Milly Alcock, known for her role as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen in the acclaimed series House of the Dragon, faced an unexpected challenge early in her tenure on the show. The Australian actress shared a surprising anecdote from her second day on set, where a high-ranking individual suggested she needed an acting coach. "On my second day on House of the Dragon, one of the, I'm not gonna say who, but someone very high up, pulled me aside and was like, 'Um, we're gonna get you an acting coach,'" Alcock recounted during her appearance on The Tonight Show, admitting she was "mortified" by the feedback.
Despite the initial setback, Alcock humorously reflected on the incident, noting how it grounded her. "It just confirmed everything that I've kind of known to be true, [which] is that I'm not very good at my job," she quipped, though clearly in jest. "You know what I mean! I was like, 'I can't do this. This is terrible. This is a big mistake.'" Her self-deprecating humor resonated with fans and critics alike, showcasing her resilience and charm.
Alcock's portrayal of Rhaenyra, the daughter and heir of King Viserys I Targaryen, earned her a spot as a series regular in Season 1 and a guest star in Season 2 of House of the Dragon. The series, which delves into the decline of the Targaryen dynasty, has been a massive success, premiering in August 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the original Game of Thrones series. Emma D'Arcy steps in to play the adult version of Rhaenyra, who ascends to become Queen.
The show's impact was immediate, securing a Season 2 renewal mere days after its debut and a Season 3 renewal in June 2024, before Season 2 even aired. House of the Dragon also clinched the Golden Globe for Best Television Series — Drama, underscoring its critical and popular acclaim.
Looking ahead, Alcock is set to take on the role of Kara Zor-El / Supergirl in the upcoming Superman film this summer, followed by a starring role in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow next year. As for Season 3 of House of the Dragon, while it's confirmed to be in the works, an official release date has yet to be announced.