House of the Dragon’s Steve Toussaint talks about his similarities with Corlys Velaryon

Steve Toussaint brings Corlys Velaryon to life with his commanding presence and performance. He masterfully conveys Corlys’ confident and calculating demeanor, while also hinting at the multifaceted personality beneath, driven by a deep sense of loyalty and a thirst for recognition. As Corlys Velaryon, Steve Toussaint is a compelling and formidable presence on screen, bringing the character to life in a way that’s both captivating and unforgettable.

Steve Toussaint’s Musings on Corlys

Steve Toussaint is fascinated by Corlys’ unyielding ambition and focus, marveling at how he fixates on a target and pursues it with unrelenting drive. While Steve recognizes that he lacks this level of concentration, frequently finding his attention wandering, he nevertheless admires Corlys’ unwavering commitment to his goals.

Toussaint acknowledges that Corlys’ willingness to make tough choices in pursuit of his objectives is a quality that he cannot emulate, yet he respects the intensity and dedication that Corlys brings to everything he does. Steve Toussaint in an interview with Esquire said,

“I quite like him, for the most part. I like that he has ambition and that he is focused. When he wants something, he goes for it. But at the same time, I don’t know that we’re the same. I’m easily distracted, so I couldn’t be him. There’s a scene in season 1 that didn’t make it into the cut, when we were doing the wedding of Leonor and Rhaenyra. My son sees his lover beaten to a pulp by Criston Cole—and he’s bereft, of course.”

Credit: HBO

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Corlys’ Black-and-White Approach

Corlys’ character is defined by his resolute nature, where decisions are made with conviction and little room for gray areas. This is exemplified in his naval background, where precision and correctness are crucial for survival. In a deleted scene from Season 1, Corlys’ single-mindedness is on display as he marches his distraught son to his wife, showcasing his ability to prioritize the bigger picture over emotional turmoil. This unwavering resolve sets him apart as a leader, willing to make tough decisions to achieve his objectives.

“He’s crying. I said, “I think what I should do is just pick him up.” And so I did. I dragged him up and marched him to his wife. But that’s something I would never do. It’s just that his eyes are on the prize. Also, for Corlys, there doesn’t seem to be much room for the gray. At sea, either you do the thing correctly or you drown.”

READ NEXT: Tom Glynn-Carney on how Aegon II’s injuries mirrored King Viserys in House of the Dragon Season 2

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