Photo Credit:Hbo
Steven Toussaint, a star of the hit HBO series "House of the Dragon," is heading into season 2 with a much different feeling than he had for season1. While the prequel series to "Game of Thrones" has been praised for its epic story and dragons, Toussaint's casting as Lord Corlys Velaryon in season 1 was unfortunately marred by racist backlash.
However, that negativity seems to be a distant memory now. Toussaint reports being overwhelmed by the positive response to his performance andthe show's diverse cast. "The amount of people, not just people of color, who have contacted me to express their joy at seeing this representation has been incredible," he shared at a recent press conference.
This positive response is a welcome change from the racist abuse Toussaint received on social media after his casting was announced. The show's decision to portray House Velaryon as Black characters, a departure from the source material's descriptions, sparked controversy among some fans.
Showrunner Ryan Condal addressed this controversy in a previous interview, explaining that the lack of diversity in "Game of Thrones" was a factor in the decision to have a more inclusive cast in "House of the Dragon." "The world is a different place now," Condal said, emphasizing the importance of having a cast that reflects that reality.
Toussaint echoed this sentiment at the press conference, stating, "We live in a world where everyone deserves to be seen on screen. There will always be voices against that, but history is on the side of those who believe in representation."
With season 2 premiering on Max on June 16th, Toussaint is looking forward to continuing the story of House Targaryen and the Dance of the Dragons, surrounded by a cast and audience that celebrates inclusivity