In a startling revelation from the set of HBO's epic fantasy series House of the Dragon, actor Elliot Grihault has admitted to taking method acting to a distressing extreme. The young star, who portrays Lucerys Velaryon, confessed to striking his co-star Phia Saban (Queen Helaena Targaryen) with such force during a filmed slap that it reduced her to tears.
The incident occurred during the filming of a tense scene, requiring Grihault's character to deliver a sharp slap to Saban's. In a recent interview, Grihault revealed the moment went terribly wrong, stating he hit his colleague 'way too hard' on camera.
'I felt awful,' Grihault recounted, his remorse palpable. 'I slapped her and she started crying because I'd done it way too hard. It was supposed to be a staged slap, but in the heat of the moment, I got it completely wrong.'
The immediate aftermath was filled with tension and regret. Grihault described the profound sense of guilt that washed over him as he saw his colleague's genuine distress. The incident highlights the often-unseen physical and emotional challenges actors face when performing intense scenes, even in a controlled environment.
Thankfully, the story has a professional resolution. Grihault was quick to apologise, and Saban, understanding the pressures of filming, accepted his apology. The two actors were able to move past the unfortunate event, demonstrating a commendable level of professionalism. The final take, Grihault assured, was executed perfectly and is the version audiences will see on screen.
This candid confession offers a rare glimpse behind the glamorous curtain of high-budget television production, reminding viewers that even in the world of dragons and royalty, very human mistakes can happen.
