British actresses Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban portray the roles of mother-and-daughter queens Alicent Hightower and Helaena Targaryen in the upcoming HBO series “House of the Dragon.” The relationship between their characters will face challenges following a shocking scene in the pilot episode titled “A Son for a Son.”
Based on events from George R.R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood,” the series focuses on the Targaryen civil war known as “The Dance of the Dragons.” The pilot episode sets the stage for a storyline involving revenge and tragic consequences.
The actresses shared their thoughts on tackling intense scenes, with Phia emphasizing the importance of staying in the moment and portraying the characters’ emotions truthfully. They also discussed the bond between their characters and the impact of the events on their relationship.
Despite the dark themes of the show, the actresses described the set of “House of the Dragon” as a place of learning and camaraderie. They highlighted the supportive environment and the trust they have built with their colleagues.
Reflecting on their experiences post-“Game of Thrones,” Olivia and Phia discussed how their lives and careers have been affected by their roles in the popular series. While Olivia noted the temporary increase in attention, both actresses expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show has provided them.
Overall, the actresses spoke about their approach to the characters, the challenges of portraying intense emotions, and the support they receive from each other and the rest of the cast and crew.
