Kieran Bew on the Importance of Facial Hair in House of the Dragon
Kieran Bew understands the significance of a good facial hair. He attributes the success of Hugh Hammer’s ability to tame the massive Vermithor in House of the Dragon’s seventh episode, “The Red Sowing,” to his distinctive beard.
According to Bew, the decision to keep his beard was influenced by Vermithor’s unique design, resembling teeth that go in all different directions. He likened Vermithor’s bite to being trapped in an Iron Maiden, emphasizing the connection between a dragon and its rider.
Throughout the season, Bew was conscious of the aesthetic choices that would highlight the depth of Hugh’s character development. From keeping his hair color similar to Daemon’s or Viserys’ to incorporating his own natural hue, every detail was carefully considered.
As Hugh’s frustration with the ruling elite in King’s Landing escalated, Bew found ways to infuse the role with nuances, such as portraying his desperation for food by resorting to violence. These subtle moments laid the groundwork for Hugh’s ultimate transformation.
Every scene served as a building block for Hugh’s character arc, requiring Bew to delve into the emotional core of the character. Despite the challenges of interpreting Fire & Blood’s historical accounts, Bew embraced the opportunity to bring Hugh’s humanity to life.
When faced with pivotal moments, such as revealing a life-altering secret to his wife or embarking on a dangerous mission, Bew delved into Hugh’s internal turmoil. The character’s journey was defined by shame, upbringing, and the harsh realities of his past.
In the final scene of episode 7, Bew channeled Hugh’s desperation and fear as he confronted Vermithor. The high stakes and the looming threat of danger added layers of complexity to Hugh’s actions.
Despite the challenges, Bew found inspiration in unexpected places, drawing from his interactions with a Yorkshire terrier on set to capture the essence of the bond between Hugh and the Bronze Fury. The delicate yet powerful connection mirrored the intensity of claiming a dragon.
For Bew, Hugh’s risky approach to claiming Vermithor stemmed from a place of desperation and determination. Unlike other dragons, Vermithor sought a rider who could match his intensity, leading to a unique bond between the two characters.
As Hugh grappled with his insecurities and fears of inadequacy, Bew highlighted the character’s complex emotions and motivations. The looming question of what would happen if Vermithor chose another rider added another layer of tension to the narrative.