For any actor stepping into the Game of Thrones universe, the weight of Westeros is impossible to ignore. In an interview with Film Inside, Finn Bennett (Aerion Targaryen) opened up about what it personally meant to him to enter this legendary world through A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. He admitted the pressure was enormous but also confessed that he was already a fan.
Quick read:
- Finn Bennett was already a fan before entering the Game of Thrones’ universe
- He admitted feeling tremendous pressure playing Aerion
- Despite the pressure, he deems it as an exciting opportunity
When asked if he was a fan and what joining Westeros felt like, Bennett’s answer was immediate and honest:
“Yeah, yeah big fan. It’s, well it’s a tremendous amount of pressure really to like join the history books of Westeros, not in the least because of the amazing array of talent that’s come before us and then some of the talent we’re working with on this. Yeah it was a huge amount of pressure but it was very exciting.”
Credits: HBO
The legacy that looms large
Bennett’s words capture the double-edged sword every new actor in the Game of Thrones franchise faces. On one side: the thrill of becoming part of a cultural phenomenon that has shaped television for over a decade. On the other: the shadow of predecessors like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, and the rest of the original ensemble whose performances became iconic through the series
Bennett pointed out that this wasn’t just joining a show. It was stepping into “the history books of Westeros,” a living, breathing mythology fans have debated about, and loved for years.
From fan to Targaryen prince
As a self-described “big fan,” Bennett’s excitement is genuine. Playing Aerion ‘Brightflame’ became a moment to contribute to the Targaryen legacy. The pressure isn’t just about matching past performances; it’s about honoring the source material while making something fresh for both longtime readers and new viewers. Yet that very pressure fueled the excitement. The chance to work alongside “amazing” talent, to bring a new corner of Westeros to life, turned nerves into motivation.
