HBO Max recently released the first episode of the House of the Dragon, the prequel series of the hit show Game of Thrones. Since then, the fans of the show have been gushing over the fantasy series.
The HBO epic medieval fantasy television series House of the Dragon has managed to garner the attention of the fans since the time its first episode dropped on the streaming service on August 21, 2022. The star cast of the show is phenomenal. Rhys Ifans plays the role of Ser Otto Hightower in the show. Keep scrolling further to know more about the Hollywood actor.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rhys Ifans
For those of you who don’t know, let us tell you Rhys Ifans is a Welsh actor and musician. Previously, he was the frontman of Welsh rock music bands the Peth and Super Furry Animals. He was born on July 22, 1967, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. He is the son of nursery school teacher Beti-Wyn and primary school teacher Eurwyn Evans.
Ifans was brought up in Ruthin in Wales. Back in the day, he obtained his primary education at Ysgol Pentrecelyn. Soon afterward, he attended Ysgol Maes Garmon, a Welsh medium secondary school in Mold.
As per reports, right from his childhood days, Ifans was very inclined towards acting and he even attended acting classes at Theatr Clwyd. After a while, he studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and graduated with a degree in the year 1997.
When did Rhys step into the world of acting?
Rhys started his acting career by doing some theatre. His early stage works include Hamlet at Theatr Clwyd, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Regent’s Park Theatre, and Under Milk Wood and Volpone at the National Theatre.
Soon afterward, Ifans tried his hand at television, he got cast in the comedy series Spatz, Trial & Retribution, and Screen Two. He shot to fame after starring in the movie Notting Hill, where he played the role of Spike. He starred in the movie alongside Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.
Over the years, Rhys has established himself as a great actor in the entertainment industry. He is best known for his roles in movies such as Notting Hill (1999), Kevin & Perry Go Large (2000), and Enduring Love (2004).
Along with this, Ifans is noted for his portrayals of Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), the supervillain Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), and Grigori Rasputin in The King’s Man (2021).
What role does Rhys Ifans play in ‘House of the Dragon’?
Rhys Ifans essays the role of Ser Otto Hightower in the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. Post the death of Baelon Targaryen, Hightower served as Hand of the King. He serves King Viserys and the realm. He is a bitter political rival of Prince Daemon.
If you are a big fan of the show, House of the Dragon then you must be well-versed with the fact that Otto’s daughter Alicent (played by Olivia Cooke) is one complicated character and she is expected to be one of the primary villains of the show.
One of the most exciting parts of the House of the Dragon is the rivalry between Ser Otto Hightower and Prince Daemon Targaryen (portrayed by Matt Smith).
What is the show ‘House of the Dragon’ all about?
House of the Dragon is a fantasy drama series that is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R. R. Martin. The story of the show is set centuries before the events of Game of Thrones and it revolves around the bloody Targaryen civil war.
The official synopsis of the show reads, ‘The reign of House Targaryen begins: House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, is here. Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the series, which is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, tells the story of House Targaryen.’
The show House of the Dragon stars Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Eve Best, Olivia Cooke, Sonoya Mizuno, Emma D’Arcy, Paddy Considine, Graham McTavish, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, and Emily Carey, among many others.
Martin and Ryan Condal created the series House of the Dragon for HBO Max. Condal and Miguel Sapochnik serve as showrunners. The series saw the light of the day on August 21, 2022. It has been stated that the first season of the show will consist of a total of 10 episodes.
Netizens expressed their thoughts on Rhys’ performance in ‘House of the Dragon’ on social media
One user wrote, “Absolutely loved #houseofthedragon for lots of reasons but one of them is the likes of Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint and Eve Best playing it as if they were doing Henry IV Part 1 at Stratford.” A fan added, “I just realized, Rhys Ifans is low key doing a Charles Dance impression.”
Another user tweeted, “Rhys Ifans bringing Otto Hightower the feck to life is just craft at its best. One of my favourite things to do when watching TV shows and films based on books is to see whether the casting gets it right. And this casting here is outstanding. The range of Rhys. We are not worthy.”
Followed by a user who penned, “Matt Smith is a very good actor, but the unsung hero of House of the Dragon is Rhys Ifans. That man absolutely nails every role in everything he’s ever done. All around the whole cast was very good. Excited for next week.” A user went on to say, “shout out to house of the dragon for casting rhys ifans to do a pitch perfect impression of charles dance.”
These were a few reactions of the fans to Rhys Ifans performance in House of the Dragon. Did you like Rhys’ performance in the first episode of the fantasy series House of the Dragon? Kindly let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of showbiz.
