Finn Bennett Delves into Prince Aerion's Chaotic Role as 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Nears Finale
As the first season of HBO's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' approaches its series finale, actor Finn Bennett offers a deep reflection on his portrayal of Prince Aerion Targaryen, a character designed to be both captivating and contemptible. In an exclusive roundtable conversation with ETimes, Bennett unpacked the complexities of stepping into the shoes of this deeply flawed prince, whose simmering resentment and erratic behavior define the narrative.
The Fuel Behind Aerion's Fury: A Weakened House Targaryen
Bennett emphasized the critical importance of understanding the political landscape of House Targaryen during filming. "It was essential for me to situate where the Targaryens stand in terms of power," he explained. "There's been a significant weakening of their influence. They no longer possess dragons, and they're participating in a tournament that feels beneath their former glory. This diminished status is a source of immense embarrassment for Aerion."
This lowered standing, Bennett noted, directly fuels Aerion's anger and outlandish actions throughout the series. "Much of my role involved justifying why Aerion acts so erratically and with such fury," he said. "It stems from his shame over the Targaryen household's loss of its iron-fisted rule. He is desperate to remind everyone who the true bosses are, leading to his extreme behavior."
A Character to 'Love to Hate': Aerion's Self-Perceived Justification
While audiences are expected to 'love to hate' Prince Aerion, Bennett stressed that the character never views himself as unjustified. Instead, Aerion sees his actions as a necessary crusade to restore his family's tarnished reputation. "He believes House Targaryen has become an embarrassment in its current state," Bennett shared. "His outlandish acts are driven by a desire to forcefully remind the world of their former dominance and power."
Bennett also credited the extensive behind-the-scenes team for bringing Aerion to life, highlighting the transformative power of costume and design. "Aerion is a character that required an army to build," he remarked. "Once you're in that armor and wig, it becomes almost impossible not to embody his essence and feel the weight of his legacy."
The Weight of Joining a Legendary Franchise
When asked about the differences in working on this series compared to his other projects, Bennett admitted to initial nerves but expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity. "I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a massive franchise," he said. "It's a huge responsibility, given the success of previous series like 'Game of Thrones.' That success brings immense pressure to get everything right and honor the legacy."
Elaborating on the challenges, Bennett added, "The biggest pressure came after being cast. I constantly asked myself, 'What now? How do I make this character original? How do I leave my mark on this world?' I often compare 'Game of Thrones' to Shakespeare's histories—these characters are written as if they'll be remembered in history books, and now they have faces and personalities."
Series Context and Future Prospects
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' is set a century before the events of 'Game of Thrones,' exploring a period of decline for House Targaryen. The series follows the adventures of the hedge knight Ser Duncan 'Dunk' the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his squire Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell, based on George R.R. Martin's 'Tales of Dunk and Egg' novellas.
While the current season concludes with Sunday's episode, HBO has already renewed the series for a second season, which is currently in production. This renewal ensures that fans will continue to witness the unfolding drama and character developments in this richly crafted prequel world.
