surveillance sci-fi thriller Concordia, a six-part drama set in an utopian community and produced by Doelger’s Intaglio Films, a joint venture between German groups Beta Film and Zdf Studios.
The English-language series, which has begun production, is backed by German and French public broadcasters Zdf and France Télévisions, Hulu Japan and Mbc. Barbara Eder, who shot several episodes of Doelger’s upcoming eco-thriller series The Swarm, will helm all six episodes of Concordia.
The series, created by Mike Walden (The Frankenstein Chronicles) and Nicholas Racz (The Burial Society), imagines a utopian community run by artificial intelligence intended to ensure a freer, fairer and more humane society. Initially judged a tremendous success, as the community approaches its 20th anniversary, cities around the world line up to copy its model.
- 10/17/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As “House of the Dragon” Season 1 draws to a close, the 10 episodes will have covered over 20 years in the lives of these characters.
But you wouldn’t know it looking at some of them. There are characters who look unrecognizable from Episode 1 as well as new ones who have been introduced and recast faster than you can say “Which Aegon?” Still others are seemingly untouched by the passage of time. While certain recasting decisions make sense for the show’s timeline, others feel rushed and arbitrary, distracting from the central story.
Not only are characters aging rapidly and inconsistently, but the actors portraying them aren’t always the same age as the character, adding another layer of potential confusion for the audience. Hollywood loves to cast an adult as a teen, but when it comes to old and young teens aging just a few years, there’s not a big margin of error.
But you wouldn’t know it looking at some of them. There are characters who look unrecognizable from Episode 1 as well as new ones who have been introduced and recast faster than you can say “Which Aegon?” Still others are seemingly untouched by the passage of time. While certain recasting decisions make sense for the show’s timeline, others feel rushed and arbitrary, distracting from the central story.
Not only are characters aging rapidly and inconsistently, but the actors portraying them aren’t always the same age as the character, adding another layer of potential confusion for the audience. Hollywood loves to cast an adult as a teen, but when it comes to old and young teens aging just a few years, there’s not a big margin of error.
- 10/14/2022
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
This post has spoilers for "House of the Dragon" episode 7.
For those who don't already know, House Targaryen's sigil is a three-headed dragon, and its words are "Fire & Blood." I don't know what that sounds like to you, but anyone who has been acquainted with the unhinged antics of the members of this noble Valyrian house already knows that most of its members are a hot mess. Daenerys Targaryen = hot mess. Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen = hot mess who didn't know much but was still a hot mess. And then there's "House of the Dragon," the seriously superior spin-off (try saying that three times as fast) which showcases an unseen side of one of the most significant events in Targaryen history — The Dance of Dragons — which took place in the first place because of said hot messes.
Every episode shuffles the rank on which character is the most miserable or the...
For those who don't already know, House Targaryen's sigil is a three-headed dragon, and its words are "Fire & Blood." I don't know what that sounds like to you, but anyone who has been acquainted with the unhinged antics of the members of this noble Valyrian house already knows that most of its members are a hot mess. Daenerys Targaryen = hot mess. Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen = hot mess who didn't know much but was still a hot mess. And then there's "House of the Dragon," the seriously superior spin-off (try saying that three times as fast) which showcases an unseen side of one of the most significant events in Targaryen history — The Dance of Dragons — which took place in the first place because of said hot messes.
Every episode shuffles the rank on which character is the most miserable or the...
- 10/4/2022
- by Fatemeh Mirjalili
- Slash Film
This post contains plenty of spoilers related to weddings and funerals in "Game of Thrones" and "House of the Dragon." Proceed as you would down the church aisle, at your own risk.
In the world of Westeros, to paraphrase Billy Idol, it's always a nice day for a Red Wedding. You might think "it's your funeral" to show up at one, but as we learned this week in "Driftmark," the latest episode of "House of the Dragon," actual funerals in Westeros can be dangerous affairs, too.
Basically, anytime you get a bunch of family members together for a big occasion, happy or sad, it's going to go sour, so we shouldn't be surprised at the events that went down in "Driftmark." The funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) after her death by dragonfire turned into a real Old Testament, eye-for-an-eye affair. Perhaps the first sign of trouble was the way Laena's husband,...
In the world of Westeros, to paraphrase Billy Idol, it's always a nice day for a Red Wedding. You might think "it's your funeral" to show up at one, but as we learned this week in "Driftmark," the latest episode of "House of the Dragon," actual funerals in Westeros can be dangerous affairs, too.
Basically, anytime you get a bunch of family members together for a big occasion, happy or sad, it's going to go sour, so we shouldn't be surprised at the events that went down in "Driftmark." The funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) after her death by dragonfire turned into a real Old Testament, eye-for-an-eye affair. Perhaps the first sign of trouble was the way Laena's husband,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- 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 article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon episode 7.
An uncomfortable but inevitable romance has finally ignited in Westeros. It feels a bit wrong to have been rooting for Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith) all season, but at least House of the Dragon’s newest power couple aren’t twins? And the seventh episode definitely addresses the slow burn building of an alliance between the two rebellious dragonriders on their way to an epic “dance” of war.
But is it also true love?
Fire calls to fire, and if one overlooks their royally tangled bloodlines, the sexual tension between Rhaenyra and Daemon has simmered from the show’s start. In episode four, desire escalated when Daemon encouraged his young niece (then played by Milly Alcock) to sneak away from the palace in disguise and join him on a tour of the capital’s seedier side,...
An uncomfortable but inevitable romance has finally ignited in Westeros. It feels a bit wrong to have been rooting for Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith) all season, but at least House of the Dragon’s newest power couple aren’t twins? And the seventh episode definitely addresses the slow burn building of an alliance between the two rebellious dragonriders on their way to an epic “dance” of war.
But is it also true love?
Fire calls to fire, and if one overlooks their royally tangled bloodlines, the sexual tension between Rhaenyra and Daemon has simmered from the show’s start. In episode four, desire escalated when Daemon encouraged his young niece (then played by Milly Alcock) to sneak away from the palace in disguise and join him on a tour of the capital’s seedier side,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
[Warning: The following contains Major spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 7, “Driftmark.”] There’s always a bit of drama at funerals, especially in Westeros. And in “Driftmark,” Laena Velaryon’s (Nanna Blondell) committal to the deep brings out daggers, slashes out eyeballs, drives Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) into the arms of a new lover and gives Team Alicent a formidable new dragon. Here’s how it happens. Laena’s funeral is a quiet, somber affair; it’s at the post-funeral gathering that the drama begins. Daemon (Matt Smith) and Rhaenyra reunite, and they go for a private walk on the beach… that quickly turns into more than just a walk. After telling him that she and Laenor (John MacMillian) tried to do their duty but found “no pleasure in it” — and reminding him she’s no longer “a child,” holy moly, Super awkward — she leans in and kisses him, telling him she wants him. After a...
- 10/3/2022
- TV Insider
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
Warning: this article has House of the Dragon spoilers. A new power couple has emerged in Westeros. That's right, during the Oct. 2 episode of House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) stopped fighting their feelings for one another and finally got together. However, this was more than just an illicit liaison, as Rhaenyra and Daemon got married at the end of the episode. So, how exactly did the princess and her uncle—yes, you read that correctly—find themselves in this entanglement? The episode kicked off with the Targaryens and the Velaryons reuniting at Driftmark for the funeral of Lady Laena (Nanna Blondell), Daemon's...
- 10/3/2022
- E! Online
Attentive viewers saw Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) getting close to a male server in the sixth episode of House of the Dragon, HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series. Now, a deleted scene has fans convinced that the former heir to the Iron Throne is bisexual. In a recent tweet, Twitter user @oochotd shared screenshots from House of the Dragon’s September 25 episode, “The Princess and the Queen,” showing Daemon in a moment of closeness with the male server as he and wife Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) have dinner with Prince Reggio Haratis (Dean Nolan) in Pentos. In those images, it appears that Daemon is whispering something to the server. “This interaction between Daemon and the server was very interesting,” @oochotd wrote, captioning the images. “Could Daemon be a bi legend?” A day later, @oochotd posted another screenshot, showing an out-of-focus Daemon in an embrace with the man. “Confirmed from this deleted scene,...
- 10/2/2022
- TV Insider
House of the Dragon is losing producers as quickly as it's losing cast members. Jocelyn Diaz, who served as an executive producer on the first season of the Game of Thrones prequel series, will not return for season two, according to Deadline. Diaz, whose previous producing credits include the 2016 documentaries America Divided and Serena, had a one-year deal with an option for a second, according to the outlet, which is not being picked up. Her exit comes just two days after an explosive episode of House of the Dragon on Sept. 25, which saw three cast members—Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) and Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes)—meet their...
- 9/27/2022
- E! Online
This post contains spoilers for "House of the Dragon."
No one is Westeros is having a good time. Even Prince Aegon Targaryen (Ty Tennant) is unable to masturbate out his castle window in peace. The pressures of the realm, family, duty, society, the body, and petty jealousy weigh down on every single person at King's Landing and beyond. The 10 year time jump between episodes five and six of "House of the Dragon" may have changed some actors and looks for the characters, but the unpleasantness of life is still as present as ever. With this being a story that comes from George R.R. Martin, I don't expect much light to enter their lives anytime soon. He isn't one for fun parties and happy endings.
Determining who is exactly having the toughest go of it in "House of the Dragon" presents some interesting questions. One's misery is not just determined by what happens to them,...
No one is Westeros is having a good time. Even Prince Aegon Targaryen (Ty Tennant) is unable to masturbate out his castle window in peace. The pressures of the realm, family, duty, society, the body, and petty jealousy weigh down on every single person at King's Landing and beyond. The 10 year time jump between episodes five and six of "House of the Dragon" may have changed some actors and looks for the characters, but the unpleasantness of life is still as present as ever. With this being a story that comes from George R.R. Martin, I don't expect much light to enter their lives anytime soon. He isn't one for fun parties and happy endings.
Determining who is exactly having the toughest go of it in "House of the Dragon" presents some interesting questions. One's misery is not just determined by what happens to them,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Time jumps in television shows can be difficult to navigate, especially when recasting actors. In the case of "House of the Dragon," Milly Alcock and Emily Carey both gave fantastic performances as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower respectively, so saying goodbye to these two actors hasn't been easy for viewers. The show is well-written, but it's fair to say that Alcock and Carey are the reason we've all come to care so much about these two young women over the past five episodes. The show's sixth installment, "The Princess and the Queen," reintroduced us to these characters 10 years later, and while they do bear a rather striking resemblance to their teenage counterparts, they are now played by different actors.
Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke have moved into the roles of Rhaenyra and Alicent, who weren't the only younger characters to be recast. Siblings Laenor and Laena Velaryon are played by new performers as well.
Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke have moved into the roles of Rhaenyra and Alicent, who weren't the only younger characters to be recast. Siblings Laenor and Laena Velaryon are played by new performers as well.
- 9/27/2022
- by Jamie Gerber
- Slash Film
"The Princess and the Queen," the sixth episode of "House of the Dragon," is a lesson in character development. It features a significant time jump and is a reintroduction to the characters we've spent five episodes getting to know. Ten years have passed since that fateful wedding day in Westeros. Olivia Cooke and Emma D'Arcy have taken over their roles as Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen, and there are a whole new bunch of Targaryen and Velaryon children to get acquainted with.
While the transition to Alicent and Rhaenyra's adult selves is pretty much seamless and stays true to their characters, there are two people in Westeros who have undergone dynamic transformations. There's our favorite toxic dragon boy turned reluctant family man Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), and there's the former loyal knight and now tantrum-throwing incel Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). The episode is a stellar depiction of how time...
While the transition to Alicent and Rhaenyra's adult selves is pretty much seamless and stays true to their characters, there are two people in Westeros who have undergone dynamic transformations. There's our favorite toxic dragon boy turned reluctant family man Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), and there's the former loyal knight and now tantrum-throwing incel Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). The episode is a stellar depiction of how time...
- 9/27/2022
- by Fatemeh Mirjalili
- Slash Film
This post contains major spoilers for the latest episode of "House of the Dragon."
We knew the "House of the Dragon" time jump was coming, but did that make it sting any less? Definitely not. It was still jarring to see the show's talented young leads, Milly Alcock and Emily Carey, suddenly replaced by the (also-talented!) duo of Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke just after we'd gotten used to them. Since the battlefield-heavy "Game of Thrones" disoriented viewers with a surprise beheading near the end of its first season, it makes sense that the court-set drama "House of the Dragon" would throw us off kilter with something as surprisingly painful as the passage of time instead.
So what exactly has everyone in Westeros been up to during the time jump? While plenty of intrigue took place on screen this episode, from the disturbing self-immolation of Laena (Nanna Blondell) to the...
We knew the "House of the Dragon" time jump was coming, but did that make it sting any less? Definitely not. It was still jarring to see the show's talented young leads, Milly Alcock and Emily Carey, suddenly replaced by the (also-talented!) duo of Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke just after we'd gotten used to them. Since the battlefield-heavy "Game of Thrones" disoriented viewers with a surprise beheading near the end of its first season, it makes sense that the court-set drama "House of the Dragon" would throw us off kilter with something as surprisingly painful as the passage of time instead.
So what exactly has everyone in Westeros been up to during the time jump? While plenty of intrigue took place on screen this episode, from the disturbing self-immolation of Laena (Nanna Blondell) to the...
- 9/27/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
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
This post contains spoilers for "House of the Dragon."
The most beautifully tragic moment of "The Princess and the Queen," the sixth episode of "House of the Dragon," does not center on either of the characters in the title. No, that moment belongs to Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell). As she is giving birth to what would be her third child with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), it becomes clear that she will not make it out of this birth alive, and most likely, neither will the child. This is a very similar circumstance to that of Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke) in the first episode of the series, where King Viserys (Paddy Considine) decided to sacrifice his wife to possibly save the child (which did not happen). Instead of leaving that decision up to her husband or anyone else, Laena makes the choice to go out on her own terms with a death befitting a dragon rider,...
The most beautifully tragic moment of "The Princess and the Queen," the sixth episode of "House of the Dragon," does not center on either of the characters in the title. No, that moment belongs to Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell). As she is giving birth to what would be her third child with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), it becomes clear that she will not make it out of this birth alive, and most likely, neither will the child. This is a very similar circumstance to that of Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke) in the first episode of the series, where King Viserys (Paddy Considine) decided to sacrifice his wife to possibly save the child (which did not happen). Instead of leaving that decision up to her husband or anyone else, Laena makes the choice to go out on her own terms with a death befitting a dragon rider,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal has shared his regret over a death that took place in the latest episode.
The sixth episode of the Game of Thrones prequel aired on Sunday (25 September), and moved the story on in drastic fashion.
*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*
Not only did the instalment, titled “The Princess and the Queen”, see Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Vooke make their debuts as the adult version of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, but it saw the death of three important characters.
One death in particular left viewers feeling emotional: Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell).
Leana is the daughter of Steve Toussaint’s Corlys. It’s revealed in this episode that, in the 10 years that have passed since events in episode five, she married Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith).
The pair have two children, with a third on the way. However, due to a complication during the birth,...
The sixth episode of the Game of Thrones prequel aired on Sunday (25 September), and moved the story on in drastic fashion.
*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*
Not only did the instalment, titled “The Princess and the Queen”, see Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Vooke make their debuts as the adult version of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, but it saw the death of three important characters.
One death in particular left viewers feeling emotional: Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell).
Leana is the daughter of Steve Toussaint’s Corlys. It’s revealed in this episode that, in the 10 years that have passed since events in episode five, she married Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith).
The pair have two children, with a third on the way. However, due to a complication during the birth,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
House of the Dragon knows how to set the internet ablaze. The Sept. 25 episode of the Game of Thrones prequel series featured the deaths of three different characters—Laena Velaryon, Harwin Strong and Lyonel Strong—and, predictably, fans had some strong opinions. First, Laena (Nanna Blondell) met her end, instructing her dragon Vhagar to kill her rather than bear the loss of a child, a move that had some House of the Dragon fans responding with rage. "Nah man, they did Laena Velaryon so dirty," one viewer tweeted. "What The F--k." Another fan took issue with the way Laena's death was written, which deviates from George. R. R. Martin's...
- 9/26/2022
- E! Online
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
This post contains spoilers for "House of the Dragon" episode 6.
"Nobody trusts anybody now. We're all very tired."
This famous line from "The Thing" could just as easily refer to the characters in "House of the Dragon" as it could the men at the Antarctic research station in John Carpenter's sci-fi horror classic. Episode six, "The Princess and the Queen," picks up 10 years after King Viserys' (Paddy Considine) attempt to host a festive wedding for his daughter Rhaenyra and her husband-to-be Ser Laenor Velaryon ended in — What else? — bloodshed. By the end of the episode, however, those nuptials gone horribly wrong have come to feel like the good old days for the series' leads.
Be it because of grudges, individual bad choices, or the greater systematic failings of Westeros' patriarchy, "House of the Dragon" has reached a point where it's clear House Targaryen is really one giant house of...
"Nobody trusts anybody now. We're all very tired."
This famous line from "The Thing" could just as easily refer to the characters in "House of the Dragon" as it could the men at the Antarctic research station in John Carpenter's sci-fi horror classic. Episode six, "The Princess and the Queen," picks up 10 years after King Viserys' (Paddy Considine) attempt to host a festive wedding for his daughter Rhaenyra and her husband-to-be Ser Laenor Velaryon ended in — What else? — bloodshed. By the end of the episode, however, those nuptials gone horribly wrong have come to feel like the good old days for the series' leads.
Be it because of grudges, individual bad choices, or the greater systematic failings of Westeros' patriarchy, "House of the Dragon" has reached a point where it's clear House Targaryen is really one giant house of...
- 9/26/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "House of the Dragon" and its source material, "Fire & Blood."
If there's one thing Daemon Targaryan (Matt Smith) can't do, it's hold down a successful longterm marriage. Not only did his first wife die of an unfortunate horseriding accident -- poor Daemon must've been so devastated when he heard the news -- but now his second wife, Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), has shuffled off this mortal coil.
Technically, Daemon and Laena's marriage lasted a good 10 years. But the show's time skips led to us only getting a small handful of scenes of the two together, which made it feel as if this period of Daemon's life was just as insignificant to him as his first marriage to Lady Rhea Royce. But despite her limited screen-time, Laena at least goes out on a memorable note. Knowing she's dying from childbirth complications, she chooses to have her...
If there's one thing Daemon Targaryan (Matt Smith) can't do, it's hold down a successful longterm marriage. Not only did his first wife die of an unfortunate horseriding accident -- poor Daemon must've been so devastated when he heard the news -- but now his second wife, Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), has shuffled off this mortal coil.
Technically, Daemon and Laena's marriage lasted a good 10 years. But the show's time skips led to us only getting a small handful of scenes of the two together, which made it feel as if this period of Daemon's life was just as insignificant to him as his first marriage to Lady Rhea Royce. But despite her limited screen-time, Laena at least goes out on a memorable note. Knowing she's dying from childbirth complications, she chooses to have her...
- 9/26/2022
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
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
This article contains spoilers for "House of the Dragon" episode 6.
Some fantasy stories exist as escapism, but others are more interested in using a magical world to mirror our own mundane one. George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and "Fire & Blood" books are all set in the fictional fantasy realm of Westeros, but he draws heavily from human history and deals with topics that are extremely relevant to our modern lives. "Game of Thrones" came under heavy scrutiny for its frequent and shocking portrayals of sexual assault, and thankfully, "House of the Dragon" seems to be crafted almost in response to those concerns. Executive producer and writer Sara Hess has promised that while sexual assault won't be depicted on screen, there is still plenty of gendered violence against women. Instead of feeling like exploitation, however, these scenes have a point.
It turns out that even in...
Some fantasy stories exist as escapism, but others are more interested in using a magical world to mirror our own mundane one. George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and "Fire & Blood" books are all set in the fictional fantasy realm of Westeros, but he draws heavily from human history and deals with topics that are extremely relevant to our modern lives. "Game of Thrones" came under heavy scrutiny for its frequent and shocking portrayals of sexual assault, and thankfully, "House of the Dragon" seems to be crafted almost in response to those concerns. Executive producer and writer Sara Hess has promised that while sexual assault won't be depicted on screen, there is still plenty of gendered violence against women. Instead of feeling like exploitation, however, these scenes have a point.
It turns out that even in...
- 9/26/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
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
House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal has shared his regret over a death that took place in the latest episode.
The sixth episode of the Game of Thrones prequel aired on Sunday (25 September), and moved the story on in drastic fashion.
*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*
Not only did the instalment, titled “The Princess and the Queen”, see Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Vooke make their debuts as the adult version of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, but it saw the death of three important characters.
One death in particular left viewers feeling emotional: Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell).
Leana is the daughter of Steve Toussaint’s Corlys. It’s revealed in this episode that, in the 10 years that have passed since events in episode five, she married Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith).
The pair have two children, with a third on the way. However, due to a complication during the birth,...
The sixth episode of the Game of Thrones prequel aired on Sunday (25 September), and moved the story on in drastic fashion.
*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*
Not only did the instalment, titled “The Princess and the Queen”, see Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Vooke make their debuts as the adult version of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, but it saw the death of three important characters.
One death in particular left viewers feeling emotional: Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell).
Leana is the daughter of Steve Toussaint’s Corlys. It’s revealed in this episode that, in the 10 years that have passed since events in episode five, she married Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith).
The pair have two children, with a third on the way. However, due to a complication during the birth,...
- 9/26/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Spoiler Alert: This story discusses major plot developments in the first six episodes of “House of the Dragon,” currently airing on HBO and streaming on HBO Max.
If one of the big narrative challenges of “Game of Thrones” was managing the geographical sprawl of its many interweaving storylines, the challenge for the first season of its prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” is stretching the story of the civil war within the Targaryen family over multiple decades. George R.R. Martin’s bestselling book about the conflagration, “Fire & Blood,” spans generations — children are born and grow into adulthood within the two warring factions of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her former best friend turned stepmother, Queen Alicent Hightower.
To wrangle that story into shape for a TV series, showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik decided to cast the roles of Rhaenyra and Alicent twice, with Milly Alcock and Emily Carey, respectively, playing...
If one of the big narrative challenges of “Game of Thrones” was managing the geographical sprawl of its many interweaving storylines, the challenge for the first season of its prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” is stretching the story of the civil war within the Targaryen family over multiple decades. George R.R. Martin’s bestselling book about the conflagration, “Fire & Blood,” spans generations — children are born and grow into adulthood within the two warring factions of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her former best friend turned stepmother, Queen Alicent Hightower.
To wrangle that story into shape for a TV series, showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik decided to cast the roles of Rhaenyra and Alicent twice, with Milly Alcock and Emily Carey, respectively, playing...
- 9/26/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
The time has come at last.
In House of the Dragon’s sixth episode, fans said goodbye to Milly Alcock and Emily Carey and hello to Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke.
The older pair replace the younger as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, respectively, as time jumps forward 10 years in the latest episode.
Laena and Laenor Valaryon actors Nova Fouellis-Mose and Theo Nate were also replaced by Nanna Blondell and John MacMillan.
While the trailers for the show revealed long ago that the cast would undergo changes, fans were nevertheless upset at losing some of their favourite actors.
“Feels like watching a whole new show with that cast change. I don’t like it,” one viewer tweeted.
“I 100 wish we had more time with the younger cast of #HouseOfTheDragon,” moaned another.
Many were particularly upset by the loss of Australian actor Alcock, who quickly became a fan-favourite.
“I’m gonna...
In House of the Dragon’s sixth episode, fans said goodbye to Milly Alcock and Emily Carey and hello to Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke.
The older pair replace the younger as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, respectively, as time jumps forward 10 years in the latest episode.
Laena and Laenor Valaryon actors Nova Fouellis-Mose and Theo Nate were also replaced by Nanna Blondell and John MacMillan.
While the trailers for the show revealed long ago that the cast would undergo changes, fans were nevertheless upset at losing some of their favourite actors.
“Feels like watching a whole new show with that cast change. I don’t like it,” one viewer tweeted.
“I 100 wish we had more time with the younger cast of #HouseOfTheDragon,” moaned another.
Many were particularly upset by the loss of Australian actor Alcock, who quickly became a fan-favourite.
“I’m gonna...
- 9/26/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
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
The week where we have to say goodbye to House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock and Emily Carey and welcome in Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke in the roles of the older Rhaenyra and Alicent, respectively.
Thank The Seven, D’Arcy and Cooke both slide seamlessly into the characters we already know, though both the princess and the queen have slightly harder edges now that a decade has passed between Episodes 5 and 6.
More from TVLineThe Last of Us: Melanie Lynskey's 'Surprise' Casting Revealed in First Trailer -- Here's Who She Is PlayingThe Last of Us Trailer: Apocalypse, WowHouse...
Thank The Seven, D’Arcy and Cooke both slide seamlessly into the characters we already know, though both the princess and the queen have slightly harder edges now that a decade has passed between Episodes 5 and 6.
More from TVLineThe Last of Us: Melanie Lynskey's 'Surprise' Casting Revealed in First Trailer -- Here's Who She Is PlayingThe Last of Us Trailer: Apocalypse, WowHouse...
- 9/26/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Shifting the action ten years into the future halfway through House of the Dragon Season 1 was risky, but House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 6 was the best episode to date.
Emma D'arcy, Olivia Cookie, Harry Collett, and Nanna Blondell helped make the big casting changes as seamless as possible, slipping into their respective roles with finesse.
There has been much criticism leveled at the show for pulling off such a move, but it makes sense to have more age-appropriate actors taking on the roles when you're playing with such a significant time jump.
Understandably, Milly Alcock and Emily Carey were missed greatly, but it helps that the series has cast aged-up versions of the characters that look like their predecessors.
A lot has changed in King's Landing in 10 years, and Rhaenyra continues to be the most impressive character because her arc is so tightly-woven and filled with depth.
The relationship...
Emma D'arcy, Olivia Cookie, Harry Collett, and Nanna Blondell helped make the big casting changes as seamless as possible, slipping into their respective roles with finesse.
There has been much criticism leveled at the show for pulling off such a move, but it makes sense to have more age-appropriate actors taking on the roles when you're playing with such a significant time jump.
Understandably, Milly Alcock and Emily Carey were missed greatly, but it helps that the series has cast aged-up versions of the characters that look like their predecessors.
A lot has changed in King's Landing in 10 years, and Rhaenyra continues to be the most impressive character because her arc is so tightly-woven and filled with depth.
The relationship...
- 9/26/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Milly Alcock as Young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Emily Carey as Young Alicent Hightower, as seen in Episode 1 of House of the Dragon Season 1. Pic credit: HBO/Ollie Upton
As previously reported by Monsters and Critics, Episode 6 of House of the Dragon will significantly age up some of its characters.
So far, the episodes leading up to Episode 6 have been a prequel to the prequel series, of sorts, giving viewers valuable backstory that detailed why there was a power struggle for the Iron Throne.
By the end of Episode 1, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) had already broken tradition and made his daughter the heir to the Iron Throne and this already has certain players in the game scheming to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Episode 5 then saw the set-up for a feud between Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) and her stepmother, Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey), which will definitely shape what is to come.
As previously reported by Monsters and Critics, Episode 6 of House of the Dragon will significantly age up some of its characters.
So far, the episodes leading up to Episode 6 have been a prequel to the prequel series, of sorts, giving viewers valuable backstory that detailed why there was a power struggle for the Iron Throne.
By the end of Episode 1, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) had already broken tradition and made his daughter the heir to the Iron Throne and this already has certain players in the game scheming to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Episode 5 then saw the set-up for a feud between Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) and her stepmother, Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey), which will definitely shape what is to come.
- 9/21/2022
- by Rachel Tsoumbakos
- Monsters and Critics
*Spoilers for House of the Dragon below – you have been warned*
House of the Dragon stars Matt Smith and Paddy Considine both had positive words about the show’s cast change, which fans have lamented since the series started.
The most recent episode marked the end of the journey for actors Milly Alcock and Emily Carey, who play Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower.
Episode six, out Sunday 25 September, will see time in the fictional world jump forwards by 10 years and the actors will be replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, respectively.
Meanwhile, Laena and Laenor Valaryon actors Nova Fouellis-Mose and Theo Nate will also be replaced by Nanna Blondell and John MacMillan.
“It was brilliant, actually,” Smith, who plays Daemon Targaryen, E! News of the cast change, “because I think they’ve done brilliant work.”
He added: “It gave you a completely different context for the age thing to play off.
House of the Dragon stars Matt Smith and Paddy Considine both had positive words about the show’s cast change, which fans have lamented since the series started.
The most recent episode marked the end of the journey for actors Milly Alcock and Emily Carey, who play Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower.
Episode six, out Sunday 25 September, will see time in the fictional world jump forwards by 10 years and the actors will be replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, respectively.
Meanwhile, Laena and Laenor Valaryon actors Nova Fouellis-Mose and Theo Nate will also be replaced by Nanna Blondell and John MacMillan.
“It was brilliant, actually,” Smith, who plays Daemon Targaryen, E! News of the cast change, “because I think they’ve done brilliant work.”
He added: “It gave you a completely different context for the age thing to play off.
- 9/20/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
House of the Dragon viewers are lamenting a future casting detail relating to a well-liked character.
The Game of Thrones spin-off, which began on HBO last month, is just three episodes into its first season.
Response to the series has been mostly positive, with many highlighting Milly Alcock’s performance as a standout.
*Spoilers if you haven’t seen any trailers below – you have been warned*
Australian actor Alcock, who is 22, plays Princess Rhaenyra Tagaryen on the show has rapidly become a fan favourite – however, she won’t be in the show for much longer.
Due to the time jumps between each episode in the series, Rhaenyra will be recast midway through, with Emma D’Arcy taking over the role from episode six onwards.
This detail was previously revealed in trailers and stills released by HBO
Alcock won’t be the only one who leaves the show, either. Olivia Cooke will...
The Game of Thrones spin-off, which began on HBO last month, is just three episodes into its first season.
Response to the series has been mostly positive, with many highlighting Milly Alcock’s performance as a standout.
*Spoilers if you haven’t seen any trailers below – you have been warned*
Australian actor Alcock, who is 22, plays Princess Rhaenyra Tagaryen on the show has rapidly become a fan favourite – however, she won’t be in the show for much longer.
Due to the time jumps between each episode in the series, Rhaenyra will be recast midway through, with Emma D’Arcy taking over the role from episode six onwards.
This detail was previously revealed in trailers and stills released by HBO
Alcock won’t be the only one who leaves the show, either. Olivia Cooke will...
- 9/4/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.