Key Takeaways:
– Actor Ewan Mitchell, who plays Aemond Targaryen, discusses his character's motivations in HBO's ‘House of the Dragon'.
– According to Mitchell, Aemond's actions stem from a desire to gain his mother's attention and become a hero.
– The show reveals Aemond's complex psychological framework and tendency for impulsive behavior.
The Actor Behind Aemond Targaryen
Ewan Mitchell, one of the breakout stars of HBO's ‘House of the Dragon', opened up about the complex character of Aemond Targaryen that he portrays. The actor believes that despite Aemond's aggressive acts and questionable antics, all his actions trace back to a feeling of vulnerability and a need to be acknowledged by his mother.
A key characteristic of Aemond is an unwavering tendency to think before all his actions. “You don't necessarily know what is going on behind Aemond's eye. But you do know that he's thinking. He is a very calculative person”, noted Mitchell, explaining the depth of his character.
The Actions of a Prince
Aemond Targaryen, known for his unpredictable behavior, has shaped the entire plot of Season 2 of ‘House of the Dragon'. His impulsive decision to kill his nephew Lucerys at the end of the first season set a series of catastrophic events in motion. From the subsequent murder of Prince Jahaerys to the devastating dragon battle at Rook's Rest, Aemond's influence continues to stir the narrative.
In the latest episode of the show, Aemond even attacks his own brother, Aegon. The act is seen as an attempt to remove Aegon from the line to the throne. However, Ewan Mitchell suggests that there's more to it.
Aemond Wants Love From His Mother More Than Anything
Amidst all his misdeeds, the actor hints that Aemond's primary motivating factor is his longing for his mother's affection. He yearns to be seen by Queen Alicent Hightower, his mother, and this unfulfilled desire triggers many of his actions, including his decision to attack Aegon.
Mitchell describes a hypothetical scenario, where Aemond, having become a war hero, imagines sharing a relaxed moment with his mother on a Dornish beach. “I very much imagined Aemond and Alicent sitting far from war, sipping on piña coladas”, said Mitchell. This unfolds a side of Aemond where his ambitions are not about power, but about earning his mother's attention, a traditional sibling rivalry, in essence.
The latest season of ‘House of the Dragon' throws light on Aemond's complex psychological framework that guides his unpredictable behavior. Despite being a much-hated character, perspective from the actor does offer meaningful insight into his actions, revealing a vulnerabile side to him.
Mitchell's portrayal of Aemond Targaryen continues to stir excitement amongst fans as they eagerly await the next course of events. The show is available to stream on Max, and it is intriguing to see how Aemond's character will shape the narrative in the future. With the psychological complexities of his character, Aemond's actions will no doubt continue to be the key driving force behind the plot. The raw honesty of Mitchell's performance lends credibility to an otherwise volatile character, adding a layer of depth to the epic saga.
