Inside the Game-Changing Scene of ‘House of the Dragon’ That Shifts the Power Balance

In the Game of Thrones universe, it's rare for a minor character to grab the spotlight and end an episode with a heroic moment. However, that's exactly what happened in Sunday’s episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon. Tavern dweller and Targaryen hopeful Ulf White made headlines by bonding with the dragon Silverwing.

British actor Tom Bennett mirrors his character’s journey, having been in the acting world for 20 years but only recently landing a major role in this franchise. Bennett previously auditioned for a role in Game of Thrones, but his role in House of the Dragon is his biggest break yet.

Bennett shares his experience of stepping into this high-profile show. He describes how, despite his character initially being seen as a minor figure, he suddenly takes center stage with a dramatic dragon scene. He was thrilled to be part of the show and reflects on his character's journey from being an outsider to riding a dragon.

Bennett reveals he had only one previous audition for the franchise, where he was considered for a comedic guard role. Now, he’s thrilled to be involved in such a high-stakes scenario. He notes that Ulf’s life has been filled with myths about his Targaryen lineage, but he’s unsure of their truth until he's faced with a real dragon.

The actor discusses Ulf’s initial fear and anxiety when faced with other Targaryen claimants and the looming threat of death. He emphasizes the dramatic shift in his character's power dynamics, going from a lowly tavern dweller to a significant figure with control over a dragon.

This season has notably shifted focus to include characters from Flea Bottom, showcasing their rise from the lower classes to positions of influence. Bennett believes this change adds a refreshing layer to the franchise, providing a new perspective on Westeros.