Ewan Mitchell Reveals Fans Move Out of the Way After ‘House of the Dragon’ Role
Ewan Mitchell has emerged as one of the standout stars of House of the Dragon, but his newfound fame has brought about an unexpected reaction from fans. The actor, who portrays the menacing Aemond Targaryen, shares that people often respond to him in public as though they are encountering the character rather than the actor himself.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell discussed the unique experience of being associated with one of the most feared figures in the acclaimed HBO series. Since debuting as Aemond in 2022, he has witnessed firsthand the intense reactions viewers have to the character’s violent tendencies and intimidating demeanor.
Mitchell noted that this response has influenced how people act around him in everyday life.
“I’ve had people move out of the way for me,” he told PEOPLE. He recounted a memorable incident at an airport during the airing of season 2 of House of the Dragon. Expecting a challenging trek through the crowd, he was surprised to find people stopping to watch him instead.
“I remember stressing, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to get from this side of the airport to the other side in less than five minutes.’ And I had so little resistance,” Mitchell explained. “Because people would stop and stare as I was running past them.”
The actor humorously suggested that his character’s notoriety might actually assist him in navigating busy places. “When in doubt, when I’ve got to get somewhere fast, [I’ll put Aemond’s wig on],” he joked.
While Aemond may be perceived as intimidating, Mitchell understands the complexity of the character. He explained that much of Aemond’s behavior stems from his upbringing and the emotional neglect he experienced from his family.
Reflecting on Aemond’s controversial actions in season 3, Mitchell emphasized that they arise from a deeply troubled place.
“Aemond, growing up, he never felt like he was loved enough by his mom and his family around him, and a kid needs that unconditional love to develop a balanced view of themselves,” Mitchell elaborated. “Because he never had that, he’s got a very skewed perception and a very strange way of showing love.”
One of the most talked-about moments from the new season features a shocking scene between Aemond and his mother, Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke. Mitchell acknowledged that the scene was challenging for viewers due to the complex emotions involved.
“It kind of makes you want to throw up in your mouth a little bit,” he remarked about the moment. “It’s quite a difficult pill to swallow, isn’t it? Kissing your mom on the lips, especially in that way.” Cooke also shared her thoughts with PEOPLE, describing the scene as uncomfortable and dangerous given Aemond’s unpredictable nature. “I think it was quite odd for both of us,” Cooke noted.
She explained that Alicent is acutely aware of the risks involved, as rejecting Aemond could lead to dire consequences.
“She knows that one wrong facial expression, one perceived rejection, will cost her her life. So she’s trying to tread very, very carefully,” Cooke said.
As House of the Dragon progresses, Mitchell’s portrayal of Aemond continues to be a focal point of discussion among fans. While audiences may step aside when they see him in real life, the actor believes this reaction signifies a deep investment in the intricate world of Westeros and its characters.
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