Milly Alcock: 'High-Up' Official Suggested Acting Coach on House of the Dragon Set

Milly Alcock, the Australian actress who captivated audiences as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen in the Game of Thrones spinoff, House of the Dragon, faced a challenging start to her role. Alcock revealed that on her second day on set, someone in a high-ranking position suggested she receive acting coaching. "On my second day on House of the Dragon, one of the, I’m not gonna say who, but someone very high up, pulled me aside and was like, 'Um, we’re gonna get you an acting coach,'" she shared during an appearance on The Tonight Show. Alcock admitted she was "mortified" by the suggestion.

Reflecting on the incident with humor, the Critics Choice award nominee expressed how the experience humbled her. "It just confirmed everything that I’ve kind of known to be true, [which] is that I’m not very good at my job," she quipped, adding, "You know what I mean! I was like, 'I can’t do this. This is terrible. This is a big mistake.'" Despite her initial self-doubt, Alcock's portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter and heir of King Viserys I Targaryen, has been a series regular in Season 1 and a guest star in Season 2, which explores the decline of the House Targaryen. The role of the adult Rhaenyra is played by Emma D’Arcy, who depicts her transformation into Queen.

The series, which debuted in August 2022—three years after the final episode of the original Game of Thrones—was a swift success. House of the Dragon was renewed for a second season shortly after its premiere and secured a third season in June 2024, even before Season 2 aired. The show's acclaim culminated in winning a Golden Globe for Best Television Series — Drama.

Looking ahead, Alcock is set to take on the role of Kara Zor-El / Supergirl in the upcoming Superman film this summer, followed by Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow next year. While Season 3 of House of the Dragon is confirmed, an official release date has yet to be announced.