Steve Toussaint has sounded off on the racist Game of Thrones fans who have problems with his House of the Dragon character Lord Corlys Velaryon.
In an interview with Hanna Flint for Men’s Health, Toussaint said that many fans are basing their opinions on how Britain was portrayed in the past, with no regard for people of color.
"So many people are basing their idea of the history of this country on a few films and stuff that were made in the '50s, '60s and '70s, which don't bear any resemblance to the truth," he said. "Historically, people of my hue and your hue [Flint's], we didn't just turn up here in the '70s or the '60s."
“There was a point when the ruler of his country, ‘the Caesar,’ was an African man,” he continued. “The street names that tell you there were people who looked like us in this country even then, but for some reason, it seems to be very hard for people to swallow. And as you said, they are happy with a dragon flying. They’re happy with white hair and violet-colored eyes, but a rich Black guy? That’s beyond the pale.”
Toussaint talked with Shadow and Act about his character before the House of the Dragon premiere. He said that the decision to highlight his character’s culture via his hair was made early in the development process.
“That was a decision made very early on,” he said. “I think the most input that I had was probably the length, but we knew it was going to be locs, we knew it was going to be that. It’s the most natural thing, and it works in this world, this realm.”
He and his House of the Dragon acting partner Eve Best also talked about the relationship between Corlys and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen have.
“I think they work really well as a couple, but it is probably the healthiest and best relationship we see on the show. Certainly on this season anyway,” said Best. “In terms of a relationship that has lasted and is founded on good things like respect and love and listening, fighting but making it up, and growing together. And also being diverse, which is another wonderful aspect to it.”