Remember how awesome it was to see Princess Rhaenys Targaryen soar through the skies on her mighty dragon Meleys in House of the Dragon? Well, turns out, filming those epic scenes wasn’t all sunshine and dragons. Actress Eve Best, who brings Rhaenys to life, recently opened up about the surprisingly painful reality of riding a dragon – even if it was just pretend!
Here’s the thing: in the world of television, dragons are magnificent creatures, but on set, they’re a bit different. Imagine acting out a powerful scene while strapped to a giant mechanical contraption that moves you around. Sounds exciting, right? It is, but apparently, it can also leave you feeling like you just rode a real dragon – a very bumpy one at that.
From Excited to Aching: The Price of Flight
Eve, like many of us, was thrilled to be cast in House of the Dragon. Rhaenys is a strong, complex character, and the chance to fly a dragon? That’s a dream come true for any actor (or any dragon enthusiast, for that matter!). But that excitement quickly turned into a different kind of feeling: soreness.
“I was bruised to hell the next day,” Eve said in an interview. Turns out, all that shaking and moving the mechanical dragon does takes a toll on the body. It’s like riding a really intense rollercoaster, but for hours on end.
The Magic of Make-Believe (and Muscle Relaxers)
Even though it wasn’t exactly a spa day, Eve wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Remember, the end result is those incredible dragon-riding scenes that leave us all in awe. To achieve that magic, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, including some pretty intense physical work.
Think about it this way: even though Eve wasn’t actually flying, she still had to act like she was. That means using her whole body, from her core to her arms, to project the power and confidence of a dragon rider. Plus, the mechanical rig itself probably wasn’t the most comfortable thing to be strapped to.
So, here’s to Eve Best and all the actors who bring fantastical creatures to life on screen! They put their bodies (and probably a few muscle relaxers) on the line to create those moments that take us to another world.
Beyond the Bruises: The Joy of Playing Rhaenys
Of course, the pain was just a small part of the experience. Eve also talked about how much she loved playing Rhaenys. The character is a force to be reckoned with, a woman who knows her mind and isn’t afraid to speak it, even when everyone else is silent.
“Rhaenys is a survivor,” Eve said. “She’s seen a lot of hardship, but she’s also incredibly strong. I admire her resilience and her determination.”
That strength and determination are what shine through on screen. Even when Eve is probably aching from all the dragon-riding, she manages to portray Rhaenys with a regal air and a fierce spirit.
The Takeaway: It’s Not All Dragons and Sunshine
Next time you watch House of the Dragon and see Rhaenys soaring through the sky, remember the work that went into creating that scene. It’s a testament to the dedication and talent of actors like Eve Best who bring these fantastical worlds to life, even if it means a few bumps and bruises along the way.
So, the next time you see a movie or TV show with fantastical elements, take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s not all glamour and glory, but it’s the kind of dedication that brings our favorite stories to life.