In an exclusive interview with Collider, House of the Dragon stars Ewan Mitchell and Olivia Cooke have shed light on the highly discussed scene from the Season 3 premiere, which sees Aemond Targaryen force an unexpected kiss upon his mother, Alicent Hightower.
As the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons intensifies, Aemond has seized control of the Iron Throne in his brother Aegon’s absence. Mitchell, who portrays Aemond, explained that his character views his new position of power as a mandate to act as the head of the family. “He’s very much assumed his dominance as the king of Team Green… He’s now the father figure,” Mitchell stated. He acknowledged that Aemond’s “skewered perception of love” stems from a lack of affection during his upbringing, admitting the act was “probably a little too far.”
Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent, described her character’s reaction as a mix of shock and heartbreak. Caught in a precarious political position where she must avoid inciting Aemond’s wrath, Alicent is forced to remain neutral despite her internal unease. Cooke noted that for Alicent, the moment serves as a painful realization of her perceived failures as a mother. “It’s really heartbreaking for Alicent that this man who was once her little boy has turned into this very confused, very dangerous person,” Cooke told Collider.
The premiere establishes a volatile dynamic as Aemond prepares to seize Harrenhal, further distancing himself from his family while solidifying his role as a central antagonist. New episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 continue to air Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.