How the ‘House of the Dragon’ Cast Keeps the Onset Mood Light Between Super Dark Scenes

Filming a series as intense and dark as House of the Dragon would take a toll on anyone. The actors, dressed in heavy medieval costumes and dealing with heavy themes, have found unique ways to keep the mood light between takes. From playful antics to music, the cast from the Game of Thrones prequel ensures that their bond and humor shine through, even in the darkest moments.

Jamie Kenna, who portrays Alfred Broome, talked about how crucial it is for the cast to lighten the mood after filming grim scenes. The massive medieval costumes can be uncomfortable, so the cast makes a concerted effort to have fun and shake off any miserable feelings. Steve Toussaint, who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon, echoed Kenna's sentiments about keeping things light. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere due to the "monstrous things happening" in the series. Toussaint praised his co-star Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto Hightower, for his ability to bring humor to the set.

Harry Collett, who brings Jacaerys Velaryon to life, has a method of maintaining a cheerful environment: music. He plays house music on set, and if anyone gets annoyed, they tell him to turn it off. His playlists keep the energy up, especially on Fridays when the cast dances between takes. Collett even has behind-the-scenes videos of these moments, capturing the joy and camaraderie among the cast. Bethany Antonia, who plays Lady Baela Targaryen, shared some of her fondest on-set memories involving her co-star Collett. One day, after filming the same scene for nearly a week, they decided to do something funny to break the monotony. Collett decided to dive into a trash bin to make her laugh. Such spontaneous moments of humor help the cast cope with the demanding filming schedule and heavy themes.

The House of the Dragon cast has developed a tight-knit bond and a shared sense of humor to counterbalance the dark themes. Through playful antics, music, and mutual support, they ensure that the atmosphere on set remains positive and enjoyable.