❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

House of the Dragon season 3 star addresses Daeron fan theory – and how it fits into “twisted” Ormund relationship

A hair-rising issue has been addressed.

James Norton as Ormund Hightower and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3. Ormund is looking over Daeron, who's sat at a table.

HBO

Published: Monday, 27 July 2026 at 3:00 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue

After Prince Daeron's (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) arrival in House of the Dragon season 3, fans have had plenty of questions – including about what happened to the signature silver Targaryen hair he had in George RR Martin's book, Fire and Blood.

Ad

While the imposter Daeron, who was handed over to Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) in episode 3 had recognisably Targaryen hair, the real Daeron has much darker hair in the series.

So, did Ormund Hightower (James Norton) dye the young prince's hair in his efforts to disguise him? Or did he just inherit the Hightower genes?

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times, actor Ainsworth revealed he wants to keep the mystery alive.

"I can't say either way if one is 100 per cent the thing or not," he said. "I think the ambiguity with that kind of thing – and almost the smoke around Ormund and Daeron’s relationship and the history of their relationship – is quite exciting.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3. HBO

"The fact that people are thinking that there are still secrets that haven't been told between them is really exciting because I think that's what we were aiming for – that their relationship is twisted, and in some ways, like we haven't seen in the book.

"We've only seen like the tip of the iceberg of what they've been through together in Oldtown."

Ainsworth went on to say of Ormund and Daeron's "manipulative and twisted" relationship: "There's lots that Daeron is aware of, but almost can't help himself but take part in.

"As much as he's wise beyond his years – in some ways he has to be calculated out of almost survival – he also is a 17-year-old boy who's not seen his mother for years, and so there's this kind of longing for affection or love.

"It's a shame that Ormond is the figure who is the one giving him that because he he clearly knows how to kind of take advantage of that."

But it's not all bad between the two of them – well, at least not between actors Ainsworth and Norton.

"I found myself being able to follow him on a journey throughout the scene because of the nature of our characters," Ainsworth explained of his bond with Norton.

"If he takes a step forward, I take a step back, and and we sort of match this distance between each other, this tension between each other. I suppose being free to follow another person or being free to take a path yourself and and hope that the other person comes with you, I think that kind of structure of a scene is something that I really enjoyed on this, and something that I've definitely learned from him."

House of the Dragon season 3 is available to stream on HBO Max. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on HBO Max, Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.

Add House of the Dragon to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...