Graham McTavish has described his House of the Dragon character as 'a shining beacon of decency'.
The Glasgow-born actor, who is best known for his roles as Dougal MacKenzie in Outlander and Dwalin in The Hobbit trilogy, is taking on a new role in the Game of Thrones prequel. The 61-year-old Scotsman also recently joined the cast for season two of The Witcher, which is based on Andrzej Sapkowski's hit novel series.
McTavish admits that he doesn't 'get the chance to play thoroughly decent human beings' in many of his acting roles, and even once discussed his aim to play a James Bond villain. However, when discussing Ser Harrold Westerling, he said: “He is a straight arrow, a shining beacon of decency having to deal with these plotting individuals.” And even then, the knight is a “‘don’t mess with him’ kind of a guy.”
In an interview with Square Mile, he is asked why he is rarely cast as a straight arrow character. “I’ve got one of those faces,” he quips. Apparently he resembles his father, “and my dad always looked quite intimidating so I’ve inherited that resting expression that he had.”
Speaking to the Sunday Post, Graham revealed he missed out on the first series so was looking forward to being able to play a part in the HBO follow-up, with friend and showrunner Ryan Condal helping him to secure the part.
He said: "About five years ago, we were having lunch and he told me he was working on a Game Of Thrones prequel and he would love me to be in it. When it came closer, he said there were two possible characters I could play, but one of them died in episode four, so of course I went for the other one!"
“The king’s guards that my character is part of are almost like Templar monks/warrior types," he explained. "Who forsake all worldly things and are not allowed to have relationships or money. They are completely devoted to the king. I had to wear a lot of armour and never once was I allowed to sit down in a scene.”
Speaking about the logistics of the spectacular suits of armour him and fellow actor Fabien Frankel (who plays fellow Kings Guard Criston Cole) had to wear, as a veteran actor Graham admitted he was used to such elaborate costumes and so was at ease making requests for both them to the costume team to make them more comfortable.
He said: “It’s a spectacular costume. Once you have it on and are carrying the giant sword, while walking through enormous sets like the throne room, you almost don’t need to act. There is such a sense of grandeur.”
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