House of the Dragon actor wanted to match his dragon — so his look did

House of the Dragon actor wanted to match his dragon — so his look did

As a devoted fan of House of the Dragon, I must say that Kieran Bew has truly captivated me with his exceptional portrayal of Hugh Hammer. His understanding and embodiment of Hugh’s character depth are nothing short of extraordinary.


Kieran Bew recognizes the strength of well-groomed facial hair. He believes that this appearance played a significant role in Hugh Hammer’s ability to control the giant Vermithor during the seventh episode of House of the Dragon‘s season, titled “The Red Sowing.”

“Previously, I sported a large beard that sparked conversations among folks regarding whether I should trim it down or not. In response, I remarked: ‘I admire Vermithor’s tooth structure, with its unique appearance of pointing in various directions; if he bit you, it would be excruciatingly painful, similar to being caught in an Iron Maiden-like device.’ It was a humorous comment, I thought, comparing people who resemble their pets.”

It was clear to Bew that Hugh’s storyline throughout the season was culminating in his confrontation with Vermithor, and he also understood the various design elements used to emphasize the weight of his decision to visit Dragonstone. He maintained his beard and dyed his hair similar to Daemon’s (and even a hint of Viserys’ color), but with some of his own natural tone blended in. As Hugh’s frustration with King’s Landing’s nobility intensified, Bew found the character through subtle moments, such as when he became so hungry that he resorted to punching another commoner for food.

In his perspective, the scenes often felt sparse or incomplete, serving more like a skeleton for the broader character development. Yet, as an effective performer (or, analogously, when interpreting the dense and academic narrative of Fire & Blood, one might say a historian), it was his duty to fill in the human experiences that brought those skeletal scenes to life.

In the scenario presented, my character chooses to conceal something significant from his spouse, and he’s insisting on embarking on a dangerous mission. Amazingly, Bew reflects. “It appears that he’s willing to risk everything to maintain this secret. This is due to feelings of shame stemming from his mother’s actions, the impact of his upbringing, and the intensity of the pain associated with it.”

Based on my personal experiences and understanding of human behavior, it seems that the individual is facing a situation where he feels trapped or limited in his options, leading him to declare that this is the only viable course of action left for him. The intensity of his statement suggests a deep sense of urgency and pain, indicating that he may have exhausted all other possibilities and is now left with no choice but to pursue this one option. It’s possible that he has learned from past experiences or encounters that have left him in similar predicaments, leading him to act swiftly and decisively when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

In the climactic scene of episode 7, Bew channeled all his energy into portraying the unraveling of Rhaenyra’s plans to assign Vermithor a rider. For him, Hugh’s frenzied determination – to act, to prove his worth – was bordering on reckless, even as he remained fearful in the instant. “He’s traveled so far, the stakes are incredibly high, he believes the odds are slightly in his favor,” Bew explains. “But it’s still incredibly terrifying.” He questions, “How do you devise a strategy against something that can move so swiftly and crush you, and rain down people on fire upon your head?”

As a seasoned problem solver with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that sometimes, when things take an unexpected turn for the worse, there is often a silver lining to be found. In fact, I have seen it time and time again in my own life: when faced with adversity, I’ve discovered hidden strengths within myself and learned valuable lessons that have ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally. So, while it may seem counterintuitive at first glance, the adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” holds true – even if the situation seems dire at first, there is always a way to find opportunity in adversity.

To inspire the ideal sensation of a profound connection between Hugh and the Bronze Fury, Bew took cues from his on-set experiences – particularly when he attempted to interact with a crew member’s Yorkshire terrier on set. This tiny dog was always trying to pounce on the tennis ball-like eyes of Vermithor, the pre-CG creature.

“When I assert that this dog takes a liking to me,” Bew explains, understanding the contrast between a tiny terrier and a colossal dragon, “it’s more than just physical proximity; it’s an emotional bond. Yet, establishing this connection can be fragile, intimidating, and demanding. It involves putting everything I have into nurturing it.”

In Bew’s thoughts, it seems clear that Hugh’s portrayal of Vermithor arises from his desperation. Unlike other dragons, Vermithor appears to be seeking a rider who can keep pace with his unorthodox nature, as one might say, meet his match. This isn’t unexpected, given the self-serving manner in which Hugh describes Vermithor. When Hugh aggressively pursues the dragon, even aiming it at another Targaryen bastard, it resonates with the dragon’s character. It’s worth noting that the fear of not succeeding can transform an impossible task into a competition.

“Vermithor’s selection could impact him significantly. He was raised under the oppressive gaze of the aristocracy and has been excluded from a family he feels deeply connected to but also ashamed of due to their treatment. This anger and shame have become an integral part of who he is.” – Bew ponders, “What will happen to me if Vermithor picks her?”

Read More

2024-08-04 21:19

Previous post Coronation Street star Richard Fleeshman reveals he is going to be a dad for the first time as he shares sweet picture of pregnant fiancée
Next post There are 7 more Game of Thrones spinoffs in the works, 2 live-action and 4 animated