#hotd cast

[thronescastdaily]

Matt Smith and James Norton on the set of House of the Dragon (via filmupdates)

[tessarionbestgirl]

Is it just me or is Emma’s acting coming across as really hammy this season? It’s so jarringly “theatre” that it feels really out of place when they speak to anyone else. The scene with Alicent talking about wanting Daeron to be a Hightower (wtf) sounded bizarre to me.

You are not wrong . For me in part work because Rhaenyra looks like she is loosing her shit. Like all her small council scenes she looks borderline insane.

But sometimes for TV come across as to theatrical or bit staged. Wich is even worse. And doesn't help Emma floats around that and more grounded reactions. And it become jarring to me.

They also try to convey a level of innocence in Rhaenyra that makes no sense to the point that crosses the line from naiveté into complete political and social obtuseness.

I also think this has to do with Clare Kilner. More seasoned actors like Olivia and James are able to work with. But you can see her directions are not so good when you put Emma or Fabien that end up increasing the volume and intensity of the performance a little to much.

[novaursa]

Inspired by your alysmond "Phia's an unemployed nobody" anon I checked what projects Phia and Gayle was working on between 2024 and 2026 (save hotd). Gayle played in 2 films and a TV series. She even got a main role with one of them.

Phia did 2 theatre plays (the latter was then "moved" to NY, but I'm guessing I shouldn't count the American project as the 3rd). She narrated two audiobooks and starred in an indie short film. Looks like both actresses are quite successful, hardworking women and develop as artists.

I believe there is no point in comparing their careers. Idk if it's even possible, especially given Phia is 9 years younger than Gayle. Neither of them is an acting prodigy, but there are definitely things the are good at. We can only wish them both success.

That anon was being fucking ridiculous. There is absolutely no reason to pit two actresses against each other over a fanon ship.

They are both talented, hardworking women building different careers at different stages of their lives, and each has accomplishments worth respecting. 🙂

[novaursa]

I don't think any HOTD actress beautiful. They're (in most cases) just pretty enough for TV and styled and coiffed by professionals. Everybody and their grandma would be as "drop-dead gorgeous" if they could afford cooperating with top-notch stylists.

That being said, it's disturbing so many fans, discussing their physical appearance, sound like they had no understanding of human anathomy and only women they have ever seen are just pretty illustrations.

I saw people camping that despite her rounded thighs, curvy butt and rather small waist, Olivia Cooke "has no boobs". Hello, pear-shaped women exist.

I agree on Gayle's facial features being Sharp and making her look masculine (especially her prominent jaw). But is it a bad thing? Hyperfeminine costumes and styling don't do her much favour. I'd rather she stuck to her more masc-coded wardrobe. It was flattering and made her look unique. "Her tits are too small for Alys"? Idk where the idea of Alys' gigantic boobs comes from. Gayle's a short, petite woman. She quite proportional and doesn't have enough body fat to be a cup DD girlie. Hello, human anathomy.

Then here are speculations about Helaena (od even Phia herself) because "a little bump is visible". Don't they know a woman with more fat in her chest are would likely have either a bit of tummy (frankly, men with beer bellies often have larger tiddies than many women) or bigger hips?

Then young Rhaenyra isn't book accurate because she doesn't have large breasts. Not that even in the books, the not yet married teenage Rhaenyra is a rather slightly built girl

Beauty is subjective, anon, so you’re allowed to feel however you feel about them.

Personally, I do think there are genuinely beautiful women in that cast.

But I agree that the way some people talk about actors’ bodies and faces is very strange. Like, yes, being on screen means people will comment on your appearance because that unfortunately comes with the job. But some fans talk like they’ve never seen actual human bodies before and only understand anatomy through edited pictures and fantasy art.

Women have different shapes, proportions, faces, features, and styling needs. Not everyone is supposed to look like the same Instagram template.

Some people online are just deeply unhinged about appearance.

[pughflorence]

OLIVIA COOKE attending The Championships, Wimbledon as a guest of Range Rover and Harper's Bazaar for the Ladies' Singles Final on July 11, 2026 in London, England

[mejcinta]

Tom's recent play 'The Oresteia' and the outcome of his character's arc is low-key giving Aegon, Alicent and Rhaenyra's (HotD fanfic) encounter on Dragonstone.

Just saying.

[lonelyvampx]

Has anybody ever sent you something? part 2 | part 1

[gwendolinechristie]

Peter Claffey and Clinton Liberty at the Galway Film Fleadh, July 11th 2026