Emma D’Archy never watched ‘Game of Thrones’ before ‘House of the Dragon’ role

Emma D’Arcy wasn’t precisely a fan of Game of Thrones before working in the House of the Dragon.

D’Arcy told Interview Magazine, “I hadn’t seen it before I auditioned, which I honestly think is the only way I’m able to do the job. If I had the passion for the show today, I would never have made it through the audition process. I would have cracked under strain.”

The British, non-binary actor, who uses they/them pronouns, actor is keen to point out that even if they hadn’t watched the show, they were at least aware of it. “I haven’t lived under a rock, and it was very much in my peripheral consciousness. It arrived just before the last shot, which was perfect timing.”

D’Arcy portrays Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Iron Throne heir, in the House of the Dragon. While also acknowledging they haven’t read from all of the books in the Game of Thrones, they did read George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood as preparation for the role.

Every Sunday, new episodes of House of the Dragon air at 9 pm ET/PT. They are available to watch on HBO Max at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.