When an actor plays a villain as vile as Aerion Targaryen, fans often wonder whether he secretly enjoys the role or sympathizes with the character. Finn Bennett has spent time “investigating” Aerion’s malevolence, reflecting on the pressures of being a Targaryen prince and the complicated family dynamics that shape him. Yet despite the depth he brought to Aerion, Bennett made it clear that his favorite character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isn’t the one he played.
Quick Read
- Bennett explored Aerion’s malevolence and family pressures.
- He cited Bertie Carvel’s insight on Targaryen family burdens.
- Bennett joked about not writing a “sympathy piece” for royals.
Dunk as a favorite: why Bennett admires the hedge knight’s humanity
Despite his deep dive into Aerion’s psyche, Bennett admitted that his favorite character in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is Dunk. He stressed that Dunk’s humanity and grounded nature make him stand out in a world of lords and princes. Before clarifying his choice, Bennett shared a personal anecdote about his upbringing, which shaped his perspective on privilege and power (via MAT):
“There’s also the small matter of the generations-spanning monarchy that precedes him. ‘That must be a lot for a young prince. Sorry, this isn’t like a sympathy piece for the royal family… like the Windsors but that is something that I can justify with Aerion. My favourite character [in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms] is Dunk,’ he clarifies. ‘He’s a man of the people.’”
This confession highlights Bennett’s admiration for Dunk’s grounded nature, contrasting sharply with Aerion’s arrogance and cruelty.
HBO
Understanding Aerion: Bennett reflects on family pressure and villainy
Bennett explained that Aerion’s darkness comes from more than just cruelty; it’s tied to the immense pressure of being part of a dynasty. He emphasized that Aerion feels the weight of generations of monarchy and the complicated bonds of family. Before sharing his thoughts, Bennett recalled a moment from press junkets that helped him frame Aerion’s psychology:
“The essence of Aerion’s malevolence is something Bennett’s ‘investigated’ during his time with the character. ‘I feel like there is a hole in Aerion Targ. ‘Bertie Carvel, who plays Baelor, said something really beautiful while we were on our press junket: “Everybody has a family… And families are very complicated. [The Targaryens] are a family under tremendous amounts of pressure.” I think Aerion feels that so profoundly.’”
This reflection shows how Bennett approached Aerion not just as a villain, but as a young prince crushed by expectations. His analysis highlights the humanity behind Aerion’s cruelty, even if it doesn’t make the character likable.
