“It’s her dragon that best defines Rhaenyra Targaryen”

Westeros, 200 years before Game Of Thrones. Daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen, Princess Rhaenyra (played by Milly Alcock, then, after the 6^e episode, by Emma Darcy) could ascend to the throne. This is without counting the unleashing of jealousy and violence that this prospect will arouse, leading to the self-destruction of the Targaryen family and a real civil war. At 22, Milly Alcock, Australian actress who came to present in Paris House of the Dragon – whose first episode is broadcast this evening at the Grand Rex -, lives with freshness and simplicity its new notoriety.

TVMagazine. – Were you a fan of Game Of Thronesthe series and/or the book?

Milly ALCOCK.- Wow, no. I was about ten years old when the series started, it’s not a very appropriate age to watch this program! But I have become. I watched the series during the pre-production period while in a hotel, in quarantine, in Australia. I also read Fire and Blood. It’s interesting but quite complex.

What do you appreciate in Game Of Thrones?

I like the great humanity of the characters, the spirit, the rhythm. And I like above all, as a spectator, that one is never sure of anything. No character has any guarantees regarding their safety or even their life. Anything can really happen.

You look younger than your age, did that help you get the role?

Yes, it’s a bit strange but it helps me in my life and my work. I am lucky !

Do you know why you were chosen?

Other than that, no!

What can you tell us about your character?

Rhaenyra has a very strong moral sense but she doesn’t know how to share it because she is young and lacks experience. She is courageous. She is the king’s daughter and she could access the throne but her position is in question because she evolves in a world of misogynistic men.

She still seems very emancipated…

No, because she is a member of the royal family. As such, she is constantly surrounded, she is dressed… She was brought up like this. It cannot therefore be independent. Even if she dreams of freedom, it is very confrontational.

She is close to her dragon Syrax. What does he represent for her?

It’s a bit like a dog, a pet. He also offers her a form of escape because riding him allows her to finally be alone and flee all these people around her. This helps him to find himself and to forge his identity when we meet him at 14 years old. I would go so far as to say that it is her dragon that defines her the most.

“Rhaenyra is somewhere between Cate Blanchett in elizabeth and Audrey Hepburn in roman holidays »

Milly Alcock

How did you prepare to become Rhaenyra?

I watched the series, read the books, I made a kind of graph to try to understand the characters, their position, the stakes and how to transcribe Westeros in the world where I live. I’ve also watched other films with influential queen characters, like Cate Blanchett in elizabeth. Or Audrey Hepburn in roman holidays. I find Rhaenyra to be somewhere between these two characters.

Do you have a playlist sometimes to work on?

Yes, I listened to a lot of classical music. And Phillip Glass.

I imagine the wig and costumes helped you too?

Yes, because we no longer recognize each other! You can take a different accent, or change your approach sometimes, but the hair has a really essential role as it is symbolic in Westeros.

What surprised you the most on set?

It was the first time that I had taken part in such a huge shoot, with such a large crew. I couldn’t believe that we could make television this way. I had only worked on small Australian productions before.

What about his relationship to the father?

He is a good king but a somewhat desperate father. He doesn’t know how to talk to his daughter. He tries to tell her that he wants to help her, that he stands by her side, that he loves her. He’s really trying very hard but he doesn’t know how to do it, he can’t. And then he will feel torn when the family will break up. He is aware of the importance of continuing his lineage, but this puts him in a very awkward position.

How does the relationship with Alicent turn from friendship to hate?

Alicent is simply doing something that is not done between friends! This infuriates Rhaenyra. She won’t forgive him. But it’s very sad deep down because both are helpless victims of men’s decisions. And they have to live with that. And these two young girls no longer have anyone to confide in. The patriarchy broke that friendship.

Can we draw a parallel with today’s society?

We love the idea of ​​empowered, independent women, but in practice they are often not taken seriously. Look at the few women presidents, or the issue of abortion in the United States… It’s still ongoing.

“It’s not as fast as other shows or all those videos on Tik Tok. I really hope that the public will be patient with the series because it deserves it”

Milly Alcock

The series is more intimate than Game Of Thronesan almost Shakespearean family drama…

It’s quite Shakespearean indeed. And intimate. It excites me. It’s not as fast as other shows or all those videos on Tik Tok. I really hope that the public will be patient with the series because it deserves it.

What does it mean to you to belong to the universe of Game Of Thrones?

This means an opening to the world! I now tell myself that I am doing this job for life, I hope to have a long career and make the right choices.

Ready to face fame?

I hope to be strong enough to keep my head on my shoulders and not be consumed.

Have you ever received scripts?

No, maybe tomorrow after the broadcast of the first episode!