Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith Discuss ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3’s Emotional Impact
The latest episode of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 showcased one of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s most significant moments yet. However, Emma D’Arcy revealed that claiming the Iron Throne was never intended to feel like a triumph.
In a conversation with Collider, D’Arcy shared insights into Rhaenyra’s emotional journey during the first two episodes of the new season. This includes the heartbreaking loss of her son Jacaerys Velaryon and the complex emotions surrounding her return to King’s Landing.
For Rhaenyra, the path to the throne has always been about asserting herself as the rightful ruler. Yet, after enduring such profound losses, sitting on the Iron Throne fails to bring the joy or fulfillment she once envisioned.
The most poignant moment occurs early in the season when Rhaenyra confronts the death of Jace. Following the Battle of the Gullet, she grapples with the reality of her son and heir being gone. D’Arcy noted that filming this scene was one of the toughest challenges they faced while producing the series.
“If I’m totally honest, it’s the only scene in the series that I sort of dreaded, and I think I probably was quite avoidant about it for a while,” D’Arcy told Collider.
The actor emphasized that this scene demanded a profound emotional investment, as it represented not just Rhaenyra’s loss but also a farewell to a long-time cast member. D’Arcy commended Harry Collett, who portrays Jace, for his sensitivity during the difficult filming day.
“We didn’t really speak in the morning, and he gave me kind of a wide berth, but we hadn’t talked about it in advance. Then at lunchtime, he found me very briefly and just said, ‘I didn’t know what would be best, but I just thought it could be some space,’” D’Arcy recounted.
Following such a devastating loss, Rhaenyra makes a pivotal decision to return to King’s Landing alongside Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith. The duo anticipates seizing control of the city, but events unfold differently than they had hoped.
With Aegon and Aemond missing, Rhaenyra is compelled to make a different choice. Otto Hightower becomes the target, and his demise marks her official return to power. However, instead of feeling like a powerful queen finally claiming her rightful place, Rhaenyra appears shattered by the reality of her actions.
D’Arcy explained that the scene was crafted to illustrate the cost of power and the transformation Rhaenyra has undergone. “I felt there was an opportunity in that scene to look at how power and the pursuit of power, the toll that that takes on identity, on the body, on one’s sense of self,” D’Arcy elaborated.
The actor added that while Rhaenyra may finally be attaining her most coveted desire, it brings forth a new emotional conflict.
“By the time she does finally claim that seat, so long dreamt of, she’s kind of rudderless in some way, and actually may be finally claiming the sort of thing that could actually cause an identity crisis,” D’Arcy explained.
The situation becomes even more heart-wrenching when Alicent Hightower arrives and witnesses the aftermath. The former friends, who have spent years on opposing sides of the conflict, are forced to confront each other once again under the most tragic circumstances.
Matt Smith also hinted that Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship will continue to face obstacles. According to Smith, their personal struggles will evolve alongside the broader war.
“There are some big peaks and troughs that come in within that, without giving too much away,” Smith noted.
As ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 progresses, Rhaenyra’s battle for the throne is shifting from a quest for victory to a reflection on the sacrifices required to maintain it.
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