The Dance of the Dragons is known for betrayals, loss, and endless political warfare. However, ‘House of the Dragon’ star Harry Collett says Jacaerys Velaryon was the exact opposite of all that.
Harry Collett On Why Jacaerys’ Death Was Westeros’ Greatest Loss
When talking to Pop Base, Collett discussed what Jace might have been like if he escaped the civil war and eventually ascended to the Iron Throne. The actor thinks that the best part of Jace’s claim was his character, not who he was.
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Collett said Jacaerys was “born to be a good leader” and commended his political savvy and people skills. “Jace was born to be a good leader. He’s very smart politically and very much a people person and a people pleaser, sometimes. He would’ve thought of the people of the realm first before anything else, and he would’ve only carried on with the drama if somebody else started it.”
Jace would not have ruled by fear or intimidation. Instead, he would have thought first of the welfare of the realm. The actor says Jace wasn’t a man who would stir up unnecessary trouble. If there is a conflict, it would only be if someone else caused it or if his family was threatened.
That’s a rare feat for a king in a land where ambition often meant bloodshed. It’s an interesting angle as ‘House of the Dragon’ has demonstrated Westeros at its most divided. Jace was one of the more rational and kind characters in the story, regardless of all the plotting and vengeance. Collett’s remarks further underscore why many viewers felt he brought hope for a brighter future.
Jace And Baela Would’ve Made The Perfect Kingdom According To Collett
Collett also had a fun chat with co-star Bethany Antonia, who stars as Baela Targaryen. The two joked that if they had been king and queen, the Red Keep might have had a “live, laugh, love” sign in the castle.
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“And we were saying if Jace and Baela made it to be king and queen, we’d have a live, laugh, love sign up in the castle, and it would be very drama-free. Which, to be fair, would probably be quite boring, so no one would ever make a show about it.”
The actor said the ruling would likely have been “very drama-free”. But he soon corrected himself, saying, “boring is safe”. “But boring is safe. I think Jace would’ve made an amazing king, and it says it in the books too, and that’s why his death was very impactful.”
It’s an apt description for a kingdom that spent years ripping itself to shreds. Collett also noted that the idea of Jace becoming a great king isn’t just his personal opinion. He believes the source material supports that view as well, making the prince’s death during the Dance of the Dragons even more heartbreaking.
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