Newcomer Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who plays Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon Season 3, has shared how much of a lifelong Game of Thrones fan he is at just 17 years old, and how surreal it felt to join the universe.
In a recent interview with GQ, Ainsworth said:
“I’ve been a fan of Game of Thrones for years now. Even when the audition came through, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, okay, right, this is awesome.’ To be sat here ahead of episode four, it’s awesome.”
From fan to Targaryen prince
Ainsworth’s excitement is palpable. Like many fans, he might have grown up watching the original series and never imagined he would one day step into the same world; let alone as one of the most anticipated new characters in the prequel.
Landing the role of Daeron (the last child of Alicent Hightower and a dragonrider bonded to Tessarion, the Blue Queen) was a dream come true.
Bringing Daeron to Life
In Season 3, Daeron arrives as a key player for the Greens, mentored by Ormund Hightower (James Norton). Ainsworth has spoken about the challenge of portraying a character torn between his Hightower upbringing and his Targaryen blood, while navigating complex relationships and the brutal realities of war.
His performance has already drawn praise for bringing freshness and sincerity to the role, making Daeron one of the standout new additions this season.
A full-circle moment
For Ainsworth, joining House of the Dragon feels like coming full circle. From binge-watching the original series to now riding a dragon (figuratively and literally) in the same universe, his journey highlights the magic of the Game of Thrones franchise, turning fans into participants in the story.
As Daeron’s arc unfolds in Season 3 and beyond, fans are eager to see how this longtime viewer brings his passion to one of Westeros’ most important young princes.