House of the Dragon director talks about Rhaenys using a seatbelt during Battle at Rook’s Rest

One of the best action sequences unfolded in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4. With the majestic dragons finally getting involved in the battles, things are finally picking up pace and getting more serious by the second. In fact, the episode proved to be a terrible loss for the Blacks as they lost Rhaenys and Meleys, two of the most formidable weapons in their chest.

As we move further, we will have to see how the Blacks make up for this loss and avenge Rhaenys, the Queen who never was. Nonetheless, watching the dragons go toe-to-toe quite literally in the aerial action sequence was a treat for all viewers. Director Alan Taylor who helmed House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 recently revealed how that action sequence came to be designed and eventually executed.

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Making of the battle sequence between Meleys and Vhagar

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Alan Taylor shared that his producing partner Jane Wu initially started preparing for the sequence through a storyboard. They studied bird patterns and their fighting habits to accurately portray the two dragons locking horns.

Taylor further reveals how Rhaenys deserved to do the upside-down maneuver against Vhagar since she is the most experienced dragon rider among them all. Moreover, she did not only know how to do it but she actually anticipated in advance how she might need that power move during the fight. Taylor told EW,

“I thought it’d be fun to have her actually anticipate that [maneuver]. She tightens her seatbelt and prepares for the upside-down move. For me, it was one of those martial arts movements where the hero finally is going to get really serious now.”

That one scene of Rhaenys tightening the seatbelt crucially portrays how she is ready for anything that comes her way. She is going to fight her enemy tooth and nail without giving up or turning back. Rhaenys proved to be a hero in the truest sense in the latest episode of House of the Dragon season 2.

Eve Best found beauty in surrender

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Even as Rhaenys offers her expertise and bravery for the cause to stop the Greens from claiming Rook’s Rest, she knows that this could be a do-or-die mission. As she hops onto Meleys in the dungeon, she hugs her companion creature and hopes for the best. The battle turns out to be a trap for the Blacks. Rhaenys and Meleys are ambushed by Aemond and Vhagar. Ultimately, the Greens defeat the Blacks as Rhaenys and Meleys plummet to death. Talking about the scene, Best shares,

“There was something very beautiful about it. It was a moment of total surrender and letting go of everything she’d been carrying for two seasons: never, ever letting anybody see any of her pain, any of her anguish, any of her fear, any of her vulnerability, and just being this rock of wisdom and grace and stoicism and goodness and badassery at the same time. I think for her to finally let go was the most wonderful relief.”

In another world, Rhaenys may have finally found the peace and calm they hoped for. The stress of the war and the need to win are laid to rest. Rhaenys accepts her end and gives Meleys one last look of understanding and love.

Also Read: Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4: The Red Dragon and the Gold

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