Paddy Considine, the actor who plays King Viserys, stated that George R.R. Martin had previously texted him about Considine’s portrayal of King Viserys I, which is much better than the version in the books.
Cite by InsiderConsidine was the one who spoke. GQHe then revealed that Martine approved of his portrayal. “I received a simple text message that said, “Your Viserys is superior to my Viserys,” the 49-year old actor recalls. It was George R.R. Martin. And I thought: “That’ll do it. “Thanks for your trust in me.
Between the pilot and episode 8, Considine portrays the ailing King. The 8th episode shows Considine fighting for his family’s survival, even as his health is rapidly declining.
During a fan Q&A video shared on Twitter ahead of the series premiere, Martine had publicly praised Considine’s portrayal of Viserys.
Questions? @grrmspeakingThere are many answers. George R.R. Martin answered your questions before tonight’s @HouseofDragonAt @CocteauCinemaSanta Fe, New Mexico #HouseoftheDragonPremiere Sunday at 9 pm ET @hbomax. pic.twitter.com/Y3XhSeC71Q
— HBO (@HBO) August 18, 2022
“King Viserys Targaryen I, as portrayed by Paddy Considine on the show, is better than the way I wrote King Viserys in ‘Fire & Blood,'” Martin said. He’s stronger, but he is still conflicted. But he’s a more tragic figure. If I dare, he has King Lear qualities. [say]That’s what makes his portrayal in the show so interesting.”
Considine was conscious of the perception that he is a weak king and defended his character by saying he was compassionate. “There is a perception that he might be weak. I find this completely ridiculous. He is too compassionate to do the job. He said that he believes he was motivated by a sense of duty. “I found it fascinating that he wasn’t corrupted or influenced by power. He wanted peace. He wanted everyone to be happy at the end. But that makes him weak. So what would have made him more relatable — if he was a dictator? What if he were a dictator? Would that be better? It’s not who they are.”
Later, Entertainment Weekly confirmed with episode 8’s director, Geeta Patel, that Viserys did die at the end, which means it was the last time we saw the ailing King.
