'House of the Dragon' Star Emma D'Arcy Shares the Season 3 Scene They 'Dreaded' Most (They Nailed It)
Emma D'Arcy is back as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen for House of the Dragon Season 3, and they're already nailing the character's emotional storyline in the newest episodes. The Game of Thrones spinoff returns with an action-packed opener, which leaves Rhaenyra reeling, but also pushes her to finally do what she must to claim the Iron Throne. SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2.
Following the death of Prince Jacaerys Velaryon at the Battle of the Gullet, Rhaenyra is left grieving. Yet she also has an opening to finally take King's Landing. Daemon Targaryen rouses her enough to ensure Jace doesn't die "in vain." It leads to another thrilling installment - one that ends with Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne.
Of course, with her losing another son and needing to kill Otto Hightower, the whole episode is an emotional whirlwind for Rhaenyra. D'Arcy captures the character's barrage of complicated feelings well, but there was a scene the actor "dreaded" doing. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, they admitted that the immediate follow-up to Jace's death was the most daunting undertaking of Season 3.
"That was the one that I dreaded this season and was pretty grim actually on the day," D'Arcy recalled. As it's a gutting moment to watch, as Rhaenyra weeps over her son's body while cycling through denial, sadness, and rage. It's no surprise it was just as hard to film. And for D'Arcy, it wasn't the content itself that proved challenging; it was also the fact that they care for co-star Harry Collett.
"I suppose this is the dark side of the coin of a recurring show," D'Arcy said. "These bonds that we make are all so real. There's a whole parallel constellation of friendships and relationships going on. Harry's been on the show a long time. He is profoundly loved and he's a wonderful person and I care about him very deeply. I don't want to imagine it. I don't want to imagine it for his character. I don't want to imagine it for him."
Emma D'Arcy Gives One of Their Best Performances in This 'Dreaded' Scene
Despite D'Arcy's apprehension about the fallout of Jace's death, the actor gives one of their best performances during this scene. It's undeniably a tearjerker, driving home the depth of Rhaenyra's latest loss. It's the kind of TV moment that makes you cry alongside the character, and it hits so hard because D'Arcy sells it. It may have been a tough moment, but the actor's efforts pay off. Now all that's left is for someone to give D'Arcy that Emmy already.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 10:58 AM.