Ewan Mitchell Says Playing Aemond Targaryen Has Fans Clearing a Path for Him

Ewan Mitchell says his portrayal of the intimidating Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon has changed the way fans react to him in real life.

Speaking to PEOPLE, the 29-year-old actor recalled a memorable airport experience during season 2, when he was racing to catch a flight. As fans recognized him, they simply stepped aside, allowing him to move through the terminal with ease.

"I had so little resistance because people would stop and stare as I was running past them," Mitchell joked, adding that whenever he needs to get somewhere quickly, he should "put Aemond's wig on."

Mitchell also addressed one of season 3's most controversial moments, in which Aemond kisses his mother, Alicent Targaryen, played by Olivia Cooke. Calling the scene "shocking," he said it reflects Aemond's warped understanding of love after growing up without the affection and emotional support he desperately needed.

"A kid needs that unconditional love to develop a balanced view of themselves," Mitchell explained. "Because he never had that, he's got a very skewed perception and a very strange way of showing love."

Cooke described filming the scene as "quite odd" and said Alicent is deeply unsettled by the encounter. She believes any sign of rejection could provoke Aemond, making the moment both disturbing and dangerous.

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.