House of the Dragon casting director talks landing “slam dunk” Matt Smith and other actors

House of the Dragon casting director talks landing "slam dunk" Matt Smith and other actors

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless virtual worlds, I can confidently say that the cast of House of the Dragon is like a rare, legendary artifact discovered amidst a sea of mediocre NPCs – extraordinary and captivating beyond belief.

Regardless of any controversy surrounding the second season of House of the Dragon, a point that seems universally acknowledged among viewers is the consistently impressive acting from the cast. With numerous characters introduced in the first two seasons and even multiple actors portraying the same characters due to time leaps, there hasn’t been a single underwhelming performance. The acting talent contributes significantly to the show’s high-quality feel.

Despite having preferred characters in House of the Dragon, picking a favorite actor is challenging as they all deliver exceptional performances and add depth to their roles. I was surprised to find myself yearning for more Aegon on screen during season 2, a character I initially disliked, due to Tom Glynn-Carney’s mesmerizing performance. Even one of the show’s writers, Sara Hess, was taken aback by how much fans fell in love with Daemon in season 1, an affection significantly influenced by Matt Smith’s portrayal.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about the casting director behind House of the Dragon, Kate Rhodes James. With her extensive experience in our beloved series such as Interview with the Vampire, Raised by Wolves, and Warrior, she has truly mastered the art of selecting exceptional talent that resonates with us here at Winter is Coming. Recently, this three-time Emmy Award nominee graced us with an insightful video interview with Vanity Fair, where she delved into the intricate casting process that brought together the talented ensemble cast of the Game of Thrones prequel.

House of the Dragon cast is “fascinating,” “extraordinary,” and “fearless”

James spoke highly of the cast, noting their intrigue and depth. When it came to assembling the cast for the sequel to ‘Game of Thrones’, known for its stellar lineup, she acknowledged that it was a daunting task. Her aim during the selection process was to shake up everyone’s expectations about these roles.

Upon viewing the video above, it’s evident that James had previously worked with some cast members or was well-acquainted with their work, enabling him to select them for their respective roles. For instance, Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen, was described by James as someone he was seeking who was unique rather than the stereotypical “doe-eyed girl.” He had previously collaborated with D’Arcy through theater and was determined to find suitable roles for them. Eventually, this led to House of the Dragon, where D’Arcy’s portrayal of Rhaenyra is one of my favorite aspects of the series.

Apart from recalling Milly Alcock (young Rhaenyra), Olivia Cooke (Alicent), Emily Carey (young Alicent), Matt Smith (Daemon), Ewan Mitchell (Aemond), Matthew Needham (Larys), Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon), Steve Toussaint (Corlys), and Eve Best (Rhaenys), it’s worth noting that Matt Smith, a highly recognized actor among the ensemble, impressed during auditions with his extensive acting background, demonstrating why he was able to deliver a standout performance.

James declared that Smith’s casting was a “surefire success,” expressing his belief that although viewers were accustomed to seeing him portray compassionate roles, such as the Doctor on Doctor Who, he instinctively felt that Smith was perfectly suited for the part of Daemon.

We started to see that [Smith’s] version of Daemon was actually the most profound version that we needed for the story that we were building at that point.

As a fellow gamer immersed in the world of their creations, I’ve been well-acquainted with Aemond and Aegon’s work. Their talent left me utterly astounded; they truly took things to another level, especially during Mitchell’s audition which was nothing short of a game-changer.

I had been determined to find something. So when we were casting [Aegon], I do remember saying to Ryan [Condal] and Miguel [Sapochnik], ‘I know exactly who’s gonna play this.’

James ends the video expressing deep pride in the cast, and rightly so. Despite some outstanding performers from season 1 being overlooked at major award ceremonies, D’Arcy was nominated for a Golden Globe for their portrayal of Rhaenyra, while Smith and Alcock received nominations for their roles as Daemon and young Rhaenyra at the Critics Choice Awards.

You can’t go wrong with the exceptional cast of “House of the Dragon,” a reliable element of the series, and we owe our gratitude to Kate Rhodes James for bringing together such a talented group!

2024-08-13 22:41

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