House of the Dragon’s Battle of the Rook’s Rest was influenced by Ridley Scott’s Gladiator

In the world of Westeros, the Battle of Rook’s Rest was a clash of steel and fire, a brutal and bloody conflict that would leave its mark on the Targaryen dynasty. It was a thrilling and intense depiction of medieval warfare that left viewers on the edge of their seats. But what’s fascinating is how the battle’s choreography and cinematography were influenced by Ridley Scott’s classic film Gladiator, and how that influence helped shape the battle’s unforgettable moments.

Battle of Rook’s Rest was influenced by Gladiator

In the latest installment of The House that Dragons Built, director Alan Taylor and production designer Jim Clay disclose that the Battle of Rook’s Rest was filmed at Bourne Wood, the same location used in the opening battle scene of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Jim Clay notes that Bourne Wood is a popular location, and its connection to Gladiator made it an attractive choice. He comments that if Scott chose Bourne Wood, it must be exceptional, and the location indeed delivered an unforgettable battle scene. Production designer Jim Clay explained in an interview with Epicstream,

“Bourne Wood is a bit of a popular location because it goes back to Gladiator days and Ridley Scott. So you think, ‘If Ridley Scott chose it, then it’s got to be pretty good,’ and it did.”

Credits: HBO

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Fabien Frankel recalls filming at Bourne Wood

Fabien Frankel recalls the intensity of filming at Bourne Wood, a location that held great significance due to its connection to Gladiator. He mentions that a pivotal episode, featuring himself, Freddie Fox (Ser Gwayne Hightower), and director Alan Taylor, was partially filmed at Bourne Wood. Frankel expresses his awe, remembering moments and said he could never get to do anything like this again.

“I don’t want to spoil anything but there is an absolute beast of an episode and some of it was filmed at Bourne Wood, where they filmed the opening sequence of Gladiator. For weeks, it was me, Freddie Fox, who plays Ser Gwayne Hightower (Alicent’s brother) at the heart of it with (director) Alan Taylor, Ryan (Condal, showrunner). On many occasions, I remember thinking ‘I’ll never get to do anything like this again’.”

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