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Spoilers forHouse of the Dragonepisode seven, Driftmark, below.
Running into your past self on the set of a major television production can feel a bit disorienting.
Just ask John Macmillan, who plays the adult version ofHouse of the Dragons closeted warrior Ser Laenor Velaryon.
We both looked at each other and went, Are you me?
The affable actor laughs.
We were like, Yeah, I think theyve donea pretty good job casting here.
So what was his life like during those ten years?
Hes a master of the air and sea, an incredibly capable and competent martial individual.
Also hes had ten years of not being able to live his full self.
With Joffreys death, it was much, much harder to manage all that.
But you cant selectively numb feelings, so you kind of numballthe feelings.
Thats why, when we find him, he seems to be drinking quite a lot.
But thats where he is.
There are no therapists in Westeros, so hes self-medicating as best he can.
But hes done it.
As difficult as its been, he didnt say, Screw this, Im leaving.
Hes fundamentally an honorable guy in an incredibly painful, difficult situation.
And he was still trying.
Theyve been married for ten years, and theyve known each other since they were children.
Its a relationship thats lasted most of their lives.
They do like each other, and theyve been there for each other as best they can.
Thats what makes his recommitment to Rhaenyra so compelling.
He says something like, We made a commitment to do our duty and explore happiness.
Rhaenyra starts laughing, and they both laugh at the absurdity of their naivete.
He decides to let both go to get to do his duty.
Hes a wonderful guy in a terrible situation.
I was thrilled watching him get away.
Ive had so many lovely messages from people; someone told me they whooped when he escaped.
Like, they cheered.
I did, too!Im so pleased!
I remember Miguel saying, No one gets to be happy in Westeros for very long.
Its amazing that theres this moment of relief.The escape was one of the first things I did.
To see it in the context of the episode was really gratifying.
But, of course, this is Westeros, and theres no such thing as a completely happy ending.
[Laughs] Oh, God.
Youre a very moral, empathetic person.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
