Warning: This article contains spoilers from theHouse of the Dragonseason 2 finale.
This is a massive change fromGeorge R.R.
Martin’s bookFire & Blood,and now theGame of Thronesprequel series is charting new territory for Helaena.
Phia Saban, ‘House of the Dragon’.Ollie Upton/HBO
What was your reaction when you found out how much influence Helaena was going to have in this episode?
I was hoping that I was going to arise from a lake of goo or something, or fly.
But I was also really happy to stand there and talk.
Ewan Mitchell and Phia Saban, ‘House of the Dragon’.Ollie Upton/HBO
I was very pleased to be involved in that.
Because so much of her journey has been internal.
Because I think every time when that happens to her, it feels like the first time.
Matt Smith, ‘House of the Dragon’.Ollie Upton/HBO
Then I think they’re just going to weave it into the story in their magical way.
Tell me about your process in working backwards from that confrontation with Aemond.
How did you get into Helaena’s mindset?
She can’t always turn them into advice.
It’s more of like a feeling that takes her over.
Part of her represses that stuff.
She’s given it the attention and the intensity it needed.
It’s really fun.
Then I love the idea that I can be surprised or something could be subverted.
Obviously, I can’t watch the show as an impartial person.
I would be very impressed if you could.
[Laughs] I’d be like a psychopath, yeah.
Whats it like being the Bran of this show?
The thing is that I really have absolutely no idea what’s happening next season.
I would love that.
I think Helaena should hang out with him.
They should go off together have their own side adventures.
That’s what I want for the next season.
Does this revelation that Helaena is actually a dragon dreamer make you rethink your character at all?
They’re probably not going to be having lunch together anytime soon.
Maybe I could meet them in dreams.
That would be really good.
It’d be like … did you ever play Club Penguin?
[Laughs] I have!
It could be Club Penguin.
It’s like, “Meet me here at 3 p.m. by the igloo.”
Go and touch the tree, and I’ll be there."
Does Helaena fully appreciate or even know the part shes playing in this war now?
No, I don’t think so.
I think it comes to her in moments.
It’s this magical realm, so anything could be possible.
Maybe we’ll find out more.
It’s like, “What am I going through?”
And then there’s this clarity.
She’s got a lot to process this season.
That’s one of those rare moments of clarity for her.
[Laughs] That was really cool.
That is more about a sibling dynamic.
They have this sort of affinity.
Yeah, the longest chat she’s had until now has been with her bugs.
Exactly, and they don’t really answer back.
This is very new and very overwhelming.
Helaena doesnt want to ride her dragon into battle, but do you?
How do you feel about missing out on the big dragon battles so far?
It’sHouse of the Dragon, and I’ve got a dragon, and I haven’t got on it.
I really wanted to get on the dragon.
I went and watched a few people on the buck this season, and I was so jealous.
I’d really love to get on the dragon, or at least have a scene with Dreamfyre.
Dreamfyre, like Vhagar, she’s super ancient and big and cool.
I’m just happy to be here.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
