James Norton Discusses Ormund’s Shocking Death in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3

James Norton’s portrayal of Ormund Hightower in ‘House of the Dragon’ has concluded dramatically in Season 3, and the actor is quite pleased with how his character met his end.

Ormund’s demise occurs during the Battle of Tumbleton when Roddy the Ruin stabs him. Before he can flee, Ulf’s dragon arrives, incinerating them both. While this death differs from George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire & Blood’, Norton indicates that the scene was always intended to be impactful.

“I knew it was going to be a big, delicious death,” Norton shared with Variety. He also mentioned that an earlier draft of the scene was even more intense, featuring Ormund being impaled around 20 times before the team decided that was excessive.

Filming this pivotal scene proved to be quite a challenge. Norton noted that the production dedicated weeks to the Tumbleton battle, with the cast engaging in extensive stunt rehearsals. Ensuring the blood and makeup were just right was also a significant part of the process.

Norton humorously remarked that the blood was applied with a paintbrush, describing the final moments as a unique yet unforgettable experience. He found an unexpected intimacy in Ormund dying alongside Roddy.

“I loved the odd intimacy it created between Tommy and I — the idea that we die together, and are preserved,” Norton reflected, likening the scene to old graves where two individuals are found lying together.

There’s also a compelling irony in Ormund being killed by Ulf’s dragon. Throughout the season, Ormund looked down on Ulf, viewing him as an unworthy commoner. Norton believes this twist made the death even more gratifying.

Norton explained that Ormund’s animosity towards the Targaryens stemmed from his belief in the superiority of the Hightowers. In contrast, Ulf was someone most people underestimated. The fact that someone Ormund deemed inferior became the cause of his death added another layer to the moment.

However, Ormund’s relationship with Daeron was markedly different.

Earlier in the finale, Ormund knights Daeron, but shortly after, Daeron turns against him. Although they never share a final conversation, Norton believes Ormund might have respected Daeron’s choice in a twisted sense.

“On some level, Ormund would have probably been proud of Daeron for standing up on his own two feet and making that decision,” he explained. Norton joked that Ormund would likely have confronted Daeron before engaging in a serious discussion.

For Norton, portraying Ormund’s love for Daeron authentically was crucial. Despite Ormund’s cruel and dangerous nature, his feelings for Daeron were genuine.

“The key thing throughout Ormund’s journey was to anchor him and make him feel human through his love for Daeron,” Norton stated. “However monstrous and villainous he is, cruel and callous and quick to execute the blacksmith — his love for Daeron was real.”

Norton confirmed that Ormund will not be returning. While he described his departure from the show as bittersweet, he believes that the character’s grand and unforgettable death was the fitting conclusion.

“It’ll be weird when they go back to shoot the next season and I won’t be there,” Norton admitted. “But I’m so grateful that I got to come in and have this big showy moment and ludicrous memorable death with Tommy. I’m proud of it.”

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