Steve Toussaint, who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon (the Sea Snake) in House of the Dragon, has offered an insightful comment on the broader importance of the prequel series and its deep connection to the original Game of Thrones.
In a recent interview at the Taormina Film Festival, Toussaint reflected on the legacy of the franchise and how House of the Dragon is actively shaping the history of Westeros.
Quick read:
- Steve Toussaint credits GOT for paving the way for HOTD
- He takes pride in being ancestors of the characters in GOT
- He says they’re setting the pace for the major Westerosi events that’ll come later
“We are their ancestors”
When discussing the relationship between the two shows, Toussaint said:
“If that show [Game of Thrones] wasn’t as phenomenally successful as it was, maybe we wouldn’t be here doing what we’re doing in terms of our journey through the Westerosi realm. Well… we are their ancestors. We’re setting the pace…”
This simple but powerful statement perfectly captures the unique position House of the Dragon holds. This show is directly building the foundation for the events, families, and lore that fans already know from Game of Thrones.
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Steve Toussaint on how connection between Game of Thrones and spinoff House of the Dragon at Taormina Film Festival pic.twitter.com/NVSxkrjgcc
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Making Game of Thrones even better
Toussaint went on to explain how the prequel adds new layers of meaning to the original series:
“I think for people who love that show there are lots of moments in Game of Thrones where they refer back to events you see portrayed by us so it makes them much more exciting and interesting.”
By showing the actual historical moments and ancestors that were only mentioned or referenced in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon gives longtime fans a richer experience. References to the Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons, Velaryon naval power, and ancient prophecies now carry far more weight because audiences have witnessed them unfold on-screen.
The Sea Snake’s perspective
As Corlys Velaryon, one of the most powerful and ambitious lords in Westeros, Steve Toussaint is uniquely positioned to comment on this. His character is not just a major player in the current civil war; he is helping shape the legacy that will echo for centuries, right up until the time of Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow.
Toussaint’s pride in the work is evident. By portraying these “ancestors,” the cast of House of the Dragon is actively expanding and deepening one of the most detailed fantasy worlds ever created for television.
A living, breathing history
This approach is what sets House of the Dragon apart from typical prequels. It isn’t just telling a story that happened “a long time ago.” Instead, it is filling in the blanks of a history that Game of Thrones fans already partially know.
Every major decision made by Rhaenyra, Daemon, Alicent, and Corlys will have ripple effects felt hundreds of years later. As Season 3 continues to air and the Dance of the Dragons reaches its most brutal phase, fans are getting to witness history in the making.

















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