House of the Dragon Season 2: Team Black vs. Team Green - Cast Interview

Who truly deserves the Iron Throne? This is the question at the center of the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon, and it's more important than ever as the show enters its second season!
We spoke to the cast of the show, including Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), and more, on the eve of Season 2, digging in on the first-season finale and what to expect moving forward from Team Black and Team Green!
From the death of Rhaenyra's son Luke in Season 1 to the lost friendship between Rhaenyra and Alicent to Daemon's true nature -- and much more -- the House of the Dragon cast dig in for an extensive interview about the show and their characters.
Also joining us for this chat are: Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys Velaryon), Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), Matthew Needham (Lord Larys Strong), Harry Collett (Prince Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon), Tom Glynn-Carney (King Aegon II Targaryen), Ewan Mitchell (Prince Aemond Targaryen), Phia Saban (Queen Helaena Targaryen), and Bethany Antonia (Lady Baela Targaryen).
(Note: This is a spoiler-free video for House of the Dragon Season 2.)
#IGN #HouseOfTheDragon #HBO

[@Hannah-hq8ne]

Emma’s reaction to him saying Luke’s death was an accident 😂 Their inner mother Rhaenyra came out there

[@zhixinli7826]

poor dude didn't even have time to finish his sentence 😆

[@evamontes7917]

Matt Smith just doesn't exist at this point. That's Daemon Targaryen

[@gudhaxer41343]

Playing matt smith

[@spoons250]

? Hes far closer to His "Doctor" than he is anywhere near Daemon.

[@TheHellyeahmen]

@@spoons250 they're just trying to steal a meme from the boys fandom where the joke is Antony Starr often acts like homelander. Only in Starr's case that's actually true

[@ThaCrustyOne]

Facts

[@Lylyaries]

Love this actor. Daemon is the MAN!!

[@Daprince823]

When dude said Luc's killing was an "accident" and the whole Blacks table took offense, that was an awesome feeling and a precursor to the season to come!

[@tashfox12]

You know what's interesting? The show pretends that only Luke and Rhaenyra's feelings matter, but when Rhaenyra and Daemon make Rhaenys and Corlys think their son was killed (by them!), the show brushes it off as nothing, who cares, right? Corlys almost lost his life as well because he was grieving, he ran off to war, Rhaenys was heartbroken for years and no consequences, they just support Rhaenyra. Rhaenys herself wanted to burn all the Greens including Helaena who did nothing wrong ever, but it's treated as a cool and heroic moment for her, and again, no one brings it up. She ruined the Greens coronation and threatened them, but of course it's Aemond who's at fault for everything even though he only wanted to intimidate Luke (similar to Rhaenys actually) as his revenge for his eye, but both their dragons went rogue and it ended in tragedy.

[@zaneleb8597]

Whoa! It’s not that deep. But let’s say it’s so, why would you absolve Leanor of any culpability for what his parents went through when he agreed to fake his death in exchange for his freedom. Yes, Rhaenyra and Daemon are partially responsible for hatching up the plan, but Leanor had agency and still does. He could come back still. Also, Aemond “accidentally” killing Luke was a brilliant plot device to propel the story into the next level of conflict.

[@danyf.1442]

​@@tashfox12and Daemon casually killing a random guy to use his body in place of Laenor's...I still am Team Black but that's kinda messed up lol

[@rexibhazoboa7097]

@@zaneleb8597 Aemond unintentionally killed Luke. Thats a better word than accidentally.

[@haridaspalleeri6765]

​@@tashfox12this is such a greenwashed take lmao. Laenor's death is brushed off BECAUSE he was part of the plan. He had agency in his situation. He wanted out, and he got it. Frankly the feelings of Corlys and Rhaenys DOES NOT matter as long as Laenor was informed and happy. Now, Rhaenys did not want to kill the greens lmao. She consciously make the choice to not kill them. Are you watching the same show? Yes Aemonds intimidation was similiar to Rhaenys's but guess what? She DID NOT kill them. Aemond DID.

[@vpaquino]

Emma reaction to Luke’s death being an accident. They are totally channeling Rhaenyra at that moment.

[@LaLadybug]

They

[@senister14]

True, of course she has to remember luke took Aemond eye.

[@egemen9649]

@@LaLadybug what's that mean

[@dogmatic806]

@@egemen9649 What does the word "they" mean? Do you want a definition or?

[@liza_mandrake]

@@egemen9649Emma D’Arcy is non-binary

[@targlife2979]

Rhaenyra literally JUMPED out of Emma when that man said luke's death was an accident. 😂

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

My motherly instincts flinched and my shackles raised a little at that too 😂 So beautiful that Rhaenyra jumped out of Emma in that moment like hell naw that's my baby!

[@khad800]

Daemon Targaryen is trying to convince us that he is Matt Smith

[@shubhangbahadur7112]

Lmao 😂

[@philinn1703]

Daemon Smith is so real. The lead of Emma D`Arcy fan-club, Daemyra supremacist, Rhaenyra main supporter. Just adorable

[@lesliemorgan2304]

DAEMON SMITH lmfao more like Matt Targaryen he’s been fully adopted😭😭

[@PzY-Reviews]

The eleventh Maester Targyren with his magic Iron throne that's bigger on the inside

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

We love Daddy Daemon!

[@ft.jackjimmy7282]

No he is Matt Daemon

[@wingshadow170]

need a huge roundtable interview to see them actually arguing with each other 😂

[@aeri_taylors-version]

YES PLEASE I’D LOVE IT

[@jayscottvevo6790]

Steve saying “Such innocence” while laughing at Harry’s “We’re the healthiest couple in Westeros” statement is soooo cold 💀🥶

[@cheyennem9218]

Team Black all day 🗣️

[@PhoenixMcGinnis]

Team black. It's not about who deserves it. It is about who was named heir. She just also happens to deserve it.

[@ClaraP23]

True

[@DecimusPrime-xg4zi]

Imagine wanting a w**man in the iron throne. Team Green

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@DecimusPrime-xg4zi Imagine being a sexist pig in the 21st century and such a failure of a troll. get lost.

[@last7509]

you see how amazingly the 2 American parties are represented in these 2 factions? diversity vs patriarchy... and that they basically will demonstrate the Hegelian dialectic of Thesis Antithesis, Synthesis... pure coincidence im sure 😏

[@ImBrockatron]

She doesnt deaerve it and the king cpuld technically name anyone as heir, doesnt mean its right lol.

[@sofiab2920]

Aemond did not plan to kill Luke, but we all know it wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t go after him with a dragon like Vhagar. It was inevitable that he would lose control of her, making her chase Luke like that. Him not actually planning to kill him is irrelevant by this point.

[@DanLanningPRTeam]

If only Luke had prevented Arrax from flame blasting Vhagar. Aemond had complete control of Vhagar up to that point until Luke lost control of Arrax.

[@keljerel]

@@DanLanningPRTeam You can't blame Luke for that. His dragon was obviously scared for its life and went into defense mode.

[@sofiab2920]

@@keljerel Exactly. He was tiny compared to Vhagar and clearly panicked. He was still young and being chased through a storm. Can’t blame him.

[@iana5935]

Well in books he went after luke to kill him.

[@Playboyreggie666]

@@keljerelyou’re blaming Aemond for losing control of his dragon but it’s not Luke’s fault for losing control of Arrax ? Lmfao biased af

[@chrischan6211]

Yeah you can tell that Emma wanted to pull a Dracarys after homeboy said Luke's death was an accident.😂

[@rajdeepbharali272]

Emma Darcy is soo pretty ❤

[@nicolleribeiro239]

True

[@bigmastermind1]

Man, Emma is a poet with her words. It's like she wrote the novels whenever she is discussing about what's happening with Rhaenyra.

[@manaash4316]

They're absolutely incredible. Such an eloquent person while still dropping charm.

[@CoRLex-jh5vx]

Emma uses they/them pronouns, not she/her.

[@ZamasuWasRight]

@@CoRLex-jh5vxwomp womp

[@lu_witt]

Emma looks wonderful, and when you consider that Matt Smith already played a prince consort in the crown, it's kind of funny, but unlike HotD, Smith in the Crown really had to submit to everything that went with it and the Queen didn't tolerate any objections.🙃

[@seanalexandermedia]

TEAM BLACK FOR ALL THE OBVIOUS REASONS

[@estefanyt.2653]

Exactly

[@shobitchouksey3442]

What that you are a hypocrite that would make sense 🖕

[@may.k_me]

Had Viserys NOT named a successor, there would be no debate- the line of succession would pass to his son, Aegon. Those are the rules in westeros. However he DID name Rhaenyra his heir while he was alive. And that should be honored.

[@kagenohikari8]

Viserys didn't know he'd still have sons after Aemma's death. However, he also never changed his mind throughout the remaining of his life. All of the conflict is the Hightower's fault.

[@alexi1712]

​@@kagenohikari8the funny thing abt this is it was Otto who suggested to name Rhae as the heir because he didn't want the crown to go to Daemon

[@aeri_taylors-version]

@@kagenohikari8I still have no idea what went on Vizzy’s head when he decided to remarry and have more kids that could threaten his heir’s position instead of forcing Rhaenyra to marry and have kids to secure the succession line. Felt like he contradicted himself there.

[@ImBrockatron]

​@aeri_taylors-version he did but he didnt want to gp back on his own decision to seem weak and didnt want to hurt his daughter feelings since she was already emotional towards him

[@Sway22]

​@@aeri_taylors-versionRheanyra was young at that point and anything can happen. Ilness was very dedly back then, or a sudden accident or even death in childbirth later on. He needed to secure his line's claim to the throne.

[@SpartanSoilder-qo6ui]

5:55 Rhaynera is still in character

[@sanketshelke8667]

21:26 that's not Matt Smith. No. No, that's Daemon frucking Targaryen right there 😅😂😂. Love him so much.

[@Daprince823]

It's Ray-near-ah sir!

[@theworldisokay500yearsago9]

5:55 ACCIDENT?!?! nooooo 😂

[@lovhyuck7683]

olivia cooke is just so charming

[@travelback5700]

Fabian was so lucky. Going down on her hmmm so 😋.

[@alex_davis_11]

The whole "it was an accident" thing... You don't get the fiercest and biggest dragon there is to chase you cousin thinking you are just playing. He wanted to hurt him, he has to own up that mess.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

True, well said

[@ImBrockatron]

It was a great scene and hopefully next time it happens on purpose

[@rajarshibhattacharya5192]

hurt him, yes. Kill him? No!

[@jaemhi]

especially in the middle of a storm like that

[@JoeUchiha-gs5ru]

Aemonds actor with green on is awesome

[@Bosssskk]

Queen Rhaenyra

[@Poetsrideatdusk]

Id feel sorry for any one who goes or argues against a team that has Matt & Emma & eve best. Theyre so sharp, witty & intelligent.

[@spacesight6453]

Team green is better

[@spacesight6453]

What happened to Luke wasn't a plan by the way

[@alexissimpson5819]

@@spacesight6453Why are you making it a competition between the actors?

[@iandraavalo0309]

@@spacesight6453 In the series they want to pass it off as an “accident” but it is known that it was not like that. They want to pretend that all their actions are accidents or misunderstandings. Now they are victims for whom we must have empathy and pity🤣better is the book where they are truly villains

[@alexking805]

@@iandraavalo0309”it is known” happened in real life did it? 🤣🤣🤣

[@niveditha8313]

That Laris guy is literally laris himself🥲

[@catseye1009]

Accident? Yes, technically, but Aemond went after a younger smaller boy on a tiny dragon with the largest dragon. This action by itself makes him culpable.

[@user-fm3xz9nm5d]

Matt's Daemon and Daemon's Matt.

[@catseye1009]

The Greens have plotted against the Targaryens for decades. It started with Otto who got the position of Hand of the King (after the mysterious death of Viserys’s father). His family has lusted for the throne and did not let anything get in the way.

[@misti-step]

love how ride or die matt is 😅

[@renegadepuppy]

The way they include diversity is so organic and authentic unlike some of the other fantasy series (looking at you Amazon where it’s quite random). This is how things happened in real life during medieval times.

[@malcolmreich7033]

Yes

[@Divine_Chareka]

What a wonderful cast! ❤

[@manaash4316]

Such an incredible cast!

[@Ashley_e]

the convos around HOTD from the cast are so much stronger than w GOT cast

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

Probably because the cast is smaller helps too. Alot of GOT cast never had scenes together but most of the main characters do here

[@deynaspeace]

I'm so in love with Emma.

[@ninjaturtles12121]

Emma please tell me what product you're using in your hair???!! looks fking incredible!!!

[@deadpatronus]

Man you guys needed a better multicam and sound setup. This was very messy considering this is IGN.

[@Anthony_Gx]

Healthy relationships never before seen in GOT or HOTD? Well….. Cat and Ned Stark are pretty healthy example

[@anne_abrams]

Pretty much but the whole Jon Snow situation got in their way so much and Cat couldn’t love him like a son which was sad but understandable

[@charli3k4052]

The best, healthiest couple in GOT and what did it get them? Beheaded and attempted decapitation 😭😭

[@annbeths]

14:06 ABSOLUTELY 🙏

[@user-venom450]

Daemon all the way

[@chethan.schethan8243]

Daeron in makes things interesting

[@keithcurry3608]

Probably next season

[@Zarab923]

Alicent thinks she’s better at ruling than her husband and her son but thinks it’s crazy that Rhaenyra might be better 😂 it’s the most ridiculous thing

[@Assa2sin-xd]

Hoenyra had 13 dragons and Daemon on her side and still managed to die and make every possible dumb decision lol 😂

[@MillaNine]

@@Assa2sin-xd💯

[@bunnystakeovertheworld]

@@Assa2sin-xdeveryone died wdym

[@Chris-bo2zs]

​@@Assa2sin-xd you think green survived 😂...we all know who won at the end

[@Andrelones]

Yes this seems so interesting to me because Alicent's mindset seems full of these contradictions. Like seeing Targaryen marriage between each other as a despicable thing, but then marrying Helaena and Aegon.

[@keithcurry3608]

Where's Otto😂

[@sribinspooks4839]

Matt and ewan is clearly representing their team 😂 Red and black suit, green and black suit

[@luisacc]

12:50 that's family 💚💚

[@CarolsFerrao]

Emma is so wise 🤩🥰

[@fightronin3753]

Episode 1 of season 2 was a fantastic opening!!!! Seems like a great and fun cast!!!!

[@minhaaa6148]

The greenies are so interesting and fun

[@uncle-bin1750]

They are most fun when sticking ontop of a pike.

[@luisacc]

​@@uncle-bin1750you need to go out and touch some grass, you're embarrassing

[@user-np4gr2je2q]

​@@uncle-bin1750tell em ✊

[@keithcurry3608]

​@@uncle-bin1750USURPERS

[@pg1448]

​@@uncle-bin1750nah they are most fun when turning some princess and her bastards into dragon fodder

[@A7ZZZ7]

idk about you but come sunday me and my house will be in the trenches, fight for the rightful queen!

[@returntosoilgumiho]

Me and mine too bcause we remember!!!! We the real ones remember!!

[@aben4628]

So basically phia is helaena

[@Mordred14394]

she's perfect for the role

[@luanasilveiraf]

The way the interviewer says Rhaenyra is killing me

[@samswayzie]

The host bugged me he could not say Rhaenyra correctly

[@The1Chosen01]

TONIGHT, TONIGHT!!!!

[@leviackerman1032]

LOLLL! Lord Larys 'The Clubfoot' Strong😂😂😂😂😂 I laughed soo hard

[@tonym.5223]

Emma is in a class of their own.

[@antonioangeloviii4748]

show of the year easily. ep1 was fire.❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@Livvvena]

💚💚

[@dorohedoro1424]

House of Dragon Infinitely better than GoT in All Aspects . Season 2 lets go. Team Black all the way

[@haridaspalleeri6765]

Okay chill out lmao. The first 4 seasons of GoT is still one of the best things ever produced for TV.

[@MrDukeSilverr]

Harry Collett looks so much like book Jon Snow, its crazy

[@josephedwardsarena9487]

Emma is rhaenyra 😂😂😂

[@Jigganames]

Where’s rhaena

[@atari947]

Id vouch for King Daeron the daring

[@etc8217]

same he is my fav character

[@dogmatic806]

The innocents of Bitterbridge would probably say otherwise

[@aheinrich2535]

@@dogmatic806they arent innocent

[@dogmatic806]

@aheinrich2535 You mean the babies, children, sick men and women, not the mention septons, septas, and maesters sheltering in the holy Sept were not innocent? What crime did these innocents commit to be massacred by Daeron the "Daring"?

[@atari947]

@@dogmatic806 Daeron's most defining characteristic, besides his positive nature, is his indecision and inability to lead. Blame Bitterbridge on the death of Lord Hightower, and blame it on the actions of Rhaenyra's Dragon Seeds. Lord Hightower was the leader who kept that host together, Daeron needed someone to follow.

[@connect_the_dan]

can't wait for the battle above the gods eye! daemon caraxes V aemond vhagar.

[@SpartanSoilder-qo6ui]

Comparing emma's interviews from the previous season, shes more rhaynera now

[@hax7nain]

You guys should bring otto in next interview he’s the funniest guy on the planet

[@minhaaa6148]

Olivia is gorgeous

[@me-fm8nl]

Olivia ❤❤

[@Ricrage951]

Emma looks like Jody Foster in the interview

[@peanutbuttertime9209]

She does

[@h-dawg969]

Even when they're out of character, look how weird old Larry is staring at Alicent.

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

Rhaenys is so beautiful ❤️

[@judigemini178]

Does anyone know who that is at 20:55?

[@Assa2sin-xd]

Daemon doesn’t have eyebrows in real life lol 😂

[@melanienattefrost2447]

He has eyebrows, they're just dyed blond.

[@hakunamatata3214]

The way he says "Renera" is annoying af.

[@AC-pp5ge]

Ewan is so cute

[@gavomorg762]

All hail Mushroom first of his name . of the Andals.Rhoynar and the First men .Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.. Long May He Reign 🛡

[@StaminaMC]

Hmm. To have had that many of the actors there and for that to have been the person asking the questions and whatnot… a bit of a squandered opportunity. Ah well.

[@popculturepicks]

Emma rocking the jeans vest in every interview

[@joshua_ku]

how those the "sea snake" get a wig on that head?😂😂

[@miragewizard]

Go Team Black!

[@hopemikaelson9223]

So at this point we're just declaring that Alicent and Criston are lovers? Bit of a spoiler, innit.

[@Briicatt]

Did you not watch episode one of season 2? lol, it's a bit obvious.

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

It's not really a spoiler when we saw them railing eachother

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

It was posted after ep 1 aired...

[@hopemikaelson9223]

Are you all high? It was obviously posted before the episode aired.

[@unavela]

Aemond's actor really has a habsburg chin

[@josegudz]

Eve Best is soooo beautiful

[@nyahmariekabiling4197]

💚

[@ricardorocha5420]

Between the Blacks and Greens, my heart belongs to... Malenia, blade of Miquella! or no... not that universe... then... of course: Dorne! :D

[@elberjoseriospacheco]

The looks of everyone when he asked abt Jace and Cregan relationship, THEY’RE CANON!

[@laraakar4795]

It’s refreshing to hear them speak so eloquently with such a rich vocabulary. Americans should learn from them instead of using ‘like’ between every breath.

[@Zactothafuture]

Ohhh you’re so different and edgy.

[@SE-gs6gd]

Profound. Truly

[@louiserosado4389]

What happened to Corlys’ hair?! Oh my 😮

[@NPC1173]

Might go full Green. Love Aemond🐉🐉🐉please please give him his armor.

[@p1ysaucedo]

Yes armor! Hes been wearing like the same 1-2 outfits 😭

[@CW-rx2js]

🤢

[@keixcruick90]

y’all got EVE BEST to sit down with y’all. the Blacks won

[@sarici8992]

Are jace and cregan having a romantic relationship ?

[@yamich7101]

Lord Larys "the clubfoot" Strong :v

[@BryndenBloodraven]

Where is Daeron ?

[@alex30425]

He’s at Old Town.

[@nicksmithnutmilk]

Still in Alicent's womb , it seems

[@africanodyssey4805]

Allegedly Alicant's 3rd son

[@irishchancer2687]

They had great teeth and make up in house of the dragon times didnt they 😂

[@spicycoolaid]

Viserys should have passed the crown to Rhaenyra while he was alive & ailing. not sure if this was a thing they could do in Westeros but he was such a dumb king .. it stresses me out

[@deanahicks6744]

Emma is a jewel 💎 ❤

[@barketsheikh4698]

Emma D Arcy is phenomenal.She looks so baddass.

[@janefairfax8863]

All hail the one true king 💚

[@Chris-bo2zs]

True king??

[@CW-rx2js]

Lol he's a cheater and a fraud

[@arnievinick]

This interviewer is terrible. He thinks Alicent being groomed by Larys is funny and only knows her character as Criston’s lover. Just look at Olivia Coke’s face. She feels so demeaned

[@emptyheaded7182]

Or... wait for it... she's just tired.