All the legendary House of the Dragon cast members who look completely different IRL

Maybe it’s the blood of the dragon running through their veins, or perhaps its got more to do with the $20 million per episode budget, but the House of the Dragon real life cast look completely different to their on screen characters. I mean to be fair, we should hope so. But stripped out of the wigs and makeup, it’s unlikely you’ll recognise any of the cast if you bumped into them on the street. So, without the bows and whistles, here’s what the House of the Dragon cast look like in real life.

Steve Touissant – Lord Corlys Velaryon

via HBO and Instagram @thegenuinetoussaint

Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the House of the Dragon cast in real life versus on set, Steve Touissant looks wildly different in real life. His character, Lord Corlys Velaryon, sports not only a healthy beard, but long grey locks too, which definitely add to the air of assertiveness about him. In real life, Steve is bald and clean shaven. It must be nice to play dress up with all that hair and be able to take it off so easily.

Paddy Considine – King Viserys I Targaryen

via HBO and Instagram @paddy_considine

Jesus – it’s kind of a blessing that Paddy bears no resemblance to King Viserys, especially when he starts to rot. He starts to look SO creepy and whilst Paddy looks pretty good as a silver fox, I’m pleased he’s kept it short.

Ewan Mitchell – Aemond Targaryen

via HBO and YouTube

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Ewan Mitchell had more than just a hair transformation for his part as Aemond Targaryen. One of the House of the Dragon cast members in real life who looks completely different to his character, Ewan not only dons a lengthy wig, but also an eyepatch over his garish scar. I think he rather suits long hair – maybe there’s a chance Ewan might grow it out in the future? Here’s to hoping.

Bethany Antonia – Baela Targaryen

via HBO and Instagram @bethanyantonia

Bethany Antonia, who plays Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, had an even more impressive wig than Lord Corlys. In real life, Bethany is no where near grey, and is actually really cool. She’s another cast member who’s clearly sick of the long locks, instead opting for shorter hair and some less traditional clothes.

Emma D’Arcy – Rhaenyra Targaryen

via HBO and Instagram @emmaziadarcy

Emma D’Arcy plays Rhaenyra Targaryen and is appropriately dressed in a long white blonde wig, the Targaryen’s most notable family trait. But when she’s not in character, Emma actually favours super short hair and has dipped in and out of different styles of pixie cuts for years now, even dying her barnet pink once. She’s also mega trendy and is always in edgy outfits.

Matt Smith – Daemon Targaryen

via HBO and YouTube

Now I’m convinced I’d recognise Matt Smith anywhere, in any role. His stint as the Eleventh Doctor has meant he will forever remind me of Doctor Who, whatever role he takes on. That being said, House of the Dragon did attempt to erase all traces of Theta Sigma from the production, instead putting him in the Targaryen’s signature blonde locks and some pretty tight armour.

Harry Collett – Jacareys Velaryon

via HBO and Instagram @harrycollettactor

In real life, House of the Dragon cast member Jacareys Velaryon is played by Harry Collett, who looks remarkably different when he’s not playing Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen’s son. In the episodes where Jacareys has straight hair, he looks unrecognisable as Harry. It’s only later when he embraces his curls where he starts to resemble himself under the costume.

Eve Best – Rhaenys Targaryen

via HBO and YouTube

Eve Best and Rhaenys Targaryen have one major thing in common and it’s that they’re both fit. Silver looks good on Eve and to be honest, she doesn’t look too dissimilar to her House of the Dragon character, apart from her powerful costume obvs.

Tom Glynn-Carney – Aegon Targaryen

via HBO and YouTube

Tom, who plays Aegon Targaryen after he’s grown up, looks a lot less grey in real life, both his hair and skin. Without the cool toned makeup and ice blonde hair, he actually looks his age with a short stubble and his shaggy dirty blonde hair.

Fabien Frankel – Criston Cole

via HBO and Instagram @fabienfrankel

Fabien looks just as good as Criston Cole as he does in real life. His hair is just gorgeous, but to be honest, this man could be bald and I’d still swoon. He’s one of the few who sport stubble out of the House of the Dragon cast in real life as well as on the show.

Olivia Cooke – Alicent Targaryen

via HBO and Instagram @livkatecook

Olivia Cooke is both a redhead in House of the Dragon and in real life and it’s clear why – it’s totally her colour. She even wears similar jewellery as her character, so it wouldn’t be hard to spot her out and about.

For all the latest House of the Dragon news, drops, quizzes, and memes, like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook.  

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Featured image via HBO and Instagram @thegenuinetoussaint