Let’s dreamcast HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 25: Sir Anthony Hopkins attends the LEAP Foundation on July 25, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

Sir Anthony Hopkins as…King Viserys I Targaryen

Although the Dance of the Dragons didn’t begin until his death, Viserys Targaryen might be the most important person in the entire story. His choices directly influence the entire civil war. This is an important role that should be played by an actor who can cast a shadow over the proceedings, much like Sean Bean did in Game of Thrones.

King Viserys I — last rider of Balerion the Black Dread — was considered a peaceful man who ruled the Seven Kingdoms wisely. During his reign, the realm knew a long peace and House Targaryen grew in strength. There were never more dragons and dragonriders alive at one time as when Viserys I sat the Iron Throne.

After his first wife Aemma died giving birth to his son — who also died shortly thereafter — Viserys named his daughter Princess Rhaenyra as his heir. She was to be the first Queen of Westeros, and he began training her for that task. However, Viserys grew lonely and married again, this time to Alicent Hightower, the daughter of Otto Hightower, his Hand of the King. She gave him his first living son, Aegon.

Rhaenyra and Alicent had always gotten along, but after this they despised each other because Alicent began to push Viserys to name Aegon as his heir. That began the cold war that would eventually heat up into the Dance of the Dragons.

In my mind, Anthony Hopkins is the only choice for this role. If you’re wondering why, look no further than his portrayal of Dr. Robert Ford in the first two seasons of Westworld. He also has experience playing kings, as for example playing King Lear in an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.