Actor Ewan Mitchell Describes Aemond’s Controversial Kiss with Alicent

Ewan Mitchell, the actor portraying Aemond Targaryen in the highly anticipated House of the Dragon series, has candidly shared his reaction to a particularly startling scene in the season three premiere. The opening episode featured Aemond kissing his mother, Alicent, played by Olivia Cooke, during an intense conversation, a moment that has stirred significant discussion among viewers.

Speaking about the scene, Mitchell described the experience as something that “kind of makes you want to throw up in your mouth a little bit.” He acknowledged the inherent shock value, stating, “Yeah, it’s kind of shocking. It’s quite a difficult pill to swallow, isn’t it? Kissing your mom on the lips, especially in that way.”

Exploring Aemond’s Distorted Affection

Mitchell elaborated on his character’s motivations, suggesting the kiss stems from Aemond’s lifelong struggle for maternal affection. “I think what you see in that scene in episode 1 is that skewed love,” he explained. “I mean, 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. And Aemond, because he never had that, he’s got a very skewed perception and a very strange way of showing love.”

Despite the disturbing nature of the scene, Mitchell viewed it as a “tremendous challenge and an opportunity to show Aemond in a new light.” He also praised his co-star Olivia Cooke, calling their work together a “masterclass.” “Working with Liv Cooke in that scene is just — it’s a masterclass working with Liv Cooke in any scene, yeah she’s a real one,” he added.

Showrunner and Co-star Weigh In on the Scene

Showrunner Ryan Condal provided context for Aemond’s complex psyche. He explained to Entertainment Weekly that Aemond was “traumatised at an early age by his brother by taking him to a brothel long before his brain could probably process what was happening.” Condal noted, “As these things do, that trauma then manifests a certain way in his behavior as an adult.” He further elaborated, “While I don’t think that Aemond is necessarily in love with his mother, I don’t think he’s able to separate the feelings that he has for her from these other male feelings that he experiences.”

Olivia Cooke also reflected on the filming process, admitting it was “quite odd for both of us.” She mused on the “Oedipal undercurrent — unbeknownst to Alicent. And I think it’s shocking.” Cooke emphasized the precariousness of the situation for her character, stating, “She knows that one wrong facial expression, one perceived rejection, will cost her her life. So she’s trying to tread very, very carefully. But I do think she’s sort of stupefied in that moment.”

Fan Reactions to the Shocking Premiere

The kiss between Aemond and Alicent elicited strong reactions from viewers, many of whom took to social media to express their astonishment. Comments ranged from “That was easily the most uncomfortable kiss I’ve ever seen on TV” to “I had to rewind three times because there’s no way my eyes just witnessed that.” Many users expressed disbelief and noted the series’ continued ability to shock audiences, with one X user writing, “House of the Dragon keeps finding new ways to leave me absolutely speechless.”

Other reactions included, “Ayo wtf?? I forget this stuff happens in game of thrones/house of the dragon,” and “House of the Dragon continues to push the Targaryen family tree into absolute chaos.” One viewer explicitly stated, “A Son kissing his Mum. That was disgusting! Am I the only one who felt uncomfortable?”

Premiere Episode Features Intense Battle and Major Losses

Beyond the controversial kiss, the season three premiere also delivered a brutal and long-awaited event: the Battle of the Gullet. Fans had been anticipating this clash for two seasons, and its depiction in the premiere left many reeling.

The bloody conflict resulted in the deaths of several beloved characters, significantly impacting the narrative. Tragically, Jacaerys Velaryon and his dragon, Vermax, were among the casualties. The Lannister clan also suffered a loss, and a notable admiral met their end by the conclusion of the action-packed episode.