House Of The Dragon actor Paddy Considine has revealed that Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin texted him to compliment his performance in the GOT spin-off, House Of The Dragon.
House Of The Dragon is a prequel series, which takes place 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The series is based on George R.R. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood, which depicts a civil war among House Targaryen known as the ‘Dance Of The Dragons.’
George RR Martine was impressed with Paddy Considine
Paddy Considine played King Viserys, a noble king who tries to hold his realm together as his health deteriorates, in the first eight episodes of the hit HBO series. The Journeyman actor revealed in a new interview that Martin, the author of the novel on which the series is based, approved of his portrayal of the character.
The Peaky Blinders actor revealed that the Game Of Thrones author messaged him and appreciated his performance. He said,
“I got a text message that simply said: ‘Your Viserys is better than my Viserys’, It was from George R.R. Martin. And I thought: ‘That’ll do it. Thanks for trusting me.'”
During a fan Q&A video published on Twitter prior to the series premiere, George RR Martin also publicly complimented Considine’s portrayal of Viserys. “King Viserys Targaryen I, as portrayed by Paddy Considine on the show, is better than the way I wrote King Viserys in ‘Fire & Blood,'” Martin said. “He’s stronger, he’s still conflicted, but he’s more of a tragic figure. He has King Lear aspects to him, if I may dare [say] that, and that’s made his portrayal really interesting to watch in the show.”
Viserys has spent much of season 1 of House Of The Dragon trapped in the thick of his family’s internal conflict. Despite Viserys’ efforts to bring his loved ones together throughout the season, House of the Dragon episode 8 became a defining moment for both Viserys and his family.
Paddy Considine defends his character from critics
The actor defended the character against claims made by certain fans that he is monotonous, saying, “There’s this perception that he’s weak, which I think is absolutely nonsense. He’s just too compassionate for the job. I think the sense of duty is what got to him.”
“He was the only person in this kingdom who had any f*cking morals whatsoever. He holds everything together as long as he absolutely can. I thought he was a joy to play. He believed in duty above everything. I don’t know if people fully understood that correctly.”
Spoilers for House Of The Dragon Season 1, Episode 8 ahead!!
Viserys’ death is likely the most crucial incident in the House of the Dragon‘s history, with the King’s death serving as the spark for the Targaryen civil war. Despite Rhaenyra’s undeniable claim to the Iron Throne, Alicent’s growing desire will no doubt force her to contest the rightful Queen’s position, especially after her final talk with her late husband.
Of course, House of the Dragon could deviate from its original material, implying that the Iron Throne is now up for anyone to take over. House of the Dragon is streaming on HBO Max.
Source: ScreenRant
