Even though House of the Dragon is filled with intense moments and serious storylines, the cast has their lighthearted moments off camera. According to recent revelations from a Comic Con panel in New York on October 20, 2024, Rhys Ifans, who portrays Otto Hightower, is the one who constantly breaks character to make everyone laugh.
Rhys Ifans Keeps the Set Laughing
During the Comic Con panel, actors Matt Smith, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Fabien Frankel shared insights about what it’s like working with Ifans. Despite his serious portrayal of Otto Hightower on screen, he has a different personality behind the scenes. Fabien Frankel shared that while Ifans portrays his character with precision, he often jokes that he has no idea what’s going on, saying, “No idea what’s going on today.” Frankel admitted it’s hard to stay serious when acting alongside Ifans, and every day feels like an “uphill struggle” to remain professional.
Matt Smith humorously referred to Rhys Ifans as the “funniest man on the planet ever,” highlighting just how much of an impact Ifans has on the entire cast’s mood. According to the cast, Ifans’ constant humor makes it challenging to get through scenes without breaking into laughter.
Challenges for the Cast on Set
Frankel shared how difficult it was to work with Ifans during some of the more serious scenes. He mentioned feeling pressure from the production team, saying, “I can feel HBO behind the monitor going, like, ‘Jesus Christ, Rhys.’” He humorously described moments when Ifans would be performing alongside Olivia Cooke, with everyone wondering how they could manage to keep a straight face.
Despite these lighthearted moments behind the scenes, Otto Hightower remains a crucial figure in the storyline. Ryan Condal, the showrunner and co-creator of House of the Dragon, shared with Variety in August that Otto’s role will continue to be significant in the upcoming seasons.
What to Expect for Otto Hightower in Future Seasons
While Otto Hightower has played a critical role in the first two seasons, fans can expect to see more of him in future episodes. Ryan Condal confirmed that Rhys Ifans would return in season three, ensuring that Otto’s story is far from over. Condal added, “The Otto Hightower tale has not yet come to an end,” leaving fans eager to see what’s next for his character.
House of the Dragon has continued to build a strong following since its debut. Season 2, which aired on June 16, 2024, sparked a lot of discussions online, with fans dissecting scenes and dialogues after every episode. The show’s gripping storyline and detailed character arcs have kept the audience engaged and excited for the next installment.
Upcoming Seasons
The HBO series has already gained a reputation for its complex characters and intense political drama. The good news for fans is that season three is set to go into production in 2025. However, it has also been confirmed that the show will conclude after a total of four seasons. This leaves fans with two more seasons to enjoy before the epic saga wraps up.
Fans of House of the Dragon can continue watching the first two seasons, which are currently available for streaming on Max. With more twists and dramatic developments expected in the coming seasons, the excitement is sure to continue.
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source: Variety, People Magazine