Steve Toussaint: 'House of the Dragon fans thought I was dating my co-star'

Steve Toussaint, the actor behind the enigmatic Corlys Velaryon in HBO's House of the Dragon, has just wrapped up season 3 of the fantasy epic. The 53-year-old British-Trinidadian actor has been at the forefront of a show that drawn attention worldwide with its intricate plot twists and stunning visuals. As Corlys, the Hand of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Toussaint has navigated the treacherous waters of the Seven Kingdoms, facing unimaginable losses and struggles that have shaped his character into the force he is today.

In a recent conversation with Metro, Toussaint opened up about the emotional journey that Corlys has undergone, particularly in the wake of his wife's tragic demise. Rhaenys Targaryen, played by Eve Best, was slain in battle against the Greens, leaving Corlys reeling with grief. Despite this, Toussaint reveals that it is Rhaenys' words of wisdom that continue to propel Corlys forward. "Prior to her demise, she said to him, “We have to help [Rhaenyra] in her quest for the throne because hers is a rightful claim.” She also says to him, “I know who your two sons are, I’ve always known, and you have to recognise them because it’s not their fault that you were lousy to them.” So, as he says in season two, everything I do now I do for her.’

This poignant exchange highlights the depth of Toussaint's portrayal of Corlys, a character who is driven by a complex mix of emotions: injustice, indignation, and rage. Corlys' motivations are multifaceted, fuelled by a sense of responsibility to his wife's memory and a desire to redeem himself for past mistakes.

The third season of House of the Dragon has been eagerly anticipated by fans, who have had to wait two years to see the repercussions of the Battle of the Gullet unfold. This pivotal naval battle, which was rehearsed for two months, resulted in the shocking death of a key character and the loss of a dragon. The emotional stakes were high, as Toussaint explains: 'As Abu [Salim] said, who plays Alyn, “When you’re doing a fight, every blow is meant to be the last blow. Even though you know that choreography is 20 shots, each one of them is meant to be the last one.” With that in mind, that becomes a lot more emotionally challenging.’

House of the Dragon's success can be attributed, in part, to the show's willingness to tackle complex themes and emotions. In an industry where spectacle often takes precedence over narrative depth, HBO's fantasy epic has carved out a niche for itself by prioritising character development and emotional nuance. As a result, House of the Dragon has attracted a dedicated fanbase that is passionate about the intricacies of the show's world-building and character arcs.

As the curtain closes on season 3, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Corlys and the House of the Dragon. Toussaint's performance has been a highlight of the season, and his character's journey is far from over. With the show's narrative threads still tangled and unresolved, it's unlikely that the drama will be slowing down anytime soon.

As House of the Dragon heads into its next chapter, one thing is clear: the stakes will only continue to rise. With the fate of the Seven Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Corlys' emotional journey will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Will he find redemption for his past mistakes, or will the weight of his grief and anger consume him?