Olivia Cooke (Alicent) says Aegon II usurped Rhaenyra’s throne in House of the Dragon Season 2 premiere interview

The stars of House of the Dragon celebrated the second season premiere. Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Phia Saban were among the cast members who attended. The cast gathered for the red carpet premiere event on June 3 at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. With high buzz for the release of season 2, they gave interviews and provided some insights into the upcoming season. Fans eagerly awaited the event, anticipating more drama and intrigue from the new episodes. Moreover, the excitement was palpable as the actors hinted at surprising plot twists and deeper character developments.

Read More: Daemon Targaryen is “haunted by his demons,” says Matt Smith about his House of the Dragon season 2 character arc

Olivia Cooke comments on Alicent and Rhaenyra’s bond

#HOTDS2: Olivia Cooke says Alicent Hightower is "f***ing terrified" being on the cusp of civil war as we pick up Season 2. Full interview 🔗: https://t.co/guQW9jW4J5@HouseOfDragon #HOTD #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/CJIhNdv4iu

— ExtraTV (@extratv) June 3, 2024

In the interview, Olivia Cooke revealed her character Alicent’s deep fear and turmoil. She is terrified because her son, Aegon has usurped Rhaenyra, who was once her best friend. Now, Alicent, who used to be queen, has no power. Additionally, she grapples with the knowledge that her son Aemond has killed Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s son, and there is no coming back from that. This act has completely severed their relationship and pushed House Targaryen to the brink of civil war. Cooke’s insights highlight the intense personal and political conflicts driving the new season, as Alicent navigates a treacherous landscape filled with betrayal and impending chaos.

Emma D’Arcy talks about Rhaenyra’s paralyzing grief

#HOTDS2: Emma D'Arcy says Rhaenyra is "almost paralyzed" by her grief, surrounded by people who are "endlessly critical" of her choices.

Full interview 🔗: https://t.co/6QbUjOosz6#HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD @HouseofDragon pic.twitter.com/Uy9mgdB2ge

— ExtraTV (@extratv) June 3, 2024

Emma D’Arcy described how Rhaenyra feels almost paralyzed by the devastating loss of her son Lucerys, nearly unable to act. Since the showrunners, Sarah and Ryan, crafted a season where grief powerfully drives the narrative, it makes the war deeply personal. D’Arcy believes Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are at their best when they intertwine personal and political elements. Also, they gave us a teaser about the upcoming season:

“You know as ever, Rhaenyra is surrounded by people who are kind of endlessly critical of her… of her choices, of her sort of war strategy, of her potential ability as a ruler and umm… she is I think she spends series 2 looking for other kinds of solutions.”

Read More: Daemon Targaryen is “haunted by his demons,” says Matt Smith about his House of the Dragon season 2 character arc

Phia Saban sums up House of the Dragon Season 2

Phia Saban, who plays Queen Helaena Targaryen, summarizes the new season of #HouseOfTheDragon in three words. 🐀🩸🕷 pic.twitter.com/BI44tZBSzg

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) June 3, 2024

Phia Saban, who plays Helaena Targaryen in House of the Dragon, described Season 2 in three words: rats, blood, bugs. Her description hints at the dark and intense themes that fans can expect in the upcoming season. Consequently, it adds to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding the series. In the interview, she said:

“Oh goodness, I would say Rats… Blood… and Bugs. Yeah, sounds disgusting actually. Don’t watch it.”

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