Ewan Mitchell Says Fans Literally Move Out of the Way When They See Him After ‘House of the Dragon’ Role
Ewan Mitchell has become one of the most recognizable faces in House of the Dragon, but his popularity comes with an unusual side effect. The actor, who plays the dangerous and unpredictable Aemond Targaryen, says fans sometimes react to him in public as if they are meeting the character rather than the person behind him.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell opened up about what it is like being connected to one of the most feared characters in the hit HBO series. Since first appearing as Aemond in 2022, the actor has seen how strongly viewers respond to the character’s violent actions and intimidating personality.
According to Mitchell, that reaction has even affected the way people behave around him in everyday situations.
“I’ve had people move out of the way for me,” Mitchell told PEOPLE. The actor shared one memorable experience at an airport while season 2 of House of the Dragon was airing. He explained that he was rushing to get across the airport and expected to struggle through the crowd, but instead noticed people stopping to watch him.
“I remember stressing, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to get from this side of the airport to the other side in less than five minutes.’ And I had so little resistance,” Mitchell said. “Because people would stop and stare as I was running past them.”
Mitchell joked that his character’s reputation might actually help him when he is in a hurry. “When in doubt, when I’ve got to get somewhere fast, [I’ll put Aemond’s wig on],” he joked.
While fans may find Aemond intimidating, Mitchell says he understands why the character has become such a complicated figure. The actor explained that much of Aemond’s behavior comes from the way he grew up and the lack of emotional support he felt from his family.
Discussing Aemond’s controversial moments in season 3, Mitchell said the character’s actions come from a very damaged place.
“Aemond, growing up, he never felt like he was loved enough by his mom and his family around him, and a kid needs that unconditional love to develop a balanced view of themselves,” Mitchell explained. “Because he never had that, he’s got a very skewed perception and a very strange way of showing love.”
One of the biggest talking points from the new season involved a shocking scene between Aemond and his mother Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke. Mitchell admitted the moment was difficult for viewers to watch because of the complicated emotions behind it.
“It kind of makes you want to throw up in your mouth a little bit,” he said about the scene. “It’s quite a difficult pill to swallow, isn’t it? Kissing your mom on the lips, especially in that way.” Cooke also spoke with PEOPLE about the scene, describing it as uncomfortable and dangerous because of Aemond’s unpredictable nature. “I think it was quite odd for both of us,” Cooke said.
She explained that Alicent understands how risky the situation is because rejecting Aemond could have serious consequences.
Do you think fans can separate Ewan Mitchell from Aemond Targaryen?
“She knows that one wrong facial expression, one perceived rejection, will cost her her life. So she’s trying to tread very, very carefully,” Cooke said.
As House of the Dragon continues, Mitchell’s performance as Aemond remains one of the most talked-about parts of the series. While fans may step aside when they see him in real life, the actor says the reaction is a sign that viewers are deeply invested in the world of Westeros and the characters within it.
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