James Dreyfus cast in House of the Dragon Season 2 and fans aren’t happy

House of the Dragon season 2 is right around the corner, releasing on June 16. Fans are really excited about it, scouring the internet trying to find more information on what’s to come. Recently, actor James Dreyfus took to X to talk about being cast in a small recurring role in House of the Dragon Season 2, but the fans aren’t happy about the casting. Here’s how it went.

Read More: Showrunner Ryan Condal reveals why House of the Dragon Season 2’s opening credits changed

James Dreyfus is cast as Lord Gormon in House of the Dragon Season 2

By the by, if you love programmes about massive fire-breathing dragons, & very dark fantasy adventure, do watch out for me as Lord Gormon Massey in this quite popular, I’m told, sequel.

In every episode. A cough & a spit. But you might enjoy…

I think it’s called “House Of… pic.twitter.com/3ewculldFx

— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) June 10, 2024

The tweet about his casting was met with criticism from the fans due to his history of comment surrounding transgender people, and more so because the show has Emma D’Arcy in a leading role, who identifies as non-binary. Some of the fans shared their thoughts on X criticizing the casting done by HBO.

the way press coverage was biased against emma for s1, and how hbo failed to protect them from abuse when their casting was announced (and the harassment having persisted since then). and how hbo continues to fail two of their non-binary actors by hiring a known transphobe for s2

— sarah 🍉 (@illusorycastle) June 11, 2024

Hiring a raging transphobic actor in a show where the main lead is nonbinary is probably the most insensitive decision i’ve ever seen, you put emma and phoebe in a extremely dangerous positions as they have both most likely filmed scenes with him. @StreamOnMax @HouseofDragon

— muna 🍉🐐 منى (@foreurydice) June 10, 2024

If you can be outraged about minor changes from the source material, you should be outraged about this too. https://t.co/CZWQrXMtdE

— Wake the Dragon (@WtDasoiaf) June 10, 2024

This move by HBO has been deemed insensitive and cruel by the fans. Not all actors in House of the Dragon Season 2 belong to the traditional genders either and hence, fans say that hiring Dreyfus might drive an uncomfortable atmosphere on the set. James Dreyfus has responded to the backlash he received on X.

I realise the sudden news about my employment must be crushing to some, who’ve dedicated themselves to destroying my career. For absolutely no reason.

I’ve been told daily that I’ve haven’t worked since 2001. Which is news to me. Still, no matter.

I’m so sorry some of you will… pic.twitter.com/2AgKy2sHoe

— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) June 10, 2024

Who is Lord Gormon?

Credits: Max

Gormon Massey is the Lord of Stonedance and the head of House Massey. Lord Gormon sided with the Blacks and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. He may not be seen in the show for too long since he’s known to have been burned to death attempting to ride Vermithor when Prince Jacaerys Velaryon called for dragonriders.

Read More: New photos from the first two episodes of House of the Dragon Season 2 show a grieving mother, the Iron Throne, and scheming duos