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Warning: SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5!
Summary
House of the Dragonstar Tom Glynn-Carney has revealed why Aegon Targaryen is different from Joffrey Baratheon inGame of Thrones, despite some comparisons being made between the two of them. Joffrey in infamous for being a ruthless, sadistic leader, often making decisions that would lead to painful outcomes for many. Aegon’s status as a young king has led to comparisons between the two, althoughHouse of the Dragonseason 2has shown different sides to its Targaryen king in contrast.
Speaking withThe Hollywood Reporter, Glynn-Carney, who plays Aegon inHouse of the Dragon, explainedhow his character is different from Joffrey because of his different complexities.Using the time he tried granting people’s livestock back as an example, the actor explains how there’s multiple layers to his decision-making that aren’t necessarily about the power he holds. Check out what Glynn-Carney had to say below:
Whether he was trying to do good things for the sake of doing good things or because he wants to be seen doing good things is rather different. He clearly wants to attempt to be different. I’d like to think that if he had a different upbringing than Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) had, then he might be different. She was always the one with her school picture in the frame on the fridge. And Aegon and Aemond were still in the drawer. We’re still working him out. I don’t think I’ll ever fully crack him. But I think that’s kind of the point. I don’t think he’s cracked himself, either.
How Aegon Is A Multi-Layered Character In House Of The Dragon
He Is More Emotionally-Driven Than Joffrey
From his introduction inGame of Thrones,Joffrey was always portrayed as a villainous character, whose decisions to hurt others was always seeped in a sociopathic joy. While Aegon often acts careless around otherHouse of the Dragoncharacters, his drive is often emotional, as he clearly wants to rule in the way he sees fit. This is best illustrated when he almost gives someone back their livestock before Otto Hightower informs him they need it to feed the dragons. He thinks of more than just what will give him pleasure.
Aegon also has a hot-headed sense of justice, as the murder of his son, Jaehaerys, is what drives him to participate directly in the battle at Rook’s Rest. This is also what gives Aemond the opportunity to attack him, resulting in the young king falling, sustaining life-threatening wounds in the process. While he’s still alive as of writing,House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 5’s endingshows just how dire his current situation is, and how he’ll never be the same again after what transpired.
The fact Aegon’s battles aren’t just his own, but are also fought for the sake of his family,making him a much more level-headed leader than Joffrey ever was.While this could change as he evolves over the rest of season 2, or even intoHouse of the Dragonseason 3, the young ruler doesn’t appear to be on the path to a sociopathic turn. Instead, his injuries will likely make him even more determined to battle Rhaenyra and her forces, setting him on a journey toward war that he won’t be able to turn away from.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
