The first two episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 have already delivered major twists, starting with the devastating Battle of the Gullet. While the fate of several characters hangs in the balance, one family is quietly making a power play that could reshape the war-torn landscape of Westeros.
In Episode 2, the Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), is confirmed alive after the battle, but his seat of power, High Tide, lies in ruins. Yet, instead of signaling weakness, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for House Velaryon—one that may see them rise as the Targaryens continue to splinter.
Collider spoke exclusively with the cast of House Velaryon about the scene's significance. For the first time, all four key members—Corlys, his sons Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and Addam (Clinton Liberty), and granddaughter Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia)—share the screen together, standing united amidst the wreckage.
Toussaint described the moment as "so touching, considering where they came from, where they began." The scene culminates with Corlys officially granting Alyn the Velaryon name, a gesture that goes beyond legacy or wealth. Salim added, "The name now means more than just the material. It means more than just Driftmark or money or legacy. No, it is a father. It isn't necessarily healed... but I think there's a beauty in that."
Antonia reflected on the contrast between the Velaryons and the Targaryens. "Corlys has nothing, and so you see the contrast of the Targaryens and their wealth and their grandeur and how unhappy they all are," she said. "For the first time ever, he's lost everything, but he has gained so much." This unity stands in stark contrast to the increasing division within the Targaryen family, as explored in House of the Dragon Season 3 Finally Unites Daemon and Rhaenyra as a True Power Couple.
For Addam, the moment is deeply personal. Liberty explained, "In the case of the Velaryons, we're all a unit now, and it's so beautiful because, especially from Addam's point of view, this is all he has ever wanted. Forget Team Black or whatever. He just wants to belong to a family."
Meanwhile, Baela, reeling from the loss of Jace (Harry Collett) at the Gullet, is seeking new connections. Antonia noted, "Baela is pining for connection and for a family that she can choose... I think she is looking for some people who can fill that hole." This search for belonging may have larger implications, especially for fans familiar with George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, which hints at future alliances.
As the Targaryens grow more fractured, House Velaryon's newfound unity could be the key to shifting the balance of power. For more on how the series is redefining loyalty and legacy, check out House of the Dragon Season 3 Sets Up Corlys' Betrayal of Rhaenyra and 5 'Fire & Blood' Changes That Make 'House of the Dragon' Even Better.
New episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 air Sundays on HBO and stream on Max.
