Summary
TheHouse of the Dragonstars are usually considered great talents. However, one shared that one of the higher-ups didn’t see them that way.
TheHouse of the Dragonhas a mix of young and old characters. Casting for the show was high-stakes due to the success of its predecessor,Game of Thrones. The casting process was reportedly secretive and competitive, with the actors given vague audition scenes to prevent spoilers. In general, the production cast the perfect actors for each character and they delivered impressive performances. Fans praised them for being grounded and emotionally resonant. However, one of the stars admitted that their performance on their first day of filming caught the attention of the higher-ups and it wasn’t in a good way.
Milly Alcock, who plays the youngRhaenyra TargaryeninHouse of the Dragon, appeared on Monday’s episode ofThe Tonight Show. Her appearance on the show was Alcock’s “first talk show ever,” and during the chat, she admitted that her character inHouse of the Dragonwas her breakout role. She felt like she was “plucked out of Australia and just thrown in,” which she said was a “terrifying” and life-changing experience. However, she enjoyed the experience because it was reportedly fun. When asked if she was “calm” on set, Alcock said she was “absolutely mortified” before recounting her second day on set. She shared:
On my second day onHouse of the Dragon, one of the — I’m not gonna say who, but someone very high up — pulled me aside and was like, ‘Um, we’re gonna get you an acting coach.
Based on Alcock’s reenactment, the comment wasn’t meant to offend her because it was whispered to her and not spoken out loud for others to hear. So presumably, it wasn’t meant to degrade her. However, for her part, it reportedly confirmed something she had always known. “It just confirmed everything that I kind of know to be true is that I’m not very good at my job,” Alcock added. Jimmy Fallon couldn’t believe what he just heard and argued with the unnamed higher-up. The host said Alcock was good and even a “fan-favorite” since the first episode. Then the pair talked about her viral reaction when the show won the Best Television Series - Drama at the 2023 Golden Globes, where she was photographed giggling on stage. Alcock said she enjoyed the complimentary champagne and didn’t expect she had to get up and join them on stage.
Alcock’s revelation was a huge surprise because her performance inHouse of the Dragonwas well-received. Both critics and fans loved her portrayal of the young Rhaenyra. She played the character in the first five episodes of the show beforeEmma D’Arcytook over as the adult Rhaenyra. Although Alcock wasn’t an experienced actress before the hit HBO TV series, many noticed her commanding screen presence. She also exudes regal confidence with emotional vulnerability, which makes her character relatable. Her natural charisma won her many supporters, who were disappointed with her departure after the fifth episode. Alcock has the talent and her role inHouse of the Dragonraised her to the global stage, with many considering her among the promising young actors of her generation. Even James Gunn, the DC Studios co-CEO and co-chairman, would vouch for Alcock’s talent. The filmmaker said that when he planned on making aSupergirlmovie, Alcock was the “first person” he discussed with Peter Safran. He reportedly watched theGame of Thronesprequel and she found Alcock’s “edge, grace and authenticity” the exact elements they needed for DCU’s Supergirl. Alcock willmake her debut as Supergirlin Gunn’s upcomingSupermanmovie.
