Warning: spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 3 episode 3.
In the latest episode of House of the Dragon, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) reaches a breaking point. After enduring the deaths of his daughter, son, and wife Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), the Sea Snake faces another devastating blow when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) refuses to legitimize his illegitimate sons, Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and Addam (Clinton Liberty). Toussaint describes the moment as one where Corlys "explodes with rage."
"He asks a favour of the throne, and he's not successful. He basically explodes with rage, and so a lot of the season is him trying to come to terms not only with his grief but also with his position. And is it worth it?" Toussaint told Metro.
Corlys and Rhaenyra: A Fractured Alliance
Corlys' relationship with Rhaenyra has always been fraught with tension. While publicly supportive, privately Corlys harbors deep resentment. Toussaint explains that in the first two seasons, Corlys felt Rhaenyra was "the right person to rule" when in her presence, but apart from her, he believed "everything this woman touches turns to dust."
"As far as he's concerned, he's lost his son because he was involved with this woman. His daughter was involved with Daemon. He's lost his grandchild. He then loses his home, which is such an integral part of his identity. They have a very complicated relationship, and it gets more so this season," Toussaint said.
The Explosive Confrontation
In episode 3, Corlys confronts Rhaenyra directly, pointing out the double standard of her refusal. He declares: "Your son Joffrey is a bastard. Your son Lucerys, whom I accepted as my heir, was a bastard. Your son Jacaerys lived and died a bastard. Say aloud to me the reason your children deserve what mine are denied." Rhaenyra is visibly shocked by his outburst.
Corlys' anger is rooted in loss and injustice. His wife Rhaenys died fighting for Rhaenyra's cause, and her dying wish was for Corlys to support Rhaenyra and recognize his sons. Toussaint notes, "A combined sense of injustice, indignation and rage is what propels him through this season. He's lost so much, a lot of it in this cause for very little return."
Grief and Motivation
Corlys' motivation stems from his wife Rhaenys. Before her death, she told him, "We have to help [Rhaenyra] in her quest for the throne because hers is a rightful claim." She also revealed she knew about his sons and urged him to recognize them. "So, as he says in season two, everything I do now I do for her," Toussaint said.
Toussaint and Best's off-screen chemistry is as strong as on-screen, leading fans to believe they were a couple. "People used to often ask whether I was actually in a relationship with Eve Best," Toussaint shared. "I asked her. She said, 'Oh, yeah, they asked me that a lot as well.'"
The End of House of the Dragon
With season 4 confirmed as the final season, Toussaint reflects on his journey. "It's been wonderful to be a part of something where so many people are invested," he said. "It's mixed feelings about the fact that we're coming towards the end... But as an actor, you're always looking to try something different."
Toussaint has an upcoming film, A Blue Butterfly, which he wrote and stars in as Sentwali. Inspired by stories from the Rwandan genocide, the film explores guilt, redemption, and human connection. "It was a wonderful experience to make that movie, and hopefully, towards the end of this year, people will get to see it," he said.
Inspiration from Gary Oldman
Toussaint credits Gary Oldman, who also grew up in south London, as an inspiration. Watching Oldman in The Firm and Prick Up Your Ears made him believe acting was possible. "It was like, God, if someone from New Cross can do that, then maybe I've got a chance," he recalled. He has yet to meet Oldman but looks forward to telling him, "You man, you did it, you were amazing."
House of the Dragon is available on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and NOW, with new season 3 episodes released on Mondays.
