Steve Toussaint Opens Up About Corlys Velaryon and What Lies Ahead in House of the Dragon Season 3

When the credits rolled on the final episode of House of the Dragon season 2, fans scrambled for clues about what the next chapter might bring. A few weeks later, HBO finally gave us a little something to chew on: an interview with Steve Toussaint, the commanding actor who gives life to Corlys Velaryon, the so‑called Sea Snake.

“I didn’t just get a script; I got a whole maritime history in my hands,” Toussaint chuckles, his voice still echoing the gravitas he brings to the council chambers of King’s Landing. He admits that the first time he read Corlys’s back‑story, he felt a tug—almost literal—of the sea, a pull that made the role feel almost predetermined. “There’s a weight to being the most powerful sea‑lord in the Seven Kingdoms. It’s not just about the ships, it’s about the legacy that sails with every hull.”

Season 3, he explains, will test Corlys in ways that go beyond politics. “We’re talking about age, about the fatigue that comes after a lifetime of conquest,” he says, pausing as if weighing each word. The actor hints at a storyline that will explore the veteran’s vulnerability, a side fans have barely glimpsed. “You’ll see a Corlys who’s still fierce, but also more reflective—like a captain looking at the horizon, wondering if the voyage is over.”

Of course, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is whether Corlys will live to see the dragon wars unfold. Toussaint, leaning back, offers a half‑smile. “I’m not here to spoil anything. But let’s just say that the sea and the sky have a way of intersecting, and sometimes that creates a beautiful mess.” He adds that the writers have given him a “golden arc” that respects the character’s importance while allowing room for growth—or perhaps, a dignified end.

On the practical side of filming, Toussaint shares a behind‑the‑scenes tidbit that fans will love: the massive ship set was built in Belfast, and the salty air was so real that the crew often had to wipe away actual sea spray from their costumes. “We spent days just walking the deck, trying to feel the sway of the boat,” he says, eyes twinkling. “There were moments when a sudden gust would make my hat fly off, and I’d just laugh with the crew. Those little imperfections made the whole thing feel… alive.”

When asked about the dynamics between Corlys and Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy, Toussaint gets thoughtful. “Their relationship is a dance of power and affection, layered with history. Corlys admires her ambition, but he also knows the cost of chasing a crown. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect, not just convenience.” He adds that their chemistry on set grew as the seasons progressed, mirroring the characters’ deepening bond.

Fans have also speculated about the Sea Snake’s rumored connection to the Iron Islands. “There’s definitely a thread that will tie Corlys to the iron‑born in season 3,” Toussaint hints, raising an eyebrow. “It’s a reminder that the seas of Westeros are bigger than any single house, and alliances shift like tides.”

Perhaps the most surprising revelation is the actor’s personal connection to the role. Having grown up near the coast in London, Toussaint says he spent countless evenings listening to the tide. “That childhood fascination with water made Corlys feel like a part of me. I think that’s why the audience can sense the authenticity when I step into his boots.”

As the interview draws to a close, Toussaint drops one final tease: a new dragon‑related plot line that will force Corlys to make a choice no captain would love. “Imagine a dragon that isn’t just fire‑breathing, but also a beacon for sailors. It could change everything—trade routes, power balances, even the way we think about the sea itself.” He leans forward, eyes alight. “I can’t wait for fans to see how that plays out.”

So, what does all this mean for the upcoming season? While we can’t claim to have the full map, it’s clear that Steve Toussaint is set on delivering a Corlys who’s both a legend and a man feeling the wear of his own saga. And if the past two seasons have taught us anything, it’s that House of the Dragon never shies away from mixing awe‑inspiring spectacle with intimate character moments. The Sea Snake is gearing up for one more epic wave—stay tuned.