Months after the season two finale of House of the Dragon, tensions between the Targaryen Greens and Targaryen Blacks remain a major topic of discussion for fans. Amidst all the dragon battles, shifting alliances, and familial betrayals, two characters have managed to stand out for their loyalty and resilience: Jacaerys Velaryon and Lady Baela Targaryen.
Played by Harry Collett and Bethany Antonia, respectively, these characters have brought a much-needed sense of reason amidst the chaos that dominates Westeros. In an interview, Collett and Antonia shared their thoughts on embodying these more sensible roles, their characters’ relationship, and the anxiety of receiving the infamous ‘Death Call’ from showrunner Ryan Condal.
“I think just getting to be a part of something from the very beginning is just so much fun,” Antonia said of her character’s evolution. “We had a tiny little taster of what it was going to be like in season one, and now, getting to be here from the very start of season two and being part of the character-building process has just been amazing.”
Collett echoed similar sentiments: “There’s a lot of pressure, but it’s not like horrible pressure. You have to have pressure going into something like this, being a character in one of the biggest shows in the world. It’s a lot, but I’ve had an absolute blast, and like Bethany said, we had so much freedom this year.”
The friendship between Jacaerys and Baela, which has blossomed into a romance, adds an intriguing dynamic to the show’s narrative. When asked what makes their on-screen relationship unique, Collett explained, “I would say there are a number of things, really. They understand each other, which a lot of couples don’t on this show. Even if they argue, it’s a very civilized argument, if that makes sense. They both try so hard not to upset each other and talk out their feelings, which is really, really nice.”
Antonia added, “I think that comes from them having had such a formative experience together. We saw them as children in the first season. Baela experienced death at such a young age, and people maybe don’t realize that Jacaerys also went through loss at the exact same time with Harwin. The two of them bonded over this loss of parenthood from the beginning, and I think that’s an invaluable experience that built a really beautiful foundation for everything that came after.”
With House of the Dragon being a prequel set in the Game of Thrones universe, the series has taken creative liberties while adapting George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Showrunner Ryan Condal has brought his own vision to the screen, and the actors have experienced the uncertainty of character fates firsthand. Antonia shared, “Yeah! It’s really funny with this one because it is an adaptation of a book, but it’s the world of Game of Thrones, and Ryan has the power to do anything. I had already started reading the book when I was auditioning for the show and finished it before I got the part, so I knew the plan for Baela. Every day, I just beg Ryan Condal not to change things!”
Collett also addressed the anxiety of possibly receiving ‘The Death Call,’ where actors find out their character’s fate: “I think somebody told me if your time on the show comes to an end, you will be told beforehand. It’s not like at the cast script reading you’ll find out then and there, and have to go through the sadness with loads of people next to you. You’ll be told prior. I think Ryan told me he calls it ‘The Death Call’ – you just see your phone buzzing and you’re like, No!”
Reflecting on their time as Jacaerys and Baela, Collett offered some advice to his character: “I would say to Jacaerys, just chill out, man! I know you’re going through a lot, but you need to stop with the rational decisions, take a chill pill, and just take each day as it comes.” Antonia, on the other hand, would tell Baela, “Keep your wits about you, and understand that people’s alliances will change quickly, often without reason. She still wants logic behind everything because she’s young, but not all decisions are made rationally or logically.”
The enduring popularity of House of the Dragon and the compelling relationships that emerge from its tumultuous storylines continue to keep fans invested well beyond the finale.
