Los Angeles, California – In the highly anticipated season 2 premiere of “House of the Dragon,” viewers were introduced to the characters Blood and Cheese, portrayed by actors Sam C. Wilson and Mark Stobbart. These characters play a pivotal role in one of the most tragic events from the world of “Game of Thrones” – the assassination and beheading of 6-year-old Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen.
Series co-creator, Ryan Condal, sought to keep the identity of these characters a secret until their dramatic entrance in the premiere episode. The episode’s title, “A Son for a Son,” is derived from a well-known line in George R.R. Martin’s “Fire and Blood,” setting the stage for the unfolding events.
Blood and Cheese, hired by Prince Daemon Targaryen, are tasked with a deadly mission to seek revenge on Aemond Targaryen for the loss of Lucerys Velaryon. Their journey leads them to the royal nursery, where a chilling confrontation takes place with Queen Helaena Targaryen and her young children.
While the scene in the book “Fire and Blood” is more graphic and detailed, the television adaptation navigates the challenges of portraying such intense moments with child actors. The creators opted for a more subtle approach, hinting at the brutality without showing it explicitly on screen.
Despite their limited on-screen time, Wilson and Stobbart reflected on the significance of their roles within the larger narrative of “Game of Thrones.” They acknowledge the weight of adding Blood and Cheese to the roster of tragic events in the show’s history, aiming to stay true to the characters as depicted in the source material.
As “House of the Dragon” continues to unfold, viewers can expect more twists and turns as the story of the Targaryen dynasty unfolds on screen. The series airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, captivating audiences with its gripping tale of power, betrayal, and vengeance.