For Finn Bennett, stepping into the role of Aerion Targaryen was a big challenge. It meant confronting a legacy already etched deeply into the lore while still finding space to make the character his own. In an interview with Episode Magazine, Bennett reflected on the expectations surrounding Aerion and his determination to add his own touch to him.
Quick read:
- Finn Bennett said the challenge was finding his own take on the infamous Aerion Targaryen.
- He compared the Game of Thrones world to Shakespeare’s history plays brought to life.
- He said he added the “finishing touches” to the notorious Tagaryen prince.
Finn Bennett on the challenge of bringing Aerion Targaryen to life in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Aerion Targaryen and Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO (Image: HBO)
Aerion is one of the most infamous figures in Westerosi history. Bringing such a notorious character to life in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was a big challenge. While speaking to Episode Magazine, Finn Bennett reflected on it. He said, “I think the main pressure was, after being selected, thinking, ‘Okay, what I am going to do now? What originality can I bring to the table? What mark can I make on this character?’”
Bennett added that he had always thought of the Game of Thrones universe as “Shakespeare’s history plays.” He said these were history-book figures, much like those from the Wars of the Roses, who now have faces.
Finn Bennett on shaping the Targaryen prince
Aerion Targaryen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO (Image: HBO)
The interviewer also asked Finn Bennett how he worked on the Targaryen prince to make him more than a villain fans would love to hate. He replied that “it took an entire army” to do it. He detailed how it began with George R.R. Martin, continued with Ira Parker’s adaptation and the directors’ visions. “Then there were Pip and Lucille, who put that famous wig on me every morning, along with my armour and the work of our costume designers, and finally, I added the finishing touches,” he shared.
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