‘You Become A Bit Numb’ House Of The Dragon Lead Talks Filming Funeral Scene With Dummy Of A Dead Kid With Head Sewn Back On

'You Become A Bit Numb' House Of The Dragon Lead Talks Filming Funeral Scene With Dummy Of A Dead Kid With Head Sewn Back On

As a dedicated fan who has weathered the stormy seas of Westeros for far too many winters now, I can confidently say that the renewal of House of the Dragon for Season 3 is a much-needed reprieve from the constant cycle of death and destruction that plagues our beloved characters. However, it’s not all doom and gloom on set – apparently, Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban were belting out Taylor Swift tunes between takes during the funeral scene for young Jaeherys!


Some spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2 can be found throughout this story.

The news that House of the Dragon will have a Season 3 brings relief to fans eager for more, especially since the Game of Thrones spinoff left several cliffhangers unresolved. While fans may be excited about the renewal, it’s safe to say that the fantasy drama isn’t typically a “light-hearted” viewing experience. However, filming can be a different story altogether. Olivia Cooke recently shared insights into how she injected humor into a somber scene involving a child’s dead body, which had to be collected and sewn back together.

I know it feels like a lifetime ago in the House of the Dragon family tree timeline that Blood and Cheese came and assassinated young Jaehaerys in front of his mother. The death episode was harrowing earlier in Season 2, and it was even harder to watch when the next episode hit the 2024 TV schedule. That’s because the next episode featured a funeral in the streets, crowded with people, while Jaeherys was paraded around with his head sewn back on.

In the funeral scene, Olivia Cooke, the main character in the series, sat in an open-air carriage alongside Phia Saban, positioned towards the rear. The carriage provided a clear sight of the prop built for the occasion, which might seem grim but, as Cooke explained after her time on House of the Dragon, one grows accustomed to the constant presence of blood and gore.

1. The prosthesis was truly extraordinary, leaving one speechless at times. It was so captivating that it almost felt overwhelming. In between filming scenes, there were moments when we’d be riding in a carriage, and the intensity would subside slightly, but only for a while.

Indeed, Phia and Olivia admitted to Variety that they would engage in impromptu singing sessions during breaks from filming the funeral scene. I can almost visualize them bursting into a Taylor Swift tune (or any other artist, she didn’t specify) and then swiftly adopting their grave demeanors each time the cameras began rolling again. It’s quite an unusual world, television production.

Similarly, Phia Saban responded when shown a lifelike figure resembling a real actor, remarking that it was strikingly authentic in appearance.

Having grown up in a small, close-knit community where craftsmanship and creativity were highly valued, I was always captivated by the intricate details and artistry that went into creating handmade items. One memory that stands out from my childhood is a vivid encounter with a local artisan who showed me his exquisite work – a doll made of gold thread, so skillfully crafted that it appeared to have been sewn back together seamlessly. The delicate flowers adorning the doll added an enchanting touch, and I still remember feeling awestruck by the level of detail and care that went into this creation. This experience left a lasting impression on me, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the beauty and skill that can be found in handmade items.

Fun fact: That character wasn’t a real person with makeup; it was actually a prosthetic used by the young actor. It didn’t occur to me during viewing, but it highlights the meticulous care taken in crafting even the smallest details to ensure the fantasy series appears visually stunning.

'You Become A Bit Numb' House Of The Dragon Lead Talks Filming Funeral Scene With Dummy Of A Dead Kid With Head Sewn Back On

It’s not unexpected to discover that actors seek some humor during extended shoots for their television series, such as the one seen in behind-the-scenes clips featuring Game of Thrones actors making funny faces while riding dragons. Undoubtedly, there were many lighthearted moments we’re unaware of that happened during filming the most challenging scenes throughout the show’s run. After all, it’s not feasible to maintain a somber mood for extended periods, and ultimately, it’s merely a job with colleagues similar to any other.

It’s clear that much has transpired in the series since Jaeherys was killed, and it seems there will only be more turmoil and tragedy to follow. Unfortunately, House of the Dragon won’t return this year, but we can anticipate a flood of fresh news as the production of new episodes progresses.

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2024-08-26 03:07