House of the Dragon star Harry Collett on why Jace is “my favorite role I’ve played in my career”

As a seasoned movie buff with a soft spot for intricate narratives and complex characters, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat when I learned about Harry Collett’s role in HBO’s “House of the Dragon.” Being part of a series that’s a spin-off of the renowned “Game of Thrones” is no small feat, especially for an actor as young and talented as Collett.

I’m fortunate to be part of the expansive cast gracing HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon. In this epic saga, I portray Jacaerys Velaryon, a character close to the Iron Throne as he is the son of ambitious Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). As the story unfolds, my character’s path comes tantalizingly near to claiming the coveted seat. Initially, I appeared in just a couple of episodes during season 1, but my character’s noble and well-meaning persona was more fully explored in season 2.

Collett chatted with “Hero” about how he secured his role initially. As it turns out, HBO had been keeping things under wraps at first, even from the main actors. “I submitted a self-recording and it didn’t provide much detail, just ‘Untitled HBO Series,'” Collett recalled with a laugh. “I thought, ‘That’s fantastic, I know a lot now.’ [laughs] My character was named Jack, so I figured it could have been anything, and this was the last thing I expected it to be because when it comes to a “Game of Thrones” spin-off, they typically use traditional names. When I saw ‘Jack’ in the script, I thought, ‘It can’t be that.’

[T]hen I did another tape in front of people on Zoom, which was quite difficult because it’s hard to [translate] that energy online compared to in-person. But apparently it worked. About a week later I got called to go in for the last audition and because it happened so quickly I had short hair and didn’t go to the gym – I didn’t look like a prince when I walked in. [laughs] I was so nervous, I’d learned all my lines but I’d overlearned my lines. I went blank and I must have fluffed up all of my scenes. I slowly got into it, and the nerves started to calm down but you’re just thinking, “I really want this role.” Just before the audition, I was told what it was for, so that made my nerves go through the roof. Then I got the call a few weeks later and I was literally frozen. It’s only just sunk in through season two press that this is happening. The love and support I’ve got from this character has been incredible. I couldn’t ask for anything better, it’s my favourite role I’ve played in my career so far.

At just six years old, Collett already had years of on-stage experience under his belt, making him more experienced than some of his older peers when he joined the cast. However, that doesn’t mean he was immune to feeling nervous. Also, it’s not surprising to learn that he sported a short hairstyle during his audition for the role; despite his long locks in season 2 of House of the Dragon, Collett wore a distinctive wig in season 1.

In this show, I’m now sporting my real hair instead of the wig from the first season, which has given me a bit more credibility. It’s been delightful delving deeper into the character of Jacaerys and introducing fresh aspects in the second season; you’ll see much more of him this time around. Collett chuckled as he said this.

Jace, a keen up-and-comer, yearns to leave his unique stamp in the conflict his mother is engaged in against her half-brother Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), who seized the Iron Throne she feels should be rightfully hers. Despite the turbulent depiction of their family on the show, they maintain a close bond off-screen. “Even though we portray a dysfunctional family on set, we are more like one united family behind the scenes,” Collett stated. “I share numerous scenes with Emma [D’Arcy] and they are fantastic. Although Daemon [Matt Smith’s character] may not be ideal, Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy have taken on a nurturing role for me because of their extensive experience. They have offered invaluable advice and made this journey less stressful, particularly as I am the youngest main cast member.

Generally, Collett finds it exhilarating to be immersed in this fantasy realm. Previously, he’s played characters that are quite similar to himself, which is enjoyable, but stepping into an entirely different world feels surreal, as he expressed. Yesterday, he shared with his grandmother that it seems as if we’re not even watching him on screen, a sentiment he fully agrees with. This might be the reason why he finds it effortless to watch himself because it feels like he’s observing someone else.

Collett is set to reprise his role as Jace when “House of the Dragon” begins its third season, likely around 2026. In the interim, HBO will transport us back to Westeros with a fresh prequel series titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which is slated for release next year.

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2024-11-15 18:41