Who does Ewan Mitchell play in House of the Dragon?

Given the grandeur of the production of the HBO show House of the Dragon, many believe it to supersede the popularity of Game of Thrones. The characters are better fleshed out, the rivalries are more bitter, and the ambition to claim the throne is higher than ever. A significant chunk of the credit goes to the actors who have brought the writers’ and showrunners’ intricate vision to life.

Speaking of actors, fans often wonder which actor plays which character on the show. This curiosity leads them to know everything there is to know about the actor and their past works. You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering who is Ewan Mitchell in House of the Dragon.

Quick Answer: Ewan Mitchell plays King Viserys and Queen Alicent’s son Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Also Read: What happens in the finale of House of the Dragon?

Who is Ewan Mitchell?

Credits: HBO

Aemond Targaryen is brought to life on screen by English actor Ewan Mitchell. Nobody can forget that smirk on Aemond’s face after he gets his revenge and kills Luke along the way. The menacing expression exudes evil and cunning. Season 1 of House of the Dragon comes to an end with that action, hence kickstarting the Dance of the Dragons.

House of the Dragon is not Mitchell’s first rodeo as he has starred in BBC shows The Last Kingdom and World on Fire previously. He played the main role in both the series that ran for a couple of seasons with the latter one continuing today. Mitchell’s TV debut was in 2017 with the show The Halcyon, a period drama where the actor played Billy Taylor.

Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

While Leo Ashton plays the younger version, episode 8 of House of the Dragon season 1 introduces us to adult Aemond Targaryen. Ewan Mitchell takes the baton from Ashton and perfectly fits into Aemond’s role, reminiscent of how the glass slipper fits Cinderella. They say an actor has done a good job when he can make the audience love him unconditionally or hate him passionately. In this case, Mitchell plays the role so well, that the viewers end up hating the actor too.

Aemond “One-Eye” Targaryen is a bitter adult who feels unseen and unappreciated. Being the middle child, he feels his elder brother gets all the attention while his sister gets all the love. He has to fight extra hard to get the attention he deserves from his parents and the masses as a Prince. Aemond believes he deserves the Iron Throne because his brother Aegon II is not driven enough to be a good leader. Adept at fighting with his sword and his mind alike, Aemond feels the crown will fit him best.

Playing Aemond Targaryen was no easy feat, especially when we have seen a younger version of the character. Mitchell had to balance what viewers had already seen in Ashton while adding a new layer of terror as the character grew up. In the end, the showrunners did a great job of casting Mitchell as Aemond who was able to be as tyrannical and domineering as George RR Martin envisioned him.

Also Read: Who is the Mad King in House of the Dragon? Everything you need to know about Aerys Targaryen

Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon Season 2

Credits: HBO

The significant turning point for Aemond came when he was able to mount and ride Vhagar, one of the biggest dragons at the time. He was teased as a child for not being able to tame a dragon. However, he proves everyone wrong by claiming the mighty Vhagar. Moreover, he proves his grit and cunning by stealing the dragon from the Velaryon children after their mother dies.

House of the Dragon season 2 will premiere in June 2024. We can expect to see a lot more of Aemond Targaryen as the Dance of the Dragons begins. This is the ultimate fight for the throne as Rhaenyra claims her birthright while Alicent will not let her children lose power. Aemond will form a formidable addition to Alicent’s side of the battle. He matches his uncle Daemon’s qualities of dominance, sword fighting, and mind games that one needs to not just win a battle, but conquer the war.

In many ways, there are striking similarities between Aemond and Daemon. Both of them feel like they deserve the throne more than their brothers. Both of them feel ignored by their families and both of them have the power to go rogue and take what is theirs. We also see Aemond respecting his uncle as he stops bullying the kids with just one look from Daemon. Season 2 will be as exciting as it gets, furthering the story while giving us an insight into Aemond’s burgeoning role in the looming battle.

Also Read: Who is Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon?