Alicent Hightower
Next, of course, we must discuss Alicent Hightower. Like Rhaenrya, the fact that Alicent will be played by two actors has been a prominent part of the show’s marketing. In her teenage years, Alicent is played by Emily Carey. We watch Carey as Alicent goes from basically a child to a young adult. During Carey’s time as the character, Alicent has multiple children, navigates the intrigues of court, and comes to be regarded as more a queen than a teen.
Carey has plenty of experience portraying “younger” versions of characters; she played Diana Prince as a child in 2017’s Wonder Woman as well as young Lara Croft in 2018’s Tomb Raider reboot.
Despite how good Alcock and Carey have been in their roles as Rhaenyra and Alicent, a change has always been in the cards. In the case of Alicent, she’ll be played by Bates Motel star Olivia Cooke as an adult. Cooke and D’Arcy have their work cut out for them to win over fans, but I have a feeling they’re up to the challenge.
Rhaenyra and Alicent are the most important characters going through this change, but there are two others who are portrayed by not two, but three actors over the course of House of the Dragon season 1!