Steve Toussaint Says Corlys Questions Rhaenyra After Shocking ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Twist
House of the Dragon Season 3 has already put Lord Corlys Velaryon through another painful chapter, and according to actor Steve Toussaint, things are only going to get more complicated from here. In an interview with Gold Derby, the actor revealed that Corlys will begin questioning both his role in the war and his loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra as the season moves forward.
Corlys has stood by Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne for years, but the cost of that decision continues to grow. After losing family members, his home, and much of what he spent his life building, the legendary Sea Snake is starting to wonder whether supporting Rhaenyra has been worth the sacrifice.
Speaking with Gold Derby, Toussaint explained that Corlys is reaching a point where he has to think carefully about what comes next “Since she became the declared heir to the throne, it’s always been a complicated relationship. Much as he really believes in her claim, he thinks there’s something about her that draws catastrophe and damage.”
The actor pointed out that Corlys has suffered enormous personal losses during the conflict. His son died after marrying Rhaenyra, while his daughter was also lost because of the Targaryen family’s actions. Even though Corlys still believes Rhaenyra has the rightful claim to the throne, he can no longer ignore everything that has happened around her.
Toussaint said Corlys begins to feel that staying close to Rhaenyra may no longer be the best choice.
“While he acknowledges her claim and the fact that she is, on the whole, trying to do the right thing, he feels he’d be better off further and further away from her. Later on, he has to assess the sacrifice that he feels he has made for her cause, and the lack of return for it. And that does cause him to reassess where he is at, and what his role should be in this whole conflict.”
The interview also touched on Corlys’ emotional journey after losing his wife, Rhaenys. Toussaint believes the character has finally realized that family matters more than wealth or power. After seeing his castle destroyed and much of his fortune disappear, Corlys understands that the people around him are what truly matter.
He explained that Corlys once believed material success was everything, but that has changed. “Your wealth is in your family and the people whose lives you affect.”
Another major talking point from the interview was the controversial kiss between Alicent Hightower and her son Aemond in the Season 3 premiere. The scene shocked many viewers and quickly became one of the biggest topics online. Toussaint admitted he was surprised by the moment as well. “Well, I found it shocking.”
He also acknowledged that unusual family relationships are common in the world of House of the Dragon, but still described the scene as strange. “I guess it’s par for the course with this particular set of people that a son might do that to his mother. It’s, you know, weird.”
Even with all the shocking moments this season has delivered, Toussaint believes Corlys’ personal struggles remain one of the show’s most important stories. The once-confident lord is beginning to question everything he has fought for, and his relationship with Rhaenyra appears to be reaching a critical point.
Corlys is entering a new phase of his journey. While he still supports Rhaenyra’s right to rule, the growing cost of war may force him to rethink where his loyalty truly belongs before the battle for the Iron Throne is finally over.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
