House of the Dragon Breaks Barriers with Black Characters in Main Cast
House Of The Dragon, the highly anticipated spinoff to Game of Thrones, has not only served as a prequel set 200 years before the reign of Daenerys Targaryen but has also made waves by adding Black characters to the main cast. Despite facing backlash from some fans, the show has now entered its second season, proving that the inclusion of diverse characters is a welcome change in the fantasy genre.
Showrunner Ryan Condal explained the decision to make House Velaryon Black, stating that it added a fantastical element to the story. The Velaryons, described as being closer to gods than men with their silver hair and dragons, bring a unique and mysterious presence to the show. The choice to diversify the cast was inspired by George R.R. Martin’s original idea of making all Velaryons Black, creating a striking visual image that stuck with Condal.
Among the notable Black Velaryons in the series are Lord Corlys “The Sea Snake” Velaryon, played by Steven Toussaint, Sir Vaemond Velaryon, played by Wil Johnson, Sir Laenor Velaryon, played by John Macmillan, Lady Leana Velaryon, played by Nanna Blondell, Lady Baela Velaryon, played by Bethany Antonia, and Lady Rhaena Velaryon, played by Phoebe Campbell. Each character brings a unique perspective and adds depth to the intricate world of Westeros.
As House Of The Dragon continues to explore the rich history of the Velaryons, the inclusion of Black characters serves as a refreshing and progressive step forward in the realm of fantasy television. The diverse cast not only enhances the storytelling but also reflects a more inclusive and representative world on screen.