House of the Dragon star Matthew Needham interviewed about the truth behind the scandalous foot scene

Dragons, disturbingly close family ties, intrigue, even more dragons and Matt Smith in several wigs: House of the Dragon is one of the most spectacular series experiences of the year. Season 1 of the long-awaited Game of Thrones spinoff has been available since December 20, 2022 finally without a streaming subscription as 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD* – each also in a Steelbook version *.

So the right time to talk to one of those involved. More precisely: Matthew Needham, British theater and television actor – and now as Larys Strong the most famous foot fetishist of Westeros. Larys is the right-hand man of Alicent Hightower, the woman who not only faces her childhood friend Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) in a quest for the Iron Throne, but must also contend with intrigues within her own family.

But what does Larys actually want? how did it go Film the most scandalous scene of the entire first season? And why does Needham think Larys doesn’t have a foot fetish at all? The actor reveals that and more in an interview. (Minor spoilers follow for House of the Dragon Season 1.)

Trauma and Control: Matthew Needham on the true goal of House of the Dragon’s most successful puppet master

Moviepilot: Game of Thrones is one of the greatest franchises of our time. Before you started filming House of the Dragon, did you feel pressure to live up to certain expectations?

Matthew Needham: Of course there was a lot of pressure. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t one. To follow in the footsteps of this massive show that is a) so fantastically done and b) so popular and critically acclaimed, such a cultural milestone… It’s insane. But everyone had to somehow pretend that wasn’t the case. If you keep that in mind, you can’t do anything.

Your character Larys is the most successful string puller of the first season. What do you think his goals are? What is he working towards?

I think Larys is just a real control freak. He has been treated his entire life as if he had no choice or power. Now he’s beginning to prove those people wrong. He’s all about gaining power and control, and he takes advantage of anyone who can help him along the way.

Is it exciting for you to play a character trying to move beyond his own trauma by trying to outdo those who have looked down on him?

Trauma is an interesting word that I would absolutely use here as well. I think this character has just that. Unfortunately, we have a few scenes not used, which show what exactly this trauma looks like. You could see how his environment treats him because he has a physical handicap. There are scenes in which he passes on his trauma to others.

He wants others – especially Alicent (Olivia Cooke) – to be as ashamed of their bodies as he is of his. I think he embodies one “I’ll take my revenge on the world” attitude. In my opinion, passing on your trauma to others is a very interesting goal.

‘Totally Wild’: Here’s what really happened behind the scenes of the most scandalous House of the Dragon scene

Interesting that you say Larys wants to make Alicent feel ashamed of her body. There’s this scene between him and her in episode 9 that almost blew up the internet. The foot scene.

The Fetish Scene!

I agree. What did you think when you read the script for the first time?

I thought that was absolutely wild. Can I swear at you? Yes? Because what I thought was: This is really fucked up. It’s funny how on this show the most perverted things become normal. Tuesday someone’s tongue gets cut out, Wednesday I make someone lose their eye, and on Friday the foot thing happens. It’s a strange job. Originally the scene was a lot more about control, but they cut out a few parts. But in this scene he is [um Kontrolle].

Alicent walked around barefoot in front of him for years, which I think Larys found quite offensive. She doesn’t do that anymore because he made her do this part of her body with something traumatic, something horrible. She’ll carry the residue of that shame with her even after he’s gone.

Many came to me and said: “I felt dirty after that scene.” That’s what he’s all about. I don’t think he has a foot fetish. [lacht] I know that sounds funny! but I don’t think feet excite him sexually. I think there is something more sinister behind it. It’s about making someone else feel like they’re worthless. Just like Larys feels himself.

An intimacy coordinator was hired for the Game of Thrones spinoff’s foot scene

Was it difficult to shoot the scene because there is so much going on beneath the surface?

The scene we shot was originally a little bit different. There was this great moment at the beginning where the two argue. A real conflict. It’s pretty clear that after that it’s all about taking back control. He’s been challenged and this is his way of putting them in their place. But I understand why they cut that. When it comes out of nowhere, it’s more shocking.

During the shooting, however, it was clearer to me what was actually happening. I could understand where these human behaviors came from, I could see how his mind worked. Even if it’s a pretty disturbed spirit. I could follow his thoughts. But yes, it was not a pleasant experience, even with a film partner as brilliant as Olivia. We had an intimacy coordinator that I spoke to on the phone prior to the shoot. Something terrible happens in this scene. It’s about sexual assault.

Did talking to the intimacy coordinator help you? There have been some discussions on the subject. Some actors felt they didn’t need it.

I have never been against intimacy coordinators. I’ve never really thought about it that much. More like this: Yes, it’s okay. They’re part of the industry. But then I had this conversation and when I put the phone down, felt such a relief. I didn’t even know how much I needed that. I felt empowered and well looked after. It’s great to have this opportunity.

Larys Strong’s violence is ‘expressionist’ for Matthew Needham

On the one hand, Larys seems to be very intelligent. On the other hand, he often acts very carelessly. Does that fit together for you? Is that his great weakness?

He seems very well planned, doesn’t he? And then he suddenly becomes expressionistic in his use of violence. A bit like punk rock. You’re right, that could mean his downfall. There’s this scene with Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) where Otto confronts him and says: “You work as a spy for my daughter.” And I answer, pretty much out of nowhere: “I could spy on her for you.”

That is a huge risk, after all Otto could say: “I’ll have you killed for that!” Also he’s taking big risks with Alicent – that pay off. But I have no idea how much longer he’ll have luck on his side.

Podcast: We talk about THE scandal scene in House of the Dragon

In our House of the Dragon spoiler talk this week, Matthias and Lisa discuss Episode 9 of Season 1: The Green Council. And there was from a tragic death to an even more tragic misunderstanding up to several moments of shock in King’s Landing so much to discuss.

What do you think: What’s next for Larys in Season 2 of House of the Dragon?