In one of House of the Dragon's most electrically charged moments, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Criston Cole confronted their shattered relationship in a bathhouse, surrounded by an unexpected luxury: barrels of Guinness. This visually stunning scene has become one of the most talked-about television moments of the year, but the reality behind the production is even more fascinating.
The Staggering Cost of Recreating King's Landing
While viewers were captivated by the tense exchange between the former allies, few could have guessed what filled those baths. The production team made a surprising choice, using genuine Guinness stout to achieve the perfect murky, medieval aesthetic. This decision came with a hefty price tag, with reports suggesting the production spent approximately £40,000 on Guinness alone for this single sequence.
More Than Just Atmospheric Drama
The scene served as a critical turning point in the series. Rhaenyra, played by Emma D'Arcy, confronts Criston Cole after he brutally murders Lord Beesbury during a Small Council meeting. The tension is palpable as she reveals her knowledge of his secret—breaking his vow of celibacy—which he had previously confessed to her mother, Alicent Hightower.
This confrontation effectively seals the fate of their complex relationship, pushing Cole firmly into Alicent's camp and setting the stage for the civil war to come. The intimacy of the bathhouse setting, combined with the symbolic murkiness of the dark liquid, created a perfect backdrop for this pivotal moment of betrayal and severed loyalties.
A Production Decision Steeped in Practicality
Why choose such an expensive liquid instead of a simple prop? The answer lies in authenticity. Water alone would not have provided the rich, opaque quality the directors envisioned for the medieval baths. Alternative options like dye or other liquids were considered, but Guinness offered the perfect viscosity and colour to create a believable, historically-plausible setting.
The result was a visually striking scene that perfectly mirrored the moral murkiness of the characters' situation. As the dark liquid swirled around the actors, it reflected the shadowy political manoeuvring and compromised ethics that define the world of Westeros.
A Scene That Changed Everything
The Guinness bath confrontation stands as a testament to House of the Dragon's commitment to production value, even in the smallest details. This unforgettable moment not only advanced the central plot but demonstrated the extraordinary lengths the production team will go to create immersive, believable television. It's a scene that fans will be discussing for years to come, both for its dramatic weight and its surprisingly lavish background story.
