James Norton, an actor in House of the Dragon, has responded to concerns about the show using artificial intelligence. The criticism started when the Game of Thrones spin-off released an AI tool that let fans choose a side in the fictional Targaryen conflict.
Viewers often wonder if artificial intelligence helps create the show’s most amazing visuals, especially when it comes to the dragons.
Norton, who plays Ormund Hightower on the show, responded to the rumors while discussing how all the different parts of House of the Dragon fit together.
He shared on the Table Manners podcast that he’d never experienced anything quite like it, finding it strange to be at the center of so much attention. He said he was very aware of how big a deal it all was and admitted, “I’ve never been in so many memes! It’s crazy!”
After her co-host, Lennie Ware, wondered how she acted with dragons in a recent project, she jokingly guessed that artificial intelligence played a big part.
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According to Norton, even with advancements in artificial intelligence, shows like House of the Dragon remain significant due to their use of practical effects – many of the visuals, including the dragon heads, are genuinely real.
When the dragon appears, it’s actually three performers dressed completely in blue, similar to the Blue Man Group. They manipulate the dragon using large poles – they hold the dragon’s head and wings, acting as puppeteers to bring it to life.
Okay, so what I’m seeing is just one person’s head moving – it’s like they’re pretending to be a dragon, kind of flapping wings. But there’s no body! They’re standing in front of a huge blue screen, and it looks like they’ll add everything else in later with effects. It’s not fully AI-generated, though – I think they’re just using AI to help with the effects, not create the whole thing.
When asked about the use of computer-generated imagery, Norton confirmed it would be used. He added that it’s surprisingly heartening to see the dedication and skill of the people working on the show’s intricate details, especially considering the rise of artificial intelligence. He found their passion for practical effects to be truly impressive.
The sets are huge and incredibly detailed. Every item, from the swords to the armor, is made with amazing craftsmanship. They even have a real blacksmith working on set, forging the metal using traditional methods.
He added that the show has been fantastic and is only just being released, but seeing how popular it’s become worldwide is incredible. He’s never been part of anything so massive.
House of the Dragon continues every Monday on HBO Max in the UK.
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2026-07-23 17:49