Emma D’Arcy was first introduced in the sixth episode of House of the Dragon, taking on the role of Rhaenyra Targaryen as an adult (Milly Alcock played the princess in the show’s first five episodes). Although some viewers were initially resistant to the recast, the new Rhaenyra has since captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
Not surprisingly, D’Arcy is cautious about stepping into the limelight since they are a private person. Still, they told Entertainment Weekly that they are learning to accept their fame. “Suddenly there’s like an avatar of you that exists in the world and it’s separate from you, and yet maybe it still requires you as an energy source somehow. I’m learning about that relationship and learning to admire the avatar and allow the avatar a separate life and its own profession. And it’s got its own occupation. I would like to read something on that, as well, actually,” D’Arcy said.
The popularity has been bolstered by that Negroni meme which D’Arcy is delighted to be part of. “I find that a perfect cocktail of surprising, bemusing, and intensely flattering,” D’Arcy said. “All of my body wants to give a flippant answer in terms of a great drink finally getting the recognition that it deserves. Very surreal and very lovely.” They later added, “I don’t have anything illuminating to say on it because it’s very hard to know how to react when you become a meme. Someone should write an essay on that, actually. I would definitely read it.” There is little doubt that D’Arcy will continue to intrigue fans as we are finding more about their awesome interactions with their House of the Dragon co-stars. With that in mind, we can’t wait to see D’Arcy as Rhaenyra again soon. House of the Dragon Season 2 has not yet been given an official release date.
