For Harry Collett, the road to becoming Jacaerys Velaryon almost ended before it began. Long before he became one of the breakout stars of House of the Dragon, the actor was convinced he didn’t look the part and was certain he had blown his audition.
In a new GQ profile, Collett reflected on the nerve-racking casting process that ultimately changed his career, revealing that he nearly talked himself out of believing he could join the world of Westeros.
Quick read:
- Harry Collett thought he wouldn’t get the role.
- Other auditioning actors intimidated him.
- One successful scene changed everything.
Collett felt out of place at his audition
Speaking to GQ, Collett recalled learning that the mysterious role he was auditioning for was a prince in a Game of Thrones spinoff.
“I found out the role was for a prince in a Game of Thrones spin-off. So then I just – excuse my French – shit myself because I was like, ‘This is mental! I’m never gonna get this.’”
Things only became more intimidating when he arrived and saw the competition.
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“I saw some lads in the waiting room. They all had really long hair, [and were] super muscly – just looked like princes, you know? At that time, I had the proper Essex cut with the short back and sides; I was smaller than I am now.”
Inside the audition room, the pressure intensified. Collett estimated there were around 50 producers, directors, and crew members watching him perform.
“I get flustered in big situations like that – it took me so long to pass my driving test because of the nerves – someone sitting there and looking at me with a clipboard.”
HBO
One scene was enough to make him a fan favorite
The actor admitted he left the audition convinced it hadn’t gone well.
“I did a good scene, then they kept asking me to do it again, but then I was completely fluffing my lines. I remember ringing my mum. I said, ‘I haven’t got this, but I’ve tried my best.’”
Fortunately for Collett, one strong performance was enough.
“Just a proper, like, pinch-myself moment, really.”
As Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Collett quickly became a favorite among viewers. The actor told GQ he was surprised by the level of attention he received, especially as fan edits celebrating his looks spread across social media.
“I never expected to get that much attention, because I didn’t get that attention at school. I never really was one with the ladies at a young age.”
He also joked that playing Westerosi royalty certainly helped.
“I feel like your roles can help you out a little bit. Like, I’m a prince in it. That’s gonna make anybody 10 times more attractive than they actually are.”
Considering how beloved Jace became before his tragic fate in season 3, many fans would probably disagree with that last part.
Read next: Emma D’Arcy reveals the original homemade wig they used for House of the Dragon audition
