The episode 9 highlight, Aegon’s coronation, was originally going to be very different from how it aired. House of the Dragon, a prequel and spin-off of the mega-popular Game of Thrones, takes place 200 years just before main show during in the reign of the Targaryens. The tv series was renewed for a second season only five days after its premiere. Season 1 recently concluded, with the finale airing on HBO on October 23.
In an interview with ScreenRant, VFX supervisor Mike Bell revealed how and why episode 9 of House of the Dragon was changed. He disclosed that the devastation was initially visible to “thousands.” After revision, the number was eventually reduced. Bell justified his decision by citing a lack of consistency in Rhaenys’ character. See the full quote below:
“[The coronation in episode 9] was changed a little bit. Especially when Rhaenys exits, because we initially had shots where she exits and plows through thousands of people. And it was just like, “Well, that’s not really into the feeling of the character. There’s definitely a feeling like, “Is it okay that she’s just going through all this crowd?” We went high and then reduced it down. But in all that dust, there’s also people flying and somersaulting. I think if you paused it, you might be able to count them. It’s hundreds, maybe thousands.”
Why Is Rhaenys Holding Back Her Dragon At Aegon’s coronation?
Rhaenys, entrapped in King’s Landing following Viserys’ death, is able to flee during Aegon’s coronation & reach Meleys, her dragon inside the dragonpit. They infiltrate the grand hall from below, disrupting the ceremony & causing casualties. Despite meeting the newly crowned king & his family, she turns away and heads for Dragonstone.
Viewers were frustrated by Rhaenys’ decision not to kill Aegon, believing that she could have easily avoided a war between Rhaenyra and Aegeon’s supporters. However, in addition to serving as an obvious plot device to ensure the war’s inevitability, it also serves as a pivotal moment in defining Rhaenys’ character. Rhaenys demonstrates what she isn’t by holding Meleys back: vengeful, impulsive, or monstrous. The decision to reduce the massacre (or at least its visual effects) reinforces this characterization. Rhaenys is known as the “Queen Who Never Was” because she has never sought the throne. Despite her claim, she realizes that the crown is not worth the bloodshed, suffering, & bitter ambition.
When it comes to graphic scenes and shock value, House of the Dragon is definitely exercising restraint, particularly when compared to its Game of Thrones predecessor. This not only raises the stakes for House of the Dragon season 2, but also demonstrates that the show isn’t afraid to stand out. There is no set date for a season 2 timeframe, but with the series’ critical acclaim and viewers eager for more, it will be a short wait for more information.
Source : ScreenRant