House of the Dragon star on Ormund Hightower's 'shameful act'

Grantchester and Happy Valley star James Norton has opened up about his role as Ormund Hightower in the Game of Thrones prequel

Neela Debnath Screen Time Reporter

13:04, 06 Jul 2026Updated 11:05, 07 Jul 2026

House of the Dragon returns in season three trailer

James Norton has opened about a shameful act on House of the Dragon Season 3.

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3 and Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin

The 40-year-old Grantchester star has joined the Game of Thrones prequel series for its latest outing, taking on the role of the villainous Ormund Hightower, who is a cousin to Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).

Speaking about his character in the latest edition of HBOs Inside the Episode for House of the Dragon, the Happy Valley actor teased his characters meeting with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) in episode 3.

Norton said: Ormund is a serious man. He puts a lot of emphasis on discipline and order. In comparison, Daemon is way more chaotic, unpredictable.

He went on to say about the scene, which saw Ormund placing his sword on the ground and pledging his featly to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma DArcy): Its the most shameful act to bend the knee. But, of course, hes a pragmatist and theres a biggest scheme at play.

[Two men square off in a field]

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Daemon Targaryen and Ormund Hightower in House of the Dragon(Image: COURTSEY OF HBO)

The star was referring to Ormunds betrayal when he sent a boy, whom he claimed was Daeron Hightower, off with Daemon to Kings Landing.

Ormunds deception was later uncovered when Rhaenrya unwittingly planned to send the fake Daeron to the Wall to stop him from trying to claim the Iron Throne.

Rhaenyra permitted Alicent to see her son one last time and it was then that the ruse was uncovered as Ormunds greater plan started to take shape.

Interestingly, a number of House of the Dragon fans have pointed out a possible plot hole in Ormunds ruse on YouTube, asking why Daerons dragon didnt go with the boy to Kings Landing.

Instead, Daerons dragon Tessarion, also known as the Blue Queen, was left behind with Ormund.

[A man in armour speaks]

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Ormund Hightower pledged his fealty to Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon(Image: COURTSEY OF HBO)

One person posted: So Daemon wouldnt tell fake Daeron to go get on his dragon and fly back with them? A. To see if Tessarion lets this kid on and B. To not leave the dragon with the hightowers [sic].

A second commented: hed risk tessarion burning some of them to death or fleeing perhaps. But overall I agree I wonderrd that aswell. But another counter argument: what good does the dragon do the hightowers without its rider and without anyone that could claim it [sic].

While a third commented: exactly his dragon would of followed if it truly was him.

As the teaser trailer for next weeks episode shows, Ormund takes Tumbleton as Rhaenyra is left reeling and reluctant to burn a town that raised its banners for her.

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Audiences will have to see how the storyline plays out in the HBO series, however, those looking to find out what becomes of Ormund can find answers in George R.R. Martins Fire & Blood, which serves as the source material for the hit series.

In the novel, Ormund perishes in battle, like some many characters are destined to in the Targaryen Civil War.

Given House of the Dragon has been diverging from the book, Ormunds fate could play out differently in the TV adaptation.

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House of the Dragon season 3 airs on Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO Max UK & Ireland on Mondays

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