How House of the Dragon's creative team protected its young actors during Blood and Cheese
Warning: This page includes spoilers for House Of The Dragon season 2, episode one. This article makes reference of rape.
The House Of The Dragon creative team explains how the show's young performers were protected when filming the now-famous Blood And Cheese sequence. The scene depicts two assassins hired by Daemon murdering Jaehaerys, the young heir and son of King Aegon II and Queen Helaena. Team Black's primary objective was Aemond, but because they couldn't find him, they decided on Jaehaerys. The assassination was an attempt to avenge the death of Queen Rhaenyra's son, Lucerys, analogous to "eye for an eye" or "son for a son."
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal and Cheese actor Mark Stobbart discussed how the show's young players were protected while filming. Condal recognized that exposing children to the intricacies of the sequence would be irresponsible, thus the creative team exercised caution when filming. For example, the hand covering Jaehaerys' lips belongs to the kid actor's father. Read the complete comments below:
It would have been far more difficult to protect the young actors if the book had been faithfully adaptable.
While the original scene in Fire & Blood may have been more devastating, Condal and his creative team recognized the importance of protecting the Child Actors participating in the House of the Dragon scenario.
While the Blood And Cheese scene in House of the Dragon is bleak, it is far harsher in the novel Fire & Blood. First and foremost, in the source material, Aegon and Helaena had three children, and when Blood and Cheese arrive, they all awaken when the duo forces the queen to choose one of her sons for death. Blood and Cheese even threaten to rape Helaena's daughter, Jaehaera, if she does not make a swift decision. She eventually chooses the third child, Maelor, who is informed by Cheese that his mother wishes him dead. Blood then beheads Jaehaerys.
House of the Dragon: Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Controversial Scene.
A accurate adaptation, however, appears to be what viewers desired. Following the opening of House of the Dragon season 2, many people rushed to the internet to express their disgust, calling the scene anticlimactic and uninspiring. While the original scene in Fire & Blood may have been more devastating, Condal and his creative team recognized the importance of protecting the Child Actors participating in the House of the Dragon scenario.
The Blood and Cheese scene in House of the Dragon serves as a stark reminder of the show's inclination to delve into the darker aspects of its world. The scenario, while shocking and distressing, emphasizes the harsh reality of war and power struggles. The creative team's dedication to protecting its young performers, even in the face of such serious subject, is admirable. The sequence itself has sparked heated debate among fans and critics alike, raising serious concerns about the role of violence and the ethics of storytelling. House of the Dragon is a show that isn't hesitant to push boundaries and explore complex subjects, but it carefully considers the influence of its content on its audience, particularly its younger viewers. The Blood and Cheese scene exemplifies this, demonstrating the show's commitment to both storytelling and responsibility.
House of the Dragon: Targaryen's Legacy
House of the Dragon is a prequel to the hugely successful HBO series Game Of Thrones. It digs into the history of the Targaryens, the only dragonlord family to have survived the Valyrian Doom. The program depicts the events leading up to the Dance of the Dragons, a deadly civil war that almost brought down House Targaryen. The show delves into the subtle power dynamics, political intrigue, and terrible betrayals that define the Targaryen dynasty.
House of the Dragon is a riveting and engaging show that takes place in George R.R. Martin's rich and complicated world. The show's brilliant ensemble cast includes Milly Alcock, Emily Carey, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, and Paddy Considine. House of the Dragon, with its gorgeous cinematography, intricate narratives, and engaging characters, is a must-see for Game Of Thrones enthusiasts as well as those unfamiliar to the world of Westeros.
The Blood and Cheese Scene: A Turning Point in House of the Dragon.
The Blood and Cheese sequence is a key turning point in House of the Dragon. It represents a dark and horrific time in the Dance of the Dragons, demonstrating the depths of the war and the extent people would go to gain power. The sequence demonstrates the show's desire to delve into the complexity of its characters and the moral gray areas that define Westeros. The sequence also emphasizes the significance of historical background in comprehending the events in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones.
The Blood and Cheese sequence exemplifies how the show mixes dramatic storytelling with a dedication to responsible content creation. The creative team's decision to safeguard its young performers while still delivering a strong and impactful scene proves their comprehension of the complicated subjects at hand. The moment serves as a reminder that House of the Dragon, like Game of Thrones, is not hesitant to delve into the darkness of its universe. It's a show that asks viewers to think critically about power, morality, and the implications of conflict.
