While anticipation builds forHouse of the DragonSeason 3, everything the actors say is held under scrutiny, as fans look for any crumbs of information about the highly anticipated return. Whether it’s adiscussion of their character’s arcor the vague announcement ofan experimental episode, anything is sure to get attention. But that goes double forEmma D’Arcy’s recent comments during an interview withAwards Radar, in which they reference more changes ahead for their character. This is of particular interest because everyone has been debatingHouse of the Dragon’s deviation from the source material. Since Season 1, and especially throughout Season 2, fans have had a lot to say about the show’s adaptation process. So, of course, the Rhaenyra actor confirming that the series would be sticking to its changes despite the divisive opinions among the audience will catch attention. But, though many fans will complain, this is the best news for the show.
The debate about accuracy comes up during every adaptation, but it is especially complicated withHouse of the Dragonbecause the story recounted inGeorge R. R. Martin’sFire & Bloodisn’t in the traditional format. The source material’s subjective nature makes it impossible to be strictly accurate, as it leaves gaps that must be filled.House of the Dragonmay take liberties, but many of these deviations are crucial to make the series work. The fact is, the story inFire & Blooddoesn’t lend itself to adaptation, andas controversial as it may be, the series needs to forge its own path.
‘House of the Dragon’ Hasn’t Shied Away from Controversial Changes Before
House of the Dragonhas proven itself unafraid to alter the story; it’s no shock to fans that D’Arcy supports that method. It’s well-known that they have pushed for changes to the character already, becoming one of the main supporters behindRhaenyra and Mysaria’s (Sonoya Mizuno) relationshipin Season 2.D’Arcy has also been vocal about one changethey’re hoping for in the future: Rhaenyra wielding a weapon. Even with their history of support for these changes,D’Arcy’s statement toAwards Radarisn’t about radical deviations, but a very realistic analysis of the story.As D’Arcy points out, a loose adaptation of the book is better for the story.
D’Arcy’s comments indicate that Season 3 will not be pulling back due to the backlash Season 2 received. For a year now, people have been debating the changes, and evenMartin joined in, taking to his blog to complain about how the HBO series adapted his story. However, Season 3 has been set up to take that even further. The finale hinted thatRhaena (Phoebe Campbell) will fill Nettles' book roleand established new character arcs set up for Daemon (Matt Smith), Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), and several others that will undoubtedly be continued in the next installment. These are certainly big changes, and likely, not every riskHouse of the Dragontakes will pay off, but as D’Arcy says, the series has to “traverse a slightly different path,” in large part because of the format of the books.
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Set Images Hint at Another Major Change From the Book
Will George R.R. Martin be pleased with this?
‘House of the Dragon’ Cannot Adapt ‘Fire & Blood’ Directly
The problemHouse of the Dragonfaces is that the story inFire & Bloodis told as a historical account rather than a narrative.Not only does the book contain a much wider overview ofTargaryen history, sometimes lacking the individual details to keep things moving, but it’s subjective and even contradictory.Fire & Bloodcompiles several different versions of the story, which in many cases are tainted by the teller’s personal bias. One of the accounts is from the court fool, Mushroom, whose versions are embellished almost beyond the point of believability (and that’s saying something considering it’s a fantasy story). The result leaves a lot open for interpretation, butHouse of the Dragonmust establish their own, clear version.
D’Arcy points out this issue, saying, “I feel that part of our job is to offer some of that context.” And that context can account for most of the changes, though not all. It’s a unique challenge for the series as it develops the two-dimensional historical figures into well-rounded characters.House of the Dragonis more concerned about the emotional journeys thanFire & Blood, and sometimes, the plot must accommodate that, like thesecret meetings between Rhaenyra and Alicent (Olivia Cooke), which continue to develop their relationship, or the exploration ofHugh’s (Kieran Bew) backstory. In crafting a compelling and emotional story,House of the Dragonhas taken liberties,and it must continue to do so, or risk their characters falling flat.
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Will Need To Prioritize Characters Over Accuracy
There are logistical issues with a direct adaptation ofFire & Blood, andSeason 3will have to continue to contend with them.House of the Dragonhas introduced several fascinating characters, each portrayed by a talented actor, and, though the franchise’s legacy suggests that no one is safe,House of the Dragonisn’t going to get rid of anyone without reason, whileFire & Bloodneglects some of the most important figures for extended periods. The story centers on the events of the Dance of the Dragons as Rhaenyra goes to war with Aegon over the Iron Throne.Fire & Bloodrecounts several battles, but with Rhaenyra not often fighting herself, she isn’t as involved as a lead character should be.
D’Arcy addresses the lack of two characters in particular,Rhaenyra and Alicent, who the show made central in Season 1. After all the development given to D’Arcy and Cooke’s characters, who have both become fan-favorites,House of the Dragonisn’t going to sideline them. Thiscreated a struggle in Season 2, as the show looked for ways to keep them involved, and Season 3 will have a similar issue. On their disappearance, D’Arcy says, “On the one hand, I suppose it isn’t necessarily that ripe a source for us as actors, but does mean that we have a ton of license, which is, frankly, lovely.” This is one place thatHouse of the Dragonwill have to make adjustments, though what that may be is unpredictable. Yet,it’s better for the show to utilize its talented cast than follow the book exactly.However you feel about the changes, D’Arcy put it best, saying, “House of the Dragonnow needs to run its course.”
House of the Dragonis streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
House of the Dragon
