Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) has been going through it in House of the Dragon. He’s lost a child, lost his dragon, and oh yes, he was nearly burned to death by Vhagar, while his brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) now rules the Seven Kingdoms as the prince regent.
As season 3 opens, Aegon is on the run after fleeing King’s Landing, with his only aid being the conniving Larys Strong (Matthew Needham). While speaking to Mashable, Glynn-Carney discussed his character’s journey, and how his misfortunes are a key part of his identity.
“He likes to lament. He is really in his pit of self pity and wallowing in it,” the English actor stated. “Eventually you can see that that really grates on Larys — and it would do if that's your journey partner and all they do is moan.”
How Tom Glynn-Carney changed the script for Aegon
As we see in the season 3 premiere, Aegon and Larys’ cart is intercepted by men loyal to Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy). Larys wastes no time kneeling to fake-proclaim her the rightful queen. But Aegon, of course, refuses to do so, even if it’s pretend. According to Glynn-Carney, that wasn’t always the case.
“Originally it was in the script that he kneeled straight away, and I was like, ‘No, he wouldn't do that.’ He'd be defiant and get himself in a lot of trouble,” Glynn-Carney explained. “But I think that's what's important to hold on to with Aegon. He's in a situation now where his status is out the window, and he's lowest of the low, but there needs to be — and what we achieved, I think, in the end — is that tiny thread still hanging on to pride.”
Why this change was better move for the story
This was the right move by Glynn-Carney. No matter how scarred or beaten down he is, no matter how far he’s fallen, Aegon still has his pride. He’s not going to acknowledge anyone but himself as the right person to sit the Iron Throne. Even to save his own life, Aegon won’t give up his regal bearing. We can’t imagine him going along with kneeling, even if it was a lie.
This change to the script works into the storyline, as Aegon’s refusal to bend the kneel forces Larys to reveal who he truly is, with the soldiers realizing they have a prime hostage. This will no doubt play into the season, with Aegon still scheming to get back into power, even in captivity.
Elsewhere in the interview, Glynn-Carney recalled Aegon’s season 2 quote, “F**k dignity, I want revenge,” saying, “Actually, he doesn't want to f**k dignity; he wants his dignity back at this point, because he totally lost it.”
Aegon is proving himself to be someone who never gives up what he wants, despite the odds against him. That refusal to kneel proves he still has the ego and lust for glory that will make his journey in House of the Dragon 3 more striking. His and Larys’ storyline is totally off-book, but unlike some of the other book changes, it’s brought more depth to both characters, and we’re enjoying where it’s going.
Many changes are coming for his home in King’s Landing, and if Aegon ever turns back up to take the Iron Throne, we bet it’ll be a much different city.
House of the Dragon season 3 releases new episodes Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
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