Movies

The Rhaenyra-Mysaria kiss wasn’t in the script—Here’s how the actors contributed

BBG News

The Rhaenyra-Mysaria kiss wasn't in the script—Here's how the actors contributed

As a huge fan of “Game of Thrones” and now its prequel “House of the Dragon,” I’ve been eagerly following the developments in the lives of Rhaenyra Targaryen and her companions, Mysaria and Daemon Targaryen. And let me tell you, the latest revelations have left me absolutely spellbound!

In the latest installment of “House of the Dragon,” titled “Smallfolk,” Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) confides in her trusted advisor Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), an influential commoner, about her mounting fears of losing her struggle for the Iron Throne. Feeling helpless, Rhaenyra finds solace and encouragement from Mysaria as she recounts a painful past experience, instilling in Rhaenyra a renewed sense of faith in her leadership capabilities. Touched by Mysaria’s heartfelt support, the two women share an intimate moment that evolves into a surprising kiss.

Readers of George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” were taken aback as the book fails to disclose a romantic relationship between Rhaenyra and Mysaria. At this stage in the novel, Mysaria remains in King’s Landing, having yet to encounter Rhaenyra in person. The show, however, introduces these characters earlier in their relationship. In an interview with “TV Insider,” Mizuno shared that a romantic connection was an option, but it wasn’t definitively planned out.

Mizuno shared that following her securing the role and consulting with the showrunners, they expressed the possibility of a developing romance between Mysaria and Rhaenyra. This was their intention from the beginning of Season 1. In the second season, when their foreheads were touching in episode X, there was uncertainty about what transpired next. The scripts didn’t specify the nature of the event that disrupted their moment. During pre-production and filming, Emma and I strongly disagreed with any suggestion of queer-baiting and instead focused on uncovering the authenticity of their relationship. Ultimately, our collective efforts led to the progression of their connection.

According to Mizuno’s explanation, the scene where Rhaenyra and Mysaria shared an intimate moment in “House of the Dragon” wasn’t scripted with a kiss. Instead, the actors decided to add that element during filming based on the situation and their characters’ feelings. Emma D’Arcy portraying Rhaenyra felt the need to comfort Mysaria in that moment, leading to a hug. The hug was an unfamiliar gesture for both characters, making it an enlightening experience. As they were so intimately connected, a kiss seemed like a natural progression. Such tender moments are rarely shown in the series, with most scenes depicting sex or friendly gestures like slapping each other on the back. Therefore, this organic development added depth and excitement to their relationship.

Emma D’Arcy and Sonoya Mizuno didn’t want to “queer-bait” fans

In the scene, whether rehearsed or spontaneous, the kiss held significance given their relationship’s development; Rhaenyra and Mysaria shared an understanding and numerous similarities, stemming from disparate backgrounds early in the series.

One point of connection between them is Daemon Targaryen, who was once married to Rhaenyra and previously involved with Mysaria. With Daemon’s unpredictability leaving Rhaenyra uncertain of their relationship, it’s comforting for her to share experiences and feelings about him with someone who understands his complexities. As Mizuno explained to TheWrap, “It’s like the experience of two women sharing stories about a common ex-boyfriend, bonding over shared experiences and finding solace in their understanding of one another.” This journey from Rhaenyra’s realization of her history with Daemon to their ability to discuss him openly has brought them closer and aids their collaboration.

Instead of “Apart from Daemon, Mysaria is one of the few individuals at Dragonstone with whom Rhaenyra has been open, possibly because she isn’t noble-born and Rhaenyra feels less confined around her. When you’re honest and candid with each other, you naturally grow closer,” Mizuno explained. “I believe both women find a unique connection in their initial candidness, which is not common in this world. I suspect they discovered that despite their differences, they share many similarities. They are both strong-willed women who have navigated through a patriarchal society and can relate to being outsiders. Furthermore, they possess empathy and emotional intelligence, which draws them to one another.”

In addition, Mysaria expands Rhaenyra’s perspective regarding the struggles of commoners, as demonstrated in this episode where Mysaria utilizes their desperation to sway the war in their favor, igniting a rebellion among the famished citizens of King’s Landing. According to Emma D’Arcy in an interview with Variety, “This is a fresh kind of connection for Rhaenyra. She is a highly volatile individual who frequently lets her emotions dictate her actions, particularly when it comes to relationships. This represents a shift. Their bond begins as something unsettling. Initially, they dislike each other intensely. There’s an intriguing aspect to observing two women in such a patriarchal society who have honed methods for maneuvering and manipulating power structures. These abilities were not intended for use against other women, so for Rhaenyra, she feels a significant sense of danger from Mysaria — including her past with Daemon.”

But as the as the series progresses, Mysaria really affects Rhaenyra’s politics. She has a powerful impact on Rhaenyra’s ability to see how a kingdom and its citizens are affected in the case of civil war. That was slightly abstract to Rhaenyra — until Mysaria somehow makes that more concrete. And I think speaks to different forms of power that, again, maybe Rhaenyra, in her eagerness for a masculine conflict-based power, sometimes overlooks. Gaining the will, and the belief of the people — I don’t know how much that was part of her political consciousness prior to Mysaria.

The Rhaenyra-Mysaria kiss is “thrilling” for both of them

In contrast to her intense power struggles in her relationship with Daemon, Rhaenyra finds herself free from such conflicts when it comes to Mysaria. According to D’Arcy, there’s often a show of strength and bravado in Rhaenyra’s other romantic entanglements. However, with Daemon, both parties seem reluctant to reveal vulnerabilities, leading to a power-driven eroticism. On the other hand, Rhaenyra’s connection with Mysaria is characterized by genuine emotions and empathy. The growing relationship between these two women leaves Rhaenyra deeply moved by Mysaria’s resilience. Once they touch, their bodies are taken over by raw desire.

Mizuno concurs, believing neither person intended to manipulate the situation with the unexpected kiss. For them, it was as shocking to us watching at home. “Neither has likely experienced a hug that heartfelt before,” she expressed. “I believe it was the sincere emotion and closeness of that embrace that transformed into an intense and captivating kiss, leaving both in awe.”

According to Mizuno’s description, the kiss felt like a long-awaited yet unexpected moment, as if to say “Why yes, I have had feelings for that person for half a year now, but I hadn’t quite recognized it.” So, the query becomes: what transpires next in this unfolding scenario?

How will Daemon react to the Rhaenyra-Mysaria kiss? Will they start a romance?

With Rhaenyra embroiled in a battle for the Iron Throne against her half-brother King Aegon, the kiss could be a potential beginning, but given the impending war, it’s unlikely to take center stage in the series. As Mizuno put it, “The war is looming large, so emotions and romantic encounters aren’t going to take precedence.”

Despite the potential complications, it’s safe to assume that Rhaenyra and her estranged husband Daemon will eventually reconcile. I can only imagine the scene when that happens, and I’m excitedly anticipating it, no matter how chaotic it may turn out to be. As Mizuno put it, “It’s going to be quite a messy situation, isn’t it? But I’m eager to see what unfolds.”

D’Arcy believes Rhaenyra has no plan to inform him at all. Yet, he suspects she feels quite self-assured and bold. He imagines she even enjoys the thought of him discovering the truth. Given their contentious relationship, dating his ex would likely be a strategic move for her.

Perhaps the bomb is set to explode further in the future. In the long run, Mizuno ponders if cunning Mysaria will exploit her closeness with Rhaenyra for her own gain: “She’ll seize the opportunity with her resourceful nature and maximize its potential. If that means she eventually has to abandon her, only time will tell.”

We’ll gain more information as new episodes of “House of the Dragon” are released every Sunday on HBO and Max.

Read More

2024-07-22 19:42

Previous post Netflix has over 80 games in development as it aims to expand its game library
Next post Street Fighter 6 Teaser Showcases Fatal Fury’s Terry Bogard Ahead of His Year 2 Arrival in Fall 2024