In the first episodes of the Game Of Thrones spin-off House Of The Dragon, Rhaenyra Targaryen is a teenager and is played by Milly Alcock. Thanks to several time jumps, Rhaenyra will age a few years over the course of the first season – and will then be played by Emma D’Arcy. The largest time jump of ten years takes place between episodes 5 and 6, where the star change takes place (currently available for free on Joyn, and from Monday on ProSieben).
Now you would assume that Alcock and D’Arcy met before filming the fantasy series and discussed her character. After all, they play the same woman: a young princess who is reluctantly appointed heir apparent by her father, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), due to a lack of male offspring, only to have to watch him marry her best friend Alicent. (Emily Carey) hopes for a son with her.
The showrunner advised against it
In an interview with the However, Milly Alcock reveals she was advised against meeting Emma D’Arcy – by House Of The Dragon showrunner and director Miguel Sapochnik. Starting in season 2, he will no longer act as showrunner, but will remain a producer for the series. However, this probably has nothing to do with his advice to Alcock, because it actually sounds quite sensible…
Alcock reportedthat she and Emma D’Arcy wanted to talk to Miguel Sapochnik about Rhaenyra’s character development. But the showrunner asked Alcock not to do this, which surprised her at the time. Sapochnik’s advice to her was to trust that they both had what it took to play the role.
Why wouldn’t Alcock meet her older counterpart from House Of The Dragon? The actress explains it as follows: “I believe, [Miguel Sapochnik] I knew we would try to imitate each other.”
Since the two stars couldn’t discuss their work, it’s now established that they both act naturally and give Rhaenyra their own unique touch – and that makes sense, even though it’s the same character. Because adult Rhaenyra has developed and been through a lot, and it is only normal if her attitude and actions no longer completely resemble her younger counterpart.