House of the Dragon season 3 premiered on Sunday. But one controversial scene quickly sparked outrage and threats of boycotts on social media.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Fans of HBO’s fantasy hit House of the Dragon, a prequel to the widely popular series Game of Thrones, are once again in heated debate over the third season premiere, which sparked a wave of outrage online.
In one scene from the season three premiere, the two characters, Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke, and her son, Aemond, played by Ewan Mitchell, meet in King’s Landing. Alicent finds her son sitting on the Iron Throne, and she tries to convince him to leave the city.
However, Aemond refuses to obey his mother’s instructions. Instead, he defies her, and he does so with a kiss. It could suggest that Aemond has begun to develop romantic feelings toward his mother, leaving many viewers in shock.
Now, the scene has sparked widespread criticism. Not only because it isn’t a part of the original source material, but also because it was a kiss between mother and son.
“Disgusting” scene in ‘House Of The Dragon’ season 3 premiere ignites boycott threats
On Social media, fans described the scene as disturbing and uncomfortable. While the show has never shied away from violence and political brutality, this moment appears to have struck a different nerve with viewers.
Others defended the series, arguing that its reputation has always been built on pushing boundaries and staying faithful to its dark, medieval-inspired world.
“Ewww, I’m gonna throw up!” one person wrote.
“This is definitely the most disturbing scene in House of the Dragon,” another added.
A third commented, “Man..that was very awkward to watch…i was speechless….”
A fourth user stated it was “gross and unnecessary,” while a fifth commented, “When I thought I couldn’t be surprised by the GoT world, this happens, WTF”
As mentioned, many fans have criticized showrunner Ryan Condal for adding the scene, which wasn’t part of the original source material by creator George R. R. Martin.
Defended by cast member
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Condal explained that Aemond’s actions toward Alicent are rooted in unresolved trauma from a childhood experience involving his older brother during a visit to a brothel, shaping Aemond’s complex feelings and motives.
“As these things do, that trauma then manifests a certain way in his behavior as an adult,” he said.
Actor Ewan Mitchell, who plays Aemond, told People Magazine that it was “kind of shocking.”
“It’s quite a difficult pill to swallow, isn’t it? Kissing your mom on the lips, especially in that way,” he added, before telling the publication that his character ‘never felt like he was loved enough by his mom and his family around him,” he said, adding that it was a “masterclass” working with Olivia Cooke on the scene.
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