James Norton, known for his roles in Grantchester and Happy Valley, has opened up about his character Ormund Hightower in House of the Dragon Season 3, describing a 'shameful act' that sets the stage for a larger conspiracy. The 40-year-old actor joins the Game of Thrones prequel as the villainous cousin of Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke.
Ormund's Shameful Act and Betrayal
In the latest episode, Ormund bends the knee to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), a move Norton calls 'the most shameful act.' Speaking on HBO's Inside the Episode, Norton explained: 'Ormund is a serious man. He puts a lot of emphasis on discipline and order. In comparison, Daemon is way more chaotic, unpredictable.' He added, 'It's the most shameful act to bend the knee. But, of course, he's a pragmatist and there's a biggest scheme at play.'
The scheme involves Ormund sending a boy claiming to be Daeron Hightower with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) to King's Landing. The deception is later uncovered when Rhaenyra plans to send the fake Daeron to the Wall, and Alicent reveals the ruse during a final visit with her supposed son.
Fan Questions Over Dragon Plot Hole
Fans have pointed out a potential plot hole on YouTube: why Daeron's dragon, Tessarion (the 'Blue Queen'), did not accompany the boy to King's Landing. One viewer noted: 'So Daemon wouldn’t tell fake Daeron to go get on his dragon and fly back with them? A. To see if Tessarion lets this kid on and B. To not leave the dragon with the hightowers.' Another commented: 'He’d risk Tessarion burning some of them to death or fleeing perhaps. But overall I agree I wondered that as well. But another counter argument: what good does the dragon do the hightowers without its rider and without anyone that could claim it.' A third added: 'Exactly his dragon would have followed if it truly was him.'
What's Next for Ormund
The teaser for next week's episode shows Ormund taking Tumbleton as Rhaenyra hesitates to burn a town loyal to her. In George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, Ormund dies in battle, but the TV adaptation may diverge. House of the Dragon Season 3 airs on Sky Atlantic, NOW, and HBO Max UK & Ireland on Mondays.
