Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon has received worldwide approval and acclaim. With the well-celebrated HBO Max endeavor on its way to the halfway point, fans are getting ready to bid adieu to the young Targaryen princess with the next episode marking her last appearance. After the 10-year time skip, the viewers would see Emma D’Arcy embody the role instead.
While most have braced themselves for the change, some are showing their reluctance. Certain fans protest the decision to have her be replaced, while others are awaiting the anticipated appearance of D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in the Ryan Condal and George R.R. Martin-created premise.
Young Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Last Appearance
There have been several speculations made on the expected time jump that is set to take place at the mid-point of House of the Dragon. Not only are we about to welcome Emma D’Arcy, but Olivia Cooke as an aged-up Alicent Hightower will also make her entrance into the series. With Emily Carey joining Milly Alcock in their unfortunate departure from the endeavor, fans are growing wary as to how the future episodes will manage to enamor and captivate the audiences.
Both the actresses, as young versions of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, worked excellently to portray a nuanced, intricate depiction of their characters. The representation of the bond shared between the two and the subsequent souring of it has managed to engage the audiences. It’s close to utmost perfection. Therefore, for fans to say goodbye so soon is a bittersweet affair. It only makes sense for people to be against the change.
However, with every change, comes a chance to embrace something new. While Alcock’s interpretation and characterization of Rhaenyra Targaryen promised a fruitful and enthralling experience, Emma D’Arcy, too, will bring about a wave of fascinating elements into the overarching narrative of the Game of Thrones prequel. Although fans are regretful of not getting to see Alcock’s iteration of the character grow into her designated role, D’Arcy’s skillful and charismatic flair seems reassuring.
The future will allow the viewers to decide who embodied the role better.
Fans’ Reaction To Milly Alcock’s Departure
As the upcoming House of the Dragon episode slowly inches closer to its anticipated release, fans prepare themselves for a sentimental farewell. As per IMDb, the expected arrival of Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke would be marked with episode 6. Therefore, viewers will presumably get to see Milly Alcock and Emily Carey for one last time in episode 5, until and unless they appear in future releases through flashbacks or non-linear storytelling techniques.
The audience is unwilling to let go of Alcock’s Rhaenyra Targaryen. Take a look at their reactions:
Exactly, knowing that some fans will get hooked on her, and the feeling may not be the same for a different actress. They could take things slow, she's 22 in real life, so a little make can make her look 30. Personally I hate watching movies and actors get changed, kills vibe.
— Remedydope (@remedydope105) September 13, 2022
the fact that the only negative talk about House of the Dragon atm is the concern over losing Milly Alcock & Emily Carey in the time jump, says a lot about their ability to capture an audience world wide. well done #hotd
— amelia (@itsameliaaalol) September 7, 2022
only one episode left for us to say goodbye to milly alcock and welcome emma d'arcy#houseofthedragon #HOTD#houseofthedragonHBO pic.twitter.com/YKvnsv2LqT
— House Of The Dragon TR (@HouseOTDragonTR) September 12, 2022
RHAENYRA TARGARYEN IS A BADASS HEIR
I’m not ready to say goodbye to Milly Alcock #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/sDFM0b3HX0
— Patrønus [lll] (@FerPafri) September 5, 2022
it really speaks to how sensational Milly Alcock is as Rhaenyra that after only 4 weeks most of the #HouseOfTheDragon fandom is dreading the end of her time on the show. she’s extraordinary. pic.twitter.com/gmxUcvcI2W
— Brendan Hodges (@metaplexmovies) September 12, 2022
Milly Alcock and Emily Carey have one more episode left before Emma D'arcy and Olivia Cooke take over as the adult versions. These two have done a wonderful job playing Rhaenyra and Alicent. #HouseoftheDragon pic.twitter.com/RnPdjc27pD
— Art of Ice and Fire (@ArtofASOIAF) September 12, 2022
People will witness Milly Alcock make a graceful, unforgettable exit. In the memories and hearts of the viewers, her portrayal of the fan-favorite character will forever live on. On a lighter note, when Emily Carey was asked about the return of the younger characters in the next season of the HBO Max series, she affirmed that while matters are uncertain, she would love to make a comeback.
Hence, fans would have to wait and see whether or not the showrunners decide to bring back the younger reiterations of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower in future installments. What does intrigue the mind is how exactly they would manage to bring back the younger versions in the first place. Only time can tell.
The next episode of House of the Dragon is slated for a September 18, 2022 release on HBO Max.
Source: Twitter
