As the second season of the HBO drama House of the Dragon nears its end, the intricate power dynamics between the Blacks and Greens have sparked numerous theories among fans. One such theory also revolves around Otto Hightower, played by Rhys fans in the series.
Earlier in the season, King Aegon II fired Otto as Hand of the King after he denounced him for the execution of the Red Keep’s ratcatchers. However, some fans believe that despite his dismissal, Otto might still be secretly influencing events or plotting behind the scenes.
King Aegon II’s Dismissal of Otto Hightower Sparks Speculation For House of the Dragon Future
After being fired as Hand of the King, Rhys Ifans‘ Otto Hightower decides to leave King’s Landing in anger and frustration, believing that Aegon has destroyed the Greens’ goodwill. He eventually plans to return to Oldtown and mentor Prince Daeron.
However, Alicent persuades him to go to Highgarden and secure support from House Tyrell, promising to talk to Aegon and arrange for his return to court. Meanwhile, Otto’s son Gwayne Hightower becomes a prominent figure in the Greens’ faction.
He’s been actively involved in their military campaigns and political maneuvers. Despite his dispute with the new Hand of the King, Ser Criston Cole, and concerns about the grim outcomes, he continues to secure key locations and lead battles.
Fans of the show believe that Otto might have sent Gwayne to keep tabs on Criston Cole, keeping him updated on the new Hand’s actions. “Otto is still playing the game!,” one Reddit user argued.
I think Gwayne Hightower
byu/83EtchiSketch inHouseOfTheDragon
Others shared their speculation about how Otto is fixated on making Daeron on the throne, as one fan put it,
Otto never stops playing. He’s probably banking on Aegon and Aemond dying in the crossfire so he can place Daeron, someone the Hightowers raised and likely can control better.
While some remained skeptical of the theory, Otto’s strategic moves, including his wish to mentor Daeron, suggest he has a long-term plan to secure Daeron’s position as future ruler.
Things have already been chaotic in Otto’s absence and such internal conflicts could lead to factional disputes, weakened authority, and a distracted focus from crucial war efforts, turning Team Green into a messy force.
What Happens to Otto Hightower After Being Dismissed as the Hand of the King?
Following his confrontation with King Aegon in House of the Dragon Season 2, Otto Hightower has notably been missing from the narrative. While he decides to leave for Oldtown, Alicent convinces him to visit Highgarden to seek support from House Tyrell.
However, Otto’s whereabouts have been unknown until a recent episode, where Aemond orders Larys to summon him to court. While it remains unclear if the character will make an appearance in the season finale, his prospects don’t look promising, especially given his fate in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.
In the book, Otto stays in the King’s Landing after being fired as Hand of the King. While Criston remains the Hand of the King, his plans for Aegon’s political strategy with the Triarchy progress successfully.
The character, however, doesn’t survive much longer after getting fired, as he is executed for treason by Rhaenyra Targaryen when she takes the city.
Several speculations surrounding the character suggest that he might become Aemond’s Hand or meet a similar fate, but fans will have to wait until the next episode or likely the next season to find out Otto Hightower’s ultimate fate.
House of the Dragon is available to stream on Max.
