Earlier than Daenerys Targaryen was the well-known “mom of dragons” in “Recreation of Thrones,” her ancestor, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, was set to develop into the primary ruling Queen of Westeros. 

Milly Alcock, 22, who stars as Rhaenyra within the first 5 episodes of the “GoT” spinoff collection “Home of the Dragon,” informed The Submit that she hadn’t seen “GoT” earlier than touchdown the position.

“However after all, I knew about it,” she stated. “I understood that it was very huge and very fashionable. [After getting cast], I watched it to arrange. I binged the entire eight seasons in 2 weeks. It was intense, and I rapidly grew to become a fan and understood why everybody beloved it.”

“Home of the Dragon” (Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO) is about round 200 years earlier than the occasions of “Recreation of Thrones,” and follows Daenerys and Jon Snow’s ancestors, the silver-haired, dragon driving Targaryen household. As Sunday’s collection premiere launched, King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) sits on the Iron Throne, and has simply named his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as his inheritor – although it’s not the norm for ladies to rule, and his advisors worry this can throw the realm into chaos. 

Alcock, 22, is an Australian actress (“The Gloaming”) who’s now primarily based in London. She was nonetheless dwelling at residence in her mom’s attic when she obtained the decision that she’d landed the high-profile half. 

“I used to be in shock and disbelief. It took me till I used to be really doing pre-production to totally course of it, and permit myself to get enthusiastic about it, and cease getting the sensation that I used to be going to be fired,” she stated. “The throne room was simply so cool. Each time you stepped on set, the novelty didn’t put on off.”

Though she loved Emilia Clarke’s efficiency as Daenerys, she didn’t draw inspiration from it with the intention to play Rhaenyra, she stated. “Clearly, there’s similarities of their elementary morals as individuals, however in the end they transfer all through the world very otherwise.”

As a substitute, she drew inspiration from two different sources. 

“Cate Blanchett in ‘The Golden Age,’ and Audrey Hepburn in ‘Roman Vacation.’ If you happen to might mix these 2 girls collectively, I feel that’s Rhaenyra. She’s witty, and cheeky, however she has to carry out continually, and dwell as much as that regal position. However, you’ll be able to see beneath the floor, she’s fairly uncomfortable in her pores and skin.”

As the primary episode of “Home of the Dragon” exhibits Rhaenyra has an uncommon relationship together with her Uncle Daemon (Matt Smith, “The Crown”) that has flirty undertones (the Targaryens are fairly pro-incest, in order that half isn’t a lot concern to them). 

“Me and Matt got here to a mutual understanding: that [the relationship] is charged, but it surely’s beneath the floor,” stated Alcock. “It’s nearly like they’re having two conversations in each scene. It’s like what they’re really saying, and what they’re saying of their physique language, and of their eyes, and of their tone. It was actually enjoyable to play with, and to work with Matt. He’s such a beneficiant actor, and he’s so variety and thoughtful, it elevated my efficiency.

“I feel Rhaenyra is at an age the place she will’t inform the distinction between platonic love, romantic love, and lust, as a result of she hasn’t lived lengthy sufficient and gone via these experiences. So, I feel that she understands that there’s a sense right here [with Daemon], however she’s not fairly certain the place it lands, and tips on how to behave with it and navigate it, which is what makes that dynamic so fascinating.”

Since “Recreation of Thrones” was the most important present on the planet throughout its run from 2011 to 2019, Alcock stated the “Home of the Dragon” forged felt a way of stress. 

“In fact we did. However not whereas we had been taking pictures. It’s solely been on this half that we’ve been reminded of how huge it’s. I don’t actually know tips on how to strategy it. It’s extraordinarily intimidating. So, I’ve been a bit extra reclusive than I usually can be. Simply gaining the arrogance to work together with that fandom – you wish to do them justice. It’s fairly fascinating as an actor for there to already be a fan base, versus a fan base coming to you.

“It’s nearly like they’ve to simply accept us first. It’s going to be fascinating to listen to everybody’s response.”