Steve Toussaint Talks Corlys Velaryon and What’s Next for “House of the Dragon” Season 3

When you think of the iron‑clad, swagger‑filled sea‑lord who commands the Golden Company of ships, the face that pops up is Steve Toussaint’s. The actor, who brings Corlys Velaryon to life on HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” sat down for a candid interview that felt more like a fireside chat than a promo run‑through.

First off, Toussaint confessed that the role has been a surprise party he never saw coming. “I grew up watching the original “Game of Thrones,” but Corlys was a name I’d only heard whispered in the books. When the casting call landed on my desk, I thought, ‘This could be the big‑ticket ride.’” He laughed, then added that the character’s blend of ruthlessness and romance reminded him of a historical figure he’d once read about—a 16th‑century admiral whose ambition was matched only by his love of fine wine.

The actor’s excitement isn’t just about the flashier moments—those huge battle set‑pieces and dragon‑filled skies. It’s the quieter, often overlooked, threads that intrigue him most. “Corlys is a man who wears his scars on his sleeve, but he also hides a lot under that polished exterior,” Toussaint explained. “Season 2 gave us a glimpse of his vulnerability, especially in his relationship with his wife Rhaenys. I think Season 3 will push those emotional stakes even further.”

Speaking of Rhaenys—played brilliantly by Millicent Simmonds—the two actors have forged a friendship off‑screen that mirrors their on‑screen chemistry. Toussaint recounted a moment on set where they improvised a joke about navigating the “dragon‑infested waters” of their fictional world. “Those little improvisations help keep the characters feeling alive,” he said, shrugging with a grin.

What about the big picture? The actor hinted that the upcoming season will weave Corlys deeper into the political tapestry of Westeros. “There’s a sense that the seas will start to echo the turmoil on land,” he mused. “We’re talking trade routes, secret alliances, and, of course, the inevitable clash with the Targaryens.” He refused to spill any plot specifics—only that fans should brace for “some unexpected loyalties and betrayals.”

Fans have been buzzing about the infamous “King’s Landing Siege” rumored to be in the works. Toussaint nodded, noting that the production has already begun scouting coastal locations that could double for a war‑torn harbor. “The scale is massive, and the practical effects are insane,” he admitted. “I’ve never seen a set where they built a full‑size ship’s hull that actually floats. It’s wild.”

Beyond the spectacle, the actor touched on the emotional weight of playing a man who is, in many ways, a father figure to the younger cast. “I think of Corlys as a mentor, not just to his own children, but to anyone who looks up to the sea for answers,” he said. “That responsibility shapes how I approach every scene—whether it’s a heated council meeting or a quiet moment staring at the horizon.”

When asked about his own process, Toussaint revealed a surprising ritual: listening to old sea shanties while rehearsing lines. “There’s something about the rhythm of a shanty that reminds you of the tide’s push and pull. It puts you in the right headspace.” He also mentioned that reading more maritime history helped him find nuances in Corlys’s speech—something fans might pick up on if they listen closely.

Looking ahead, the actor is optimistic about the show’s direction. “HBO is giving us the freedom to explore the grey areas, the moral ambiguities,” he said. “It’s not just about who sits on the iron throne; it’s about who controls the seas, the trade routes, the secrets hidden in the deep.” He concluded with a promise that viewers will see a “new, darker side” to Corlys, one that feels both inevitable and shocking.

So, whether you’re a die‑hard “Game of Thrones” aficionado or a newcomer curious about the dragon‑filled skies, keep an eye on Steve Toussaint’s performance. As he put it, “The dragon may roar, but the wave always follows.”