Since the first episode of House of the Dragon aired on August 21st, the relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and Queen Alicent (Emily Carey) has enthralled viewers. However, the first five series have seen their bond change from shared love to a connection wrought with tension, lies, and political maneuvering.
Why are the two actresses leaving the show?
In episode 5, Princess Rhaenyra marries Ser Laenor Velaryon, her first husband (she later marries her uncle, Daemon Targaryen, further extending the reach of the Targaryen family tree). Episode 6 marks a jump in time, and Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke take over the portrayal of Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent. As a result, fans of the prequel to the hit show Game of Thrones must wave goodbye to Alcock and Carey.
What’s next for the two actresses?
According to an interview given by the two actresses to the New York Times, neither is sure. Playing the main characters in House of Dragons has marked a turning point in their careers. Carey comments that one of the strangest things has been going from being able to blend to being recognized. This is something that Kit Harrington, who starred as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, also struggled with, as he said the newfound fame made him uncomfortable. For Alcock, her stint in one of the most expensive TV shows in recent times has offered her reassurance that her career is only just beginning.
For both actresses, the show is about more than a fantasy world and dragons: it’s relatable for a modern-day audience, whether intentionally or not. The show’s themes are storylines that reflect the world we live in, particularly concerning some of the experiences the two characters face.
The handover to D’Arcy and Cooke stirs up a mixture of feelings for Carey. Alcock is keen to state how excited she is to see what D’Arcy will do with the character. While Carey agrees, there’s also a sense of loss in saying goodbye to her tenure playing Alicent. She comments that it’ll be strange to hand over the character, as the experience of playing her has been so personal, and so much of herself has been put into it. Finally, she surmises that it’ll be equal parts cool and weird to watch the show as a viewer rather than critique one’s performance.
One thing is clear from the interview, ending their stint on the House of the Dragon marks a turning point in the lives of the two actresses. As young females – Alcock is 22 and Carey just 19 – there’s a sense of feeling lost that’s not uncommon for those in their early 20s. Neither knows what to do with their time, with Alcock choosing to pace around while Carey opts for playing with lego.
Indeed, the only two confirmed projects of Alcock’s that have yet to be released are season 2 of Upright and Phoebe Tonkin’s short film Furlough. As for Carey, not much is known about what the future holds for her. If their performance in House of the Dragon is anything to go by, their future is undoubtedly bright.
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