House of the ⁢Dragon: A ‍surprising twist in the season 2 finale

Spoiler Alert: ‍This article contains major spoilers for HBO’s “House of‍ the Dragon”‍ Season 2 finale, titled “The Queen Who Ever Was,” now streaming ‍on Max.

A twist for book readers and show ‍watchers alike

For fans of House of the Dragon who have not delved into George R.R. ⁢Martin’s “Fire ⁢& Blood,” the ‌Season 2 finale⁣ left many questions hanging in the air. However, for those who ​have⁣ read the source material, one particular query​ stood out: Why​ didn’t Queen Rhaenyra’s son Jace die?

In the final episode of the season, Prince Jace Velaryon (Harry Collett)‌ is seen working alongside his mother Rhaenyra (Emma ‌D’Arcy) and his wife Baela Targaryen (Bethany ⁤Antonia) to prepare for the impending war. They ‍are joined by three new dragon riders, ready to fight for their cause.

The⁣ book⁢ vs. the show: A notable divergence

In the book, Jace leads these dragonseeds in a battle known as the Battle of the Gullet,⁣ where he meets his demise. However, the show’s finale does not depict this battle, nor does Jace die. Instead, the episode concludes with a montage of‍ both the Greens and the Blacks preparing for​ war. Rhaenyra is promised by⁣ Alicent⁢ (Olivia Cooke) that she can reclaim King’s Landing and the Iron Throne in three days, once Prince Regent Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) is away in battle.

This divergence from ⁤the book left many ⁤viewers, including Harry Collett himself, ⁢surprised. Collett shared his ​thoughts on this unexpected twist during a table read of the Season 2 finale script.

Harry Collett’s reaction to‍ Jace’s fate

“I did think⁣ this would be it for me and Jace,” Collett admitted. He recounted the awkwardness of attending the script reading, unsure if his character’s death was imminent. However, he was relieved to find out that Jace would survive⁣ another season. “I’m​ so thankful that I’ve got to last a whole other season. And if ​I die, I die — I’m thankful to be⁤ in it anyway.”

With the show renewed for Season 3, the question‌ remains: Has Collett received the dreaded “death call” that would signal his ⁢character’s end?

The evolution of Jace’s character

Collett and Emma D’Arcy worked closely⁤ to develop Jace’s character in Season 2. Jace ‍takes on a more adult role after the death of his brother ⁣Luke, engaging in deeper conversations with Rhaenyra and ⁢offering his own ideas as her heir. Collett appreciated the opportunity to explore ⁤the mother-and-son dynamic in a more realistic manner, despite ⁣the fantasy setting.

Jace’s desire for⁢ revenge and his aspiration to be a mini Daemon Targaryen add layers to his character. Collett⁤ expressed pride in Jace’s active involvement in the season’s events, rather than being a passive figure.

The dragonseeds and Jace’s ‍internal struggle

Jace’s idea⁢ to ⁣recruit dragonseeds introduces a new ‍layer of complexity to his character. As a bastard himself, Jace grapples with the legitimacy of his position. The arrival of other bastards claiming dragons threatens⁢ his sense of identity and future prospects. This internal conflict adds depth to Jace’s character, highlighting his insecurities and the immense pressure he faces.

The potential⁣ for Jace and Cregan Stark’s friendship

Fans of the book are eager to see more​ of Jace and Cregan Stark’s friendship‌ in⁢ Season ‍3.⁢ Collett expressed his enthusiasm for exploring this ⁣relationship‌ further, though he remained tight-lipped about any specific details.

The ‍social media phenomenon: Jace mewing memes

Collett has noticed the Jace mewing memes circulating ⁢on ​social media and finds them amusing.⁢ He also acknowledged the comparisons between⁤ Jace⁢ and Aemond’s ⁣facial ⁣expressions, playfully conceding that Ewan‌ Mitchell’s Aemond might have ‌the edge.

A ⁢new look for ‍Jace

Jace’s hair underwent a significant transformation in Season 2, shifting ​from short and straight to longer and curlier. This change⁤ was partly inspired by ‍Jon Snow’s iconic look. Collett shared the challenges and rewards of growing out his hair for the role, ‌ultimately appreciating the more natural appearance and​ the reduced time in the makeup chair.

Looking ahead to Season 3

As fans⁣ eagerly await the next⁤ season, ⁣the fate of Jace Velaryon remains uncertain. Will he meet his ​book fate, or will the show continue to ‌chart its own course? Only time ​will tell.

For more insights and updates on House of the Dragon, stay⁢ tuned and keep an eye out for the latest episodes on Max.

For‌ those interested in exploring more​ about the series, check out the House of the Dragon trailer.