‘House of the Dragon’ Star Bethany Antonia Reveals What Excited and Challenged Her Most About Playing Baela Targaryen

Bethany Antonia says one of the biggest challenges of playing Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon has been discovering who the character truly is beyond her relationships with other people.

In an interview with Pop Base, the actress opened up about bringing Baela to life and explained that the hardest part was understanding what drives the young Targaryen when she is not simply supporting someone else’s story.

According to Antonia, Baela has often been shown through the eyes of the people around her. Whether it is protecting her family, supporting her allies, or following expectations placed on her because of her name, the character has not always had the chance to focus on her own goals.

“What was challenging was figuring out what her position would be if she wasn’t associated to certain characters. What does she stand for?” Antonia told Pop Base.

The actress explained that she wanted to explore Baela as an individual and show her growth from a young woman into someone who must make her own choices.

“So far, all we’ve seen of Baela is her doing what other people expect of her or trying to protect other people,” she said.

Antonia added that the new season gave her the opportunity to explore parts of Baela that audiences had not seen before.

“I think this season I was sort of forced to confront the fact that, as an individual, we haven’t seen her do anything for herself or born out of her own interests or desires,” the actress explained.

Baela’s journey becomes even more complicated after the devastating events of the Dance of the Dragons. As one of the key members of Team Black, she is forced to deal with loss while taking on greater responsibility.

One of the most painful moments for the character comes during the Battle of the Gullet. Baela fights alongside her betrothed, Jacaerys Velaryon, as the battle turns into a disaster for the Blacks. During the conflict, Jace sacrifices himself while trying to protect others, leading to his tragic death.

Baela witnesses the loss of someone who was not only her future husband but also one of her closest allies. The moment changes her role in the war and pushes her into a more serious position within the Targaryen family.

After the battle, Baela is the one who brings Jace’s body back to Dragonstone. Riding her dragon Moondancer, she returns with the remains of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s heir and delivers the heartbreaking news to his family.

The tragedy becomes another major blow for Rhaenyra, who has already suffered greatly during the civil war. Baela’s actions during this period show her strength and loyalty, but they also reveal the emotional weight she carries.

Later, Baela becomes more connected with the remaining Velaryon and Targaryen leaders. She works alongside her grandfather Corlys Velaryon and other members of House Velaryon as they deal with the aftermath of the battle and the continuing war.

For Antonia, the challenge of playing Baela is not just about showing her as a warrior or a member of a powerful family. It is about showing a young woman trying to understand herself while carrying the expectations that come with her bloodline.

“We’re seeing her sort of go into the same territory as we did when we first met her mom and thinking of her as an adult, what that means, and the kind of decisions she has to make going forward,” Antonia said.

As House of the Dragon continues, Baela’s story appears to be moving toward a new chapter where she is no longer just part of someone else’s journey. She is becoming a key figure with her own choices, ambitions, and future to shape.

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