House of the Dragon Star Benjamin Evan Ainsworth on Daeron's Assassination Attempt and Evolving Power Dynamics

Season 3 of "House of the Dragon" continues to raise the stakes for Daeron Targaryen, the youngest son of Alicent Hightower and the late King Viserys Targaryen. In the third episode of the season, now streaming on HBO Max, the young prince faces his first assassination attempt — a moment that actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth says marks a significant turning point for the character.

The attack unfolds in Tumbleton, where Daeron is sharing a meal with his cousin and keeper Ormund Hightower (James Norton) and his uncle Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox). A group of Baratheons, seemingly acting on orders from Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), attempts to kill the prince. Gwayne intervenes in time to save Daeron, though the incident still results in several deaths and leaves Ormund vomiting from the smell of the carnage.

A Shift in Power Between Daeron and Ormund

According to Ainsworth, the assassination attempt creates an unexpected shift in the power dynamic between Daeron and Ormund. The actor explains that shock is a central element of the scene, as Daeron would never have anticipated such an escalation. During the chaos, Daeron holds back Ser Jon Roxton (Joplin Sibtain), known as "Bold" Jon Roxton, from intervening — a decision that demonstrates a growing assertiveness.

Ainsworth describes how Daeron begins taking more ownership of the situation, even as he grapples with frustration over Ormund's physical debilitation. The absurdity of the moment — with Ormund vomiting beside him while dead bodies lie around them — adds to the tension Daeron feels. This emerging independence could shape how Daeron responds to Ormund's efforts to position him as a new king.

Gwayne's Arrival and the Question of Kingship

Gwayne's arrival in Tumbleton, following his departure from Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), forces Daeron to confront his role in the ongoing war. Ainsworth notes that the character is suddenly thrust into chaos without time to process what is happening, creating internal tension. In his scene with Gwayne, Daeron is compelled to consider what becoming king would mean and whether it would create distance between himself and Ormund.

The relationship between Daeron and Gwayne offers a contrast to the dynamic with Ormund. Ainsworth describes Gwayne as a brotherly uncle with whom Daeron can be open and instinctual, free from the calculated behavior he adopts around Ormund. The actor notes that Daeron feels a safety with Gwayne that does not exist with Ormund, whose dangerous nature and manipulative tendencies require Daeron to constantly curate his behavior.

A scene in which Daeron asks Gwayne about their mother, Alicent, was partially cut from the episode. Ainsworth recalls that the original screenplay included a moment where Gwayne puts his arm around Daeron's shoulder, a gesture that underscores the deep respect between the two characters.

The Dragon Connection and Fan Theories

Daeron's dragon, Tessarion, has been kept locked away by Ormund, appearing on screen only once so far. Ainsworth believes Daeron has a strong bond with the dragon, describing Tessarion as a constant companion during his time in Old Town. The actor suggests that this relationship helps Daeron maintain a connection to his Targaryen heritage, counterbalancing Ormund's anti-Targaryen rhetoric.

Fan theories have also caught Ainsworth's attention, including one suggesting that Ormund has been dyeing Daeron's hair a Hightower color for years due to his hatred of the Targaryens. The actor acknowledges that the theory would not be entirely out of character for Ormund, though it was never explicitly addressed on set. Ainsworth expresses appreciation for the connection Daeron's hair creates to his mother, Alicent, whom he has not seen in years.

Regarding his preparation for the role, Ainsworth reveals that he read George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" from Aegon's conquest through the events of Season 3. He wanted to understand the historical context Daeron would have learned growing up in Old Town under the Faith of the Seven. While aware of the character's reputation as "Daeron the Daring" in the source material, Ainsworth says he enjoys exploring those qualities within the show's scripts and morally gray interpersonal dynamics.

As the final two episodes of Season 3 approach, the conflict between the Blacks and the Greens appears headed toward a confrontation in Tumbleton. Whether Daeron is ready to join the fight remains an open question — one that the actor leaves for viewers to discover. What do you think lies ahead for Daeron Targaryen? Share this article and join the conversation about one of television's most compelling character arcs.

Source: Variety