James Norton on playing House of the Dragon's Ormund Hightower: "He sees himself as the hero"
English actor James Norton is portraying Ormund Hightower, a member of House Hightower, who emerges as a significant antagonist for Rhaenyra Targaryen in the third season of HBO's "House of the Dragon." In an interview with Culto, Norton discussed his creative process for embodying the character. He explained that Ormund perceives the Targaryens as an inferior class and genuinely believes they should not hold power. Norton also revealed a specific scene during filming where he actually fainted. Ormund's perspective positions him as the protagonist of his own narrative, viewing his actions against the Targaryens as justified and necessary.
The portrayal of Ormund Hightower, as described by actor James Norton, highlights a common narrative trope where antagonists perceive themselves as righteous figures. This self-perception, driven by a belief in the superiority of their own faction and the inferiority of rivals like the Targaryens, fuels conflict. Understanding this internal justification is key to analyzing the motivations within the series' political landscape. Such characterizations often reflect real-world dynamics where ideological differences and perceived injustices can lead to profound societal upheaval, prompting viewers to consider the subjective nature of heroism and the potential for deeply held convictions to drive destructive actions.
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