“He’s haunted by him”: Abubakar Salim explains how Alyn feels about Corlys Velaryon

The dynamic between Alyn of Hull and Corlys Velaryon in “Fire & Blood” and “House of the Dragon” is a rich and intricate one, characterized by a deep connection, mutual respect, and conflicting motivations. They have a complex and intriguing relationship in season 2. The relationship between Alyn and Corlys is complex, multifaceted, and influenced by their individual motivations and circumstances.

A poignant reminder of the past

Alyn is troubled by the memory or the lingering impact of this father figure, which affects his relationship with Corlys. The fact that Corlys is also Alyn’s “boss” or superior adds a layer of complexity, as Alyn may feel obligated to follow orders and loyalty to Corlys, while also grappling with the emotional baggage of his father’s absence. Abubakar Salim’s recent interview with Mashable says,

“When Alyn looks at Corlys, there’s a haunting element of, “No, his father is dead.” His father doesn’t exist in his eyes, but he’s haunted by him. He just follows orders for his boss, who happens to also be his father.”

Credits: Max

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Complexity of Alyn’s character

Abubakar Salim, the actor playing Alyn Oakenfist, reflected on the character’s development and his portrayal in the TV series. Alyn is supposed to be 15 years old in the books, which means he’s young and boisterous, but the on-screen portrayal is different. Abubakar finds it interesting that Alyn has had to carry the weight of his past experiences and “baggage” for many years, which has shaped him into the person he is today. He’s emphasizing that Alyn’s tough exterior may be hiding a more vulnerable and yearning individual.

“I’ve read the books and did a lot of thinking about how Alyn is supposed to be 15. He’s supposed to be young, boisterous — a different guy to the guy that I’m playing on-screen. That, to me, is interesting, because it means that he’s had to live with all of this baggage for so many years. The whole relationship with Corlys is supposed to be transactional, but there is this deep yearning for love that, although it’s buried deep, still exists.” 

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