House of the Dragon Season 3 finally gives Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) the opportunity she has long awaited: becoming a dragonrider after claiming the wild dragon Sheepstealer. Introduced as one of the untamed dragons roaming Westeros, Sheepstealer is distinct from the dragons raised by House Targaryen, with a rugged appearance and unpredictable temperament.
As Rhaena’s bond with the dragon becomes a key part of the new season, Campbell has shared how an unlikely real-life companion—their pet dog Tina—helped shape the way they connected with the creature during filming. The actor also offered a behind-the-scenes look at the practical dragon rig built for Season 3, revealing how the production enhanced the realism of Rhaena’s flying sequences.
Phoebe Campbell saw Sheepstealer in their dog Tina
Credit: HBO
During a behind-the-scenes conversation about portraying Rhaena’s first dragon, Campbell explained that their dog Tina unexpectedly became a point of inspiration because of her resemblance to Sheepstealer.
“My dog, my little dog Tina, not only was she with me, she actually kind of looks like Sheepstealer. So it was like this amazing thing… the underbite is like super, super strong. So I was like, wicked, like I have a mini version of this.”
The comparison helped Campbell imagine Sheepstealer not simply as a fearsome dragon but as a living creature with recognizable quirks and personality. That dynamic becomes especially important in Season 3, as Rhaena’s storyline shifts from searching for a dragon to learning how to ride and trust one. Unlike dragons that have long served Targaryen riders, Sheepstealer is wild, making the relationship between dragon and rider central to Rhaena’s character arc.
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Season 3 introduced a new dragon rig for Rhaena’s scenes
Credits: HBO
Campbell also revealed that filming the dragon sequences felt different this season thanks to new practical effects used on set. Rather than relying entirely on imagination while acting against visual effects, they were able to perform on an elaborate dragon rig designed specifically for Sheepstealer.
“Because mine is wild… I don’t have to use imagination. They built this dragon for me. And it’s massive. And it’s got these spikes that I hold on to… on set, this is a new thing that we’ve seen.”
The upgraded practical setup reflects the scale of House of the Dragon Season 3, which features larger dragon battles and the long-awaited Battle of the Gullet. By constructing a physical version of Sheepstealer complete with textured details and handholds, the production gave Campbell a more immersive environment for Rhaena’s first major dragon-riding scenes. Combined with visual effects in post-production, the approach helps bring one of Westeros’ most untamed dragons to life while grounding Rhaena’s journey in a more tangible performance.
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