‘House of the Dragon’ will give unique insight into Westeros patriarchy and misogyny, actors reveal
‘GoT’ prequel ‘Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon’ has already piqued the curiosity of its ardent global fanbase as the fantasy adventure drama is set to unfold on screens on August 21, 2022 on HBO Max.
Stars Milly Alcock and Emily Carey spilled some details about the highly anticipated period drama series in a recent interview, elaborating on how the prequel will give viewers an insight into the traditional Westeros patriarchy through the pivotal characters Rhaenyra and Alicent.
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Based on ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ author George RR Martin's 2018 novel ‘Fire & Blood’, 'House of the Dragon' takes place almost 200 years before the events of 'Game of Thrones' and chronicles the blood-filled Targaryen war of succession, known as the ‘Dance of the Dragons’. The series will feature all familiar motifs of the 'GoT' canon, including sex, violence, and dragons.
The prequel will assume the point of view of two really complex female characters - Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Lady Alicent Hightower. It will introduce them as children, played by ‘Les Norton’ fame Milly Alcock and ‘Casualty’ actor Emily Carey, before Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke take over the roles as adults.
When Screenrant had a chat with Alcock and Carey about their characters and how they reacted to the patriarchal and misogynistic pressures in Westeros, Carey said, “I think part of the key for Alicent is she doesn't fight back. I think she doesn't know how to, and I think parts of her doesn't want to—until she's there. And then maybe she regrets certain decisions and certain choices. But I think she doesn't have the power to fight back, mainly because she's a child when we find her.”
She added, “But I said it before and I'll say it again: my favorite thing about this show is that, yes, we showcase misogyny and we show how it affected the women in this world, and how it relates to these characters—whether it's Alicent or Rhaenyra or Rhaenys even. But when we take away the storyline and theme of misogyny, these characters still have an arc and are still complex women onscreen. They're not just there to serve the purpose and to show misogyny; they are human beings put onscreen. And I think that's a brilliant thing.”
Alcock added, “I think, ultimately, it's down to the writing. And what the show really leans on is how these two women are met with the same kind of patriarchy, but they react in entirely different ways. Because of their given circumstances, and because of who they are, and the privileges that they've been afforded within their lives.”
She also revealed, “I think that Rhaenyra especially is a fighter. She fights for what she wants, and she doesn't like to take no for an answer. But I think that these two women deal with it entirely differently, and that's what makes the show quite interesting. Because I think that a lot of people can see themselves in Rhaenyra just as much as Alicent.”