House of the Dragon season 2 is right around the corner, releasing on June 16. Fans are really excited about it, scouring the internet trying to find more information on what’s to come. Recently, actor James Dreyfus took to X to talk about being cast in a small recurring role in House of the Dragon Season 2, but the fans aren’t happy about the casting. Here’s how it went.
Read More: Showrunner Ryan Condal reveals why House of the Dragon Season 2’s opening credits changed
James Dreyfus is cast as Lord Gormon in House of the Dragon Season 2
By the by, if you love programmes about massive fire-breathing dragons, & very dark fantasy adventure, do watch out for me as Lord Gormon Massey in this quite popular, I’m told, sequel.
In every episode. A cough & a spit. But you might enjoy…
I think it’s called “House Of… pic.twitter.com/3ewculldFx
— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) June 10, 2024
The tweet about his casting was met with criticism from the fans due to his history of comment surrounding transgender people, and more so because the show has Emma D’Arcy in a leading role, who identifies as non-binary. Some of the fans shared their thoughts on X criticizing the casting done by HBO.
the way press coverage was biased against emma for s1, and how hbo failed to protect them from abuse when their casting was announced (and the harassment having persisted since then). and how hbo continues to fail two of their non-binary actors by hiring a known transphobe for s2
— sarah 🍉 (@illusorycastle) June 11, 2024
Hiring a raging transphobic actor in a show where the main lead is nonbinary is probably the most insensitive decision i’ve ever seen, you put emma and phoebe in a extremely dangerous positions as they have both most likely filmed scenes with him. @StreamOnMax @HouseofDragon
— muna 🍉🐐 منى (@foreurydice) June 10, 2024
If you can be outraged about minor changes from the source material, you should be outraged about this too. https://t.co/CZWQrXMtdE
— Wake the Dragon (@WtDasoiaf) June 10, 2024
This move by HBO has been deemed insensitive and cruel by the fans. Not all actors in House of the Dragon Season 2 belong to the traditional genders either and hence, fans say that hiring Dreyfus might drive an uncomfortable atmosphere on the set. James Dreyfus has responded to the backlash he received on X.
I realise the sudden news about my employment must be crushing to some, who’ve dedicated themselves to destroying my career. For absolutely no reason.
I’ve been told daily that I’ve haven’t worked since 2001. Which is news to me. Still, no matter.
I’m so sorry some of you will… pic.twitter.com/2AgKy2sHoe
— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) June 10, 2024
Who is Lord Gormon?
Credits: Max
In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, Lord Gormon is a Tyrell. At the time, he was King Maegor I Targaryen’s Hand. King Maegor earned the title Maegor the Cruel, and Lord Gormon actively supported Maegor’s brutal regime. During his tenure as Hand, Lord Gormon marked his service with the violent, oppressive nature of Maegor’s reign. Further, his introduction in House of the Dragon season 2 is probably for the deeper political and historical contextualization of the Targaryen rule.
Actor James Dreyfus, known for his roles in The Thin Blue Line and Gimme Gimme Gimme, has been cast as Lord Gormon. His versatile acting skills and dynamic presence make him an excellent fit for the role. As Hand of the King to Maegor the Cruel, Lord Gormon is a complex character with both charm and a menacing edge.
If you have any important filming news about House of the Dragon, or if you want to collaborate with us or want to write for us, please drop us a message here.
