After years of name-drops and anticipation, Daeron Targaryen has officially entered the fray in House of the Dragon, as episode 6 of the ongoing season finally saw him take action.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who plays Daeron, is still a young actor at the start of his career, but he's no stranger to big productions. At 17, he's already starred in The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Sandman for Netflix, and next year, he'll take on the iconic role of Link in The Legend of Zelda.
I sat down with Ainsworth to discuss stepping into the iconic Game of Thrones universe, navigating the complex relationship between Daeron and Ormund Hightower, and what fans can expect as the Dance of the Dragons heats up.
On joining the massive House of the Dragon universe
Joonatan: Stepping into a role like Daeron Targaryen comes with a lot of built-in fan expectations from the books. What was it like entering a series that already has such a massive global following?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth: It’s the first time I’ve joined a TV series or film where they’ve already established such a huge world. I was already a fan of both series. I watched Game of Thrones and loved House of the Dragon. To get the audition, let alone actually be here playing Daeron, felt almost unthinkable.
Daeron is a big player in the books, and while he’s been talked about in the show, he’s never really been seen. Having the opportunity to discover who he is in this world and bring him to life was a cool challenge. Working alongside actors I really admire, like Freddie Fox, James Norton, and Joplin Sibtain, made it so welcoming right from the table read.
Approaching the source material
Joonatan: Did you read ahead in George R.R. Martin’s books to prepare, or did you stick strictly to what was on the page for the show?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth: I was definitely interested in understanding his backstory, what he would have been taught growing up in Oldtown, the Faith of the Seven, and Targaryen history up to Viserys. But I intentionally didn't read past the events of Season 3.
I wanted to leave room for the character to grow organically and play him as he is now, rather than who he becomes at the end. The scripts are so rich, especially when exploring his coming-of-age journey amidst the chaos of the Dance of the Dragons.
Navigating the Green family dynamics & Ormund Hightower
Joonatan: Unlike his brothers, Daeron grew up away from King’s Landing. How does his unique background shape his role in the Green family?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth: He has a real disconnect from his family. He was sent away at a young age, so he doesn't have traditional relationships with his brothers or uncles. On paper, being warded sounds like protection, but under a chaotic and unpredictable figure like Ormund Hightower, that relationship becomes very twisted.
It’s a different kind of threat; it’s not the physical Dance of the Dragons, but an internal, manipulative battle. Daeron is a 17-year-old who hasn't seen his mother in years and craves affection, but he’s constantly trying to hold onto his moral compass.
It’s a different kind of threat; it’s not the physical Dance of the Dragons, but an internal, manipulative battle.
The dragon-riding experience
Joonatan: Matt Smith has been vocal about his love-hate relationship with the dragon-riding gimbals. What was your experience like with the practical dragon setups?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth: When we drove through Leavesden Studios, people pointed out the "buck studio" where the dragon gimbals are set up. Seeing the rig they have there is completely wild! It’s a very unique experience from an actor's perspective. I don't want to spoil anything or get in trouble, but it’s definitely something special.
The stakes have been rising in Tumbleton episode by episode. If they continue on this exponential trajectory, the next couple of episodes are going to be quite fiery.
What can fans expect from the rest of the season?
Joonatan: If you could give fans one thing to look forward to for Daeron's arc moving forward, what would it be?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth: Keep an eye on the sanctuary and relationship between Gwayne and Daeron. That relationship is vital to both of them amidst the chaos Ormund creates.
The stakes have been rising in Tumbleton episode by episode. If they continue on this exponential trajectory, the next couple of episodes are going to be quite fiery. Watch out for how Daeron steps up as things get even crazier.
House of the Dragon streams weekly on HBO.
