'House of the Dragon' star Ewan Mitchell says fans literally move out of his way in public

Mitchell recalled an encounter at an airport, "I was in a rush, and people just stared and moved"

Ewan Mitchell has revealed that playing the fearsome Aemond Targaryen on House of the Dragon has had an unexpected effect on his real life, with fans admitting they are often intimidated by him before he even says a word.

Speaking exclusively to People, the 29-year-old actor joked that his ruthless on-screen persona has become so convincing that strangers sometimes physically move aside when they see him approaching.

"I've had people move out of the way for me," Mitchell said, recalling an encounter at an airport while House of the Dragon season 2 was airing. "I was in a rush, and people just stared and moved."

The actor laughed that if he ever needed to get somewhere quickly again, he might consider wearing Aemond's distinctive silver wig to speed things up.

Mitchell has portrayed Prince Aemond Targaryen since 2022, with the character becoming one of the most feared figures in the Game of Thrones prequel thanks to his ruthless ambition, icy demeanour and willingness to resort to violence.

Season 3 has pushed Aemond into even darker territory. One of the most talked-about moments came in the premiere, when Aemond shares an unsettling kiss with his mother, Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke.

Mitchell explained that the disturbing scene reflects Aemond's warped understanding of affection after growing up without genuine maternal love.

"He doesn't understand love in a healthy way," Mitchell said, suggesting that years of emotional neglect have left the prince unable to distinguish affection from control.

Cooke described the moment as deeply uncomfortable for Alicent, saying her character is increasingly frightened by her son's unpredictability and volatility.

Despite his character's terrifying reputation, Mitchell has repeatedly emphasised that he searches for the humanity beneath Aemond's brutality. Earlier this year, he described House of the Dragon as "a horror TV show, but the monsters are the human beings in it," arguing that the characters' emotional wounds are ultimately more frightening than the dragons themselves.

While fans may instinctively give Mitchell plenty of personal space, the actor appears to take the reaction in good humour. For now, it seems Aemond Targaryen's fearsome reputation extends well beyond the Seven Kingdoms, and into airports, city streets and everyday life.