Emma D'Arcy, acclaimed for their role as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, shares their unique journey from theater to television. They candidly discuss the challenges of being a gender non-conforming actor and the scrutiny that comes with fame. D'Arcy reflects on the emotional depth of their character, Rhaenyra, and how grief fuels her power dynamics. The conversation also veers into nostalgic film favorites, adding a humorous touch with personal anecdotes about unique finds. Their insights on balancing identity and artistry make for a captivating listen.
Emma D'Arcy's return to theater after their 'House of the Dragon' fame brought both empowerment and anxiety, reshaping their performance experience.
Navigating their identity as a gender non-conforming actor in a conservative industry, D'Arcy seeks to blend personal expression with artistic collaboration.
Deep dives
Bluehost and U.S. Cellular Advertising
The podcast opens with a promotion for Bluehost, highlighting its AI design tool that swiftly creates high-quality WordPress sites. This tool is particularly beneficial for bloggers, influencers, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their online presence, offering built-in marketing and e-commerce capabilities. Additionally, Bluehost promises excellent uptime and round-the-clock security to ensure users stay online. The advertisement is supplemented by a mention of U.S. Cellular, promoting a deal for a free Samsung Galaxy A15 5G phone with no hidden fees, thanks to their nationwide 5G coverage.
Emma Darcy's Journey into Acting
Emma Darcy shares a compelling insight into their acting journey, revealing a recent return to theater after a lengthy break, just before gaining fame on 'House of the Dragon.' Returning to stage work was both rewarding and daunting, as it evoked feelings of fear and anxiety that had backfired during earlier experiences. Darcy discusses how their heightened visibility since starring in the series has changed the context in which they perform, introducing a new level of pressure and expectation from audiences. Despite the anxiety, Darcy finds empowerment in the intimate connection that forms between an actor and their audience on stage.
The Blend of Personal Life and Acting
Reflecting on their upbringing, Darcy emphasizes the significant role that their parents played in fostering a love for the arts, particularly through exposure to science fiction films. This cultural background fostered a collaborative spirit in Darcy, who discovered their passion for collective artistic creation during art school. Despite initially feeling disconnected personally during high school, Darcy draws strength from shared creative experiences, further leading to a career rich in collaboration. The discussion reveals how Darcy navigates their identity as a gender non-conforming actor in a conservative industry, eventually finding a means to combine personal expression with their acting.
Preparing for the Next Season of House of the Dragon
As preparations for the second season of 'House of the Dragon' begin, Darcy discusses the transition into Rhaenyra's character after some time away from filming. They share how vibrant experiences and past grief influence their portrayal of Rhaenyra, especially as she confronts loss and power dynamics within the narrative. Notably, Darcy wishes to explore a more assertive side of Rhaenyra, particularly as her position in the storyline evolves toward claiming agency over her destiny. The conversation also touches on the excitement of gaining creative input in Rhaenyra's arc, including a humorous request for a sword, symbolizing empowerment and confrontation in future episodes.
Emma D'Arcy was a revelation to many for their performance in HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. And now in their first podcast chat ever(!) Emma opens about their journey from theater to the absolute center of culture, navigating being a gender non-conforming actor, and why all they want is a sword next season!