House of the Dragon may be raking in the viewers, but someone who isn't tuning in. The Mother of Dragons herself, Emilia Clarke, is unable to watch the HBO series.
House of the Dragon has been an immense success for HBO. The House of the Dragon premiere even became HBO's highest-viewed debut ever. Immediately after its premiere, it was renewed for a second season. This awards season, it's been snatching up nominations and recently won Best Drama Series at the Golden Globes. Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewing the series as a return to form following Game of Thrones season 8.
While talking at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance, Clarke was asked if she had seen House of the Dragon. "No! Can you [forgive me]? It’s too weird. I’m so happy it’s happening. I’m over the moon about all the awards… I just can’t do it," Clarke said in response. "It’s so weird. It’s so strange. It’s kind of like someone saying, ‘You want to go to this school reunion that’s not your year? Want to go to that school reunion?’ That’s how it feels. I’m avoiding it."
Clarke isn't the only Game of Thrones alum who feels trepidation at the thought of watching House of the Dragon. Kit Harington expressed fear about watching House of the Dragon, though he did get around to watching it. Harington had only positive thoughts about the new series and stated that the crew really "made it their own."
Ironically, though Clarke has not seen House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra is very similar to Daenerys. Rhaenyra (who is played by Milly Alcock, then Emma D'Arcy) is a dragon to her core, and like Daenerys, she tries to rise as Queen in a male-dominated world. The two serve as mirrors to one another, though they aren't perfect reflections. Daenerys is utterly alone in the world, while Rhaenyra has Daemon (Matt Smith) and her family.
Clarke has also recently expressed that she wanted a different ending for Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones season 8. The character fell into madness in the final season and killed the citizens of King's Landing. Many fans found this to be a sudden shift in the character that wasn't developed properly. Clarke did not go so far as to say such criticisms, but she did say she wanted a happier ending for Daenerys.
House of the Dragon season 1 is streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance (via Variety)