House Of The Dragon’s Bethany Antonia on Forming Allegiances, Wielding Crossbows and Coming Out
Words: Sihaam Naik
House of the Dragon is back on our screens this summer, boasting a sprawling season full of drama, blood, guts and dragons’ breath. The crux of the new series lies in the complex web of lies and allegiances across our favourite group of blonde inbreeders, the Targaryeans. It’s especially interesting to chart their growth since last season’s finale, where revenge and destruction seem to be the theme this season. Despite the chaos, one character is already making waves as the fierce and unyielding Lady Baela Targaryen: Bethany Antonia.
You might recognise her from her roles on hit television shows like Get Even and Stay Close and now, the Game of Thrones spin-off series. With her characteristic shock of grey curls, cross-bow and disdain for her father, Daemon Targaryen, Baela is set up for a strong season.
When it comes to embodying a Targaryen, Bethany doesn’t just dip her toes into the source material—she dives in headfirst. To prepare for her role as Baela, she devoured George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and Fire & Blood with an insatiable appetite. “I read all of Martin’s work, front to back, inside out,” she confessed to me over video call, a month after joining us in the studio for an editorial day. “I tried to find as much as I could from Martin’s point of view, how he thought about the world and how he would have wanted to portray it.”
Dress: House of Bazaare | Earrings: Aloe
And it shows. “Team Black until the day I die,” Bethany declares without hesitation when asked about her stance in the show’s central conflict. It’s clear she’s fully invested in Baela’s journey, and the power struggles that come with it after her extensive research. And who can blame her? Playing a Targaryen is no small feat, but Bethany wears it like a crown. Her connection to Baela goes beyond the surface. “I would say that her stubbornness is quite close to my own,” she admits with a laugh. “ I think I’m more like that than I would admit.”
“I found it incredible how many people showed up and turned out. What really was beautiful was how many people came with the book in their hand and wanted people to sign it.”
Shirt: JUNNA | Skirt: Bazaare
Baela’s dragon, Moondancer, also makes a debut in the second season, as eagle-eyed fans might have surmised from the trailers and teasers for this season. And if you thought riding a dragon was tough, try mastering the crossbow. Bethany spent months training with the weapon to ensure her performance was spot-on. “Most of the training for me this season was actually with how to use the crossbow,” she explains. “They involved me from when it was being made to when we used it, so I knew all the different components and parts.” By the end of it, Bethany laughs, “I was pretty good with a crossbow.” We’ve seen snippets of Baela hoisting the crossbow on her shoulder and taking aim, each more impressive than the rest.
When discussing her time filming in Wales, Bethany lights up, describing it as a “six-week holiday with your best mates.” When they weren’t filming, the cast was hiking in Snowdonia, hosting barbecues, and generally having a blast. “We had the most amazing time this season,” she adds. “A lot of my favourite memories came when we got to leave the studio and go out on location. We just had so much fun. It was like being on vacation and getting to do this amazing show simultaneously.” The camaraderie fostered off-screen translated into their on-screen performances, creating a solid bond among the characters.
Interestingly, the supposed rivalry between the Blacks (Targaryeans) and Greens (Hightowers) doesn’t carry over off-screen. “Funnily enough, we don’t spend all that much time with the other side of the family,” Bethany reveals. “The Blacks and Greens never really integrate. People think we’re always hanging out, but we genuinely don’t see each other.” Only during press tours and promotional events do the cast members from opposing sides reconnect, creating an intriguing parallel to their on-screen personas.
Bethany recently made headlines for her graceful response to an online troll, casually coming out as gay in the process. “Everyone in my life has always known I’m gay,” she explains. “It’s just another part of my life that I’m equally proud of being a Black woman. So it was more of a hit back to say to the people, ‘Well, there’s another part of me that they’re going to hate.’” Her candid approach to social media is refreshing, turning a negative experience into a moment of empowerment. “It’s really important to remember that social media is for connecting with your actual friends and family, the people that love you.”
Shirt: Two Point Two | Skirt: Celine Kwan
Fans have responded positively to Bethany’s portrayal of Baela, particularly enjoying her interactions during public events. “We got to go to New York for the premiere, and that was my first experience of being around fans,” she recalls. “I found it incredible how many people showed up and turned out. What really was beautiful was how many people came with the book in their hand and wanted people to sign it.”
With her stint on "House of the Dragon" wrapped, Bethany is setting her sights on the stage. “I’m hoping to do a play in London in the next few months,” she reveals. “I want to do something where people can see me live in my hometown.”
Bethany Antonia is more than just the latest Targaryen to join the fray; she’s a force to be reckoned with. With her unwavering dedication, genuine talent, and infectious enthusiasm, she’s set to blaze a trail through Westeros and beyond. As Bethany continues to break barriers and set new standards, she remains a shining example of what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and a little dragon fire.
Photography and Creative Direction: Charlotte Amy Landrum | Makeup: Grace Ellington | Styling: Mia Maxwell | Hair: Sharon Robinson
