While the Targaryen civil war has dominated the headlines, House Velaryon has been quietly maneuvering in the shadows. Corlys "Sea Snake" Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) may have lost much in the Battle of the Gullet, but he's far from finished. In the Season 3 finale, he finds himself a prisoner of the Hightowers, yet even in chains, he commands the room. Toussaint recently sat down with Collider to discuss Corlys' diplomatic masterstroke, the chaos of Tumbleton, and what lies ahead for the Velaryon legacy.
A Prisoner Who Holds All the Cards
Corlys' capture by Ormund Hightower's forces is a significant departure from the source material, but it allows the show to spotlight his greatest weapon: his unshakeable authority. In the finale, when Gwayne Hightower tries to use Corlys as a bargaining chip with Daemon, the Sea Snake simply tells him to shut up and takes over the negotiations. Toussaint loved this arc, noting that Corlys' reputation and bearing demand respect even when he's physically restrained. "Corlys never really loses his power, even though he is in chains," he said.
The actor also revealed that a key moment in that scene was improvised. When Corlys steps forward to speak directly to Daemon, Gwayne's foot on the chain creates a natural tension. "That was organic," Toussaint explained. "My natural tendency was to step forward... but obviously, Freddie had his foot on the chain, and so we just went with it." The result is a subtle power play that underscores Corlys' refusal to be cowed.
Surviving Tumbleton's Dragonfire
The finale's brutal battle at Tumbleton sees Corlys caught in the crossfire when Ulf the White turns his dragon, Silverwing, on both sides. Toussaint described the filming experience as pure survival mode. "The director would just say, 'Up there, there's the dragon, so that's where you run,'" he recalled. Corlys initially recognizes Ulf and assumes they're safe, but when the dragonfire starts, there's no time for recriminations—only flight. The actor emphasized the visceral urgency of the sequence, which leaves Corlys battered but unbowed.
A Legacy in Question
One of the season's most poignant threads is Corlys' desire to legitimize his sons, Alyn and Addam of Hull. Rhaenyra denies his request, but the boys' actions speak louder than any decree. Alyn's shocking kill in the finale—and his public declaration as a Velaryon—sets the stage for a potential succession conflict in Season 4. Toussaint hinted that Corlys, ever the pragmatist, will be watching closely. "He's trying desperately, like most parents, to leave a better world for his sons," he said.
As the series hurtles toward its endgame, Corlys remains a wildcard. His experience, cunning, and refusal to bow to anyone make him a formidable player in the game of thrones. For more on the finale's bloody setup, check out our breakdown of the Season 3 finale. And for a deeper dive into Alyn's pivotal moment, see Salim on the finale's twist.
With Season 4 on the horizon, fans are already speculating about the fates of their favorite characters. Corlys' journey is far from over, and if Toussaint's performance is any indication, the Sea Snake will continue to navigate the treacherous waters of Westerosi politics with unmatched grace and steel.
