‘House of the Dragon’ has never shied away from tragedy. However, for Emma D’Arcy, one emotional scene in Season 3 proved more difficult than any dragon battle or political showdown.
The actor has admitted there was one moment they were truly afraid of shooting, but it was a pivotal moment in Queen Rhaenyra’s life. It also altered the outcome of the Dance of the Dragons.
Why Jace’s Death Became Emma D’Arcy’s Most Difficult ‘House Of The Dragon’ Scene
The latest episode of the series has one of the most emotional performances of the series to date as Rhaenyra has to deal with an unspeakable loss after Season 3’s opening episode. D’Arcy told Entertainment Weekly that they were afraid to shoot the scene where Rhaenyra finds out that her eldest son, Jacaerys Velaryon, is dead.
Related: The Real War In ‘House Of The Dragon’ Season 3 Is Happening Within Its Characters
Emotionally charged scenes can be the most fulfilling for actors, but this one was not. “Often in our job, ironically, the larger the emotional scale, the more fun, the more engaging, the more there is to do. That was the one that I dreaded this season, and was pretty grim actually on the day.”
The actor spoke about how Rhaenyra was always in need of companionship and how her children were her emotional support in her life. Of them, Jace had a special place in her heart, and his passing was a devastating emotional shock.
“That’s epitomized by her relationship with Jace. There is a bond there that is strong enough that overwhelming loneliness is bombed. I think that’s why it’s an insurmountable loss.” D’Arcy also admitted that there was a personal aspect to shooting the scene, as they are very close friends with Harry Collett, who plays Jace.
It was even more heart-wrenching behind the scenes to know that the character’s journey was over. “He is profoundly loved, and he’s a wonderful person, and I care about him very deeply. I don’t want to imagine it, I don’t want to imagine it for his character. I don’t want to imagine it for him.”
Jace’s Death Pushes Rhaenyra Toward War
The moment is so devastating that it not only haunts Rhaenyra but also alters the course of the war. The Queen is consumed by grief and reacts to others around her, and directs her pain into action. Her resolve to take the Iron Throne grows even more as she eventually brings down King’s Landing while Otto Hightower pays the ultimate price for the Greens’ downfall.
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The tragedy is even more saddening because Rhaenyra doesn’t know the entirety of the story behind Jace’s death. She blames the Greens, but the viewer is aware that the situation is far more complex. So, it adds another layer of dramatic irony to her emotional breakdown.
There are six episodes left in Season 3, and it is safe to say that Rhaenyra will make every decision from this point on based on her grief. This episode is a sign of things to come, and the Queen’s grief could be as lethal as any dragon that flies over Westeros. And Emma D’Arcy’s performance is sure to make audiences feel every moment of pain.
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