“House of the Dragon”’s Tom Glynn-Carney Breaks Down the ‘Chaotic’ Process Behind Dragon-Riding Scenes (Exclusive)

**Behind the Scenes of ‘House of the Dragon’: Tom Glynn-Carney on Filming Dragon Riding**

Tom Glynn-Carney, the actor portraying Aegon Targaryen in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’, has provided intriguing insights into the intense process of filming dragon-riding scenes that have amazed viewers. In an interview with PEOPLE, he described the experience as both exhilarating and challenging, revealing the high-energy environment that surrounds the production of such spectacular sequences.

The prequel to the popular series ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘House of the Dragon’ features a plethora of dragons and their riders, including Rhaenyra (played by Emma D’Arcy) and Aegon, who are locked in a fierce battle for the Iron Throne following the death of their father, King Viserys (Paddy Considine). Glynn-Carney’s character faces significant challenges this season, particularly after a brutal assault from his brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Aemond’s dragon Vhagar.

Reflecting on the complexities of shooting dragon scenes, Glynn-Carney shared that the filming environment is uniquely immersive. “It’s very satisfying being up on the buck and having the wind machines blast you to bits,” he said, portraying his enthusiasm for the role. While he visually engages with a set-up designed to simulate dragon flight, the actors must also navigate a whirlwind of sensory elements.

Filming typically occurs on a soundstage equipped with a semicircle of screens that help create a realistic backdrop. “The screens give you perspective on where you are and what you’re flying past,” Glynn-Carney explained. He compared the experience to being in the line of fire, particularly recalling a pivotal scene featuring air combat during the ‘Rook’s Rest’ episode, where visual effects were synchronised in real-time.

The technical aspects of filming dragon-riding sequences are equally as dramatic, with Glynn-Carney describing the cameras “on these crazy cranes that move at the speed of light.” He elaborated on feeling “fully in it” amidst a chaotic atmosphere filled with sound effects, wind machines, and crew communications via megaphones. “It’s all quite chaotic, but you’re in the eye of the storm, really,” he said, highlighting the thrilling yet controlled chaos of the production.

Turning to his character’s emotional landscape, Glynn-Carney discussed the profound impact of Aegon’s dragon Sunfyre being killed and the injuries sustained during Aemond’s attack. He portrayed this event as a “catalytic moment” for Aegon’s development, elaborating on his character’s conflicted emotions regarding Rhaenyra and Aemond, both of whom play significant roles in his quest for power.

According to Glynn-Carney, Aegon’s primary objective remains clear: to reclaim the Iron Throne and restore his rightful place in the realm. However, he noted the urgency of addressing the threat posed by Aemond, who is actively pursuing Aegon. “Right now, Aemond feels more like a pressing matter. He’s the more urgent issue at the moment,” Glynn-Carney explained, emphasising the high stakes involved in their rivalry.

As ‘House of the Dragon’ continues to unfold, viewers can expect more spectacular sequences and intricate character dynamics that define the series. New episodes are set to air on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, promising further exploration of the gripping storylines that keep fans hooked.

With Glynn-Carney’s reflections on the demanding yet rewarding nature of the production, ‘House of the Dragon’ appears poised to maintain its gripping narrative and captivating spectacle in the world of fantasy television. As the series progresses, the audience can anticipate deeper complexities and more breathtaking scenes that push the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects.