In an exploration of familial relationships within the complex world of Westeros, actor James Norton, who portrays Lord Ormund Hightower in HBO's 'House of the Dragon,' has shed light on the nuanced dynamics between his character, Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox), and Prince Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth).
Norton suggested that the arrival of Gwayne in Tumbleton, particularly in a pivotal moment in Season 3 Episode 6, brings forth a more genuine portrayal of both Ormund and Daeron. "In a way, you don’t really get to see Ormund’s true authentic self until you see him interacting with Gwayne, I think. Well, actually both of them in a way," Norton told Decider. "I think in a way, Gwayne is the one who brings out the most authentic versions of both of them."
The episode features a tense sequence where Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) attempts to eliminate Ormund and Daeron by employing sellswords disguised as Baratheon envoys. Ormund, desperate for support, nearly falls for the deception. However, Gwayne's knowledge of guerrilla tactics and Westerosi customs allows him to discern the assassins' true identities, averting the plot.
Following this near-disaster, a private interaction between Ormund and Gwayne allows for a more open exchange. Norton highlighted the historical depth between the cousins, noting that their childhood experiences, including instances where Gwayne allowed Ormund to best him in games to avoid conflict, have shaped their adult relationship. "Gwayne’s relationship with Ormund is in itself a very complex, rich place to delve, and we did, and it allowed me a way into my history, imagining where they interacted," Norton stated.
He further elaborated on the performance aspect of the characters, suggesting that Gwayne's presence reveals the inauthenticity in Daeron's interactions with Ormund. "You see how disingenuous and how much of a sort of performance Daeron is putting on with Ormund. But similarly with Ormund, their history is—" Norton chuckled, recalling the rapport he shared with Fox while developing their characters' shared past.
The episode is set to air on August 4th on HBO and HBO Max.