Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 3 episode 3.
Corlys Velaryon's Fury Unleashed
Steve Toussaint, who plays Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, in HBO's House of the Dragon, has unpacked the bombshell moment in the latest episode where his character 'explodes with rage' after Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) refuses to legitimise his illegitimate sons, Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and Addam (Clinton Liberty). Toussaint explained to Metro that Corlys asks a favour of the throne and is unsuccessful, leading to an outburst that sets the tone for the rest of the season. 'He basically explodes with rage, and so a lot of the season is him trying to come to terms not only with his grief but also with his position. And is it worth it?' the actor said.
A Complex Relationship with Rhaenyra
Corlys' relationship with Rhaenyra has always been fraught with tension. While he publicly supports her claim to the Iron Throne, privately he harbours deep resentment. Toussaint, 61, noted that in the first two seasons, Corlys would sing Rhaenyra's praises in her presence, feeling she was the right person to rule. However, when apart, he believed 'everything this woman touches turns to dust.' The actor elaborated: 'As far as he's concerned, he's lost his son because he was involved with this woman. His daughter was involved with Daemon. He's lost his grandchild. He then loses his home, which is such an integral part of his identity. They have a very complicated relationship, and it gets more so this season.'
The Explosive Confrontation
In episode 3, Corlys confronts Rhaenyra directly after she denies his request. He declares: 'Your son Joffrey is a bastard. Your son Lucerys, whom I accepted as my heir, was a bastard. Your son Jacaerys lived and died a bastard. Say aloud to me the reason your children deserve what mine are denied.' Rhaenyra stares back, shocked. Corlys' fury stems from the double standard: Rhaenyra also bore illegitimate children with her lover Harwin Strong, though her husband Laenor, who was gay, was aware. The Sea Snake's grief is also rooted in the loss of his wife, Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), who died in battle in season 2.
Motivation from Rhaenys
Toussaint revealed that Corlys' drive to continue stems from his late wife. 'Prior to her demise, she said to him, "We have to help [Rhaenyra] in her quest for the throne because hers is a rightful claim." She also says to him, "I know who your two sons are, I've always known, and you have to recognise them because it's not their fault that you were lousy to them." So, as he says in season two, everything I do now I do for her.' The actor added: 'A combined sense of injustice, indignation and rage is what propels him through this season. He's lost so much, a lot of it in this cause for very little return.'
Behind the Scenes Chemistry
Toussaint and Best's on-screen chemistry has been so convincing that fans often asked if they were romantically involved in real life. Toussaint shared lightheartedly: 'People used to often ask whether I was actually in a relationship with Eve Best. I asked her. She said, "Oh, yeah, they asked me that a lot as well."'
The End of House of the Dragon
With the series confirmed to end after season four, Toussaint reflected on his journey. 'It's been wonderful to be a part of something where so many people are invested,' he said. 'It's mixed feelings about the fact that we're coming towards the end, because on the one hand, I have had so much fun playing this, and I really do like the people that I work with. But as an actor, you're always looking to try something different. I'm going to try and enjoy whatever part that I play in the subsequent season if I make it that far, but everything has to come to an end.'
Upcoming Project: A Blue Butterfly
Toussaint has an exciting project on the horizon: a film called A Blue Butterfly, which he wrote himself and stars in as the lead character, Sentwali. Inspired by the Rwandan genocide, Toussaint explained: 'Years ago, I had done a movie about the Rwandan genocide [called Shooting Dogs], and I was fascinated by the stories that were coming out at the time. I decided that I wanted to tell a story about somebody living with the consequences of that, and so that's what I did. I wrote this thing, and then we set about casting it, and all these wonderful actors said, "Yeah, I'll be in it." To be able to portray a character that has an inner turmoil on the surface just to survive, to exist, but also underneath all these raging things happening, this guilt, this need for redemption, and this need for human contact, to be able to play that on a set, and go, "Oh my god, I wrote this, and these people are involved." It was a wonderful experience to make that movie, and hopefully, towards the end of this year, people will get to see it.'
Inspiration from Gary Oldman
Toussaint, who grew up in south London, was inspired by Gary Oldman to pursue acting seriously. He recalled watching Oldman in The Firm and Prick Up Your Ears, noting: 'It was like two completely different people; it was extraordinary. Added to the fact that he's from where I grew up in south-east London, it was like, God, if someone from New Cross can do that, then maybe I've got a chance.' Toussaint has not yet met Oldman to express his gratitude: 'Not yet. I sort of live for moments like that, where I get to meet people who have inspired me, but no, not yet. I long for the day that I get to meet him and go, "You man, you did it, you were amazing," because he's just one of the finest of his generation.'
House of the Dragon is available on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and NOW, with new season 3 episodes released on Mondays.
