'House of the Dragon’s' Phia Saban reflects on Helaena’s finale and Dreamfyre moment

Phia Saban has reflected on Helaena Targaryen’s major moments in the House of the Dragon season three finale, including her character’s death and finally riding Dreamfyre.

Helaena dies after jumping from a window in the Red Keep while pregnant with her unborn son. Saban said she knew the character’s fate was approaching after receiving an official call from showrunner Ryan Condal.

"I feel quite honored to die on TV in this universe," Saban said. "So it's a bit of a bucket list."

The actress explained that she viewed Helaena’s decision as the result of events building throughout the season rather than one specific moment. She also discussed the tapestry Helaena creates, which becomes part of the show’s opening title sequence.

Saban said the embroidery represented Helaena gaining greater clarity and confidence before her death, adding that the character’s increasing understanding of herself influenced her performance.

The actress also spoke about filming Helaena’s Dreamfyre sequence, which required her to work on the production’s mechanical buck.

Saban said she had previously visited the sound stage while other actors filmed dragon-riding scenes and had hoped to experience it herself.

"I couldn't have died in the House of the Dragon and not got on my dragon," she said. "I got to do so many cool bucket-list things this season. The dragon, dying, the prosthetics. Creatively, I just feel so grateful that they afforded me those opportunities, because they didn't have to do that. I do think it was an act of love and kindness that they put me on my dragon."

"I was given my embroidery. It's as big as my arm span, and it's absolutely beautiful," she said. "It tells the story of the season a little bit, and it ends with me falling to my death. I treasure it. That was the kindest thing they could have done. That will be pried out of my cold, dead hands."

Saban also acknowledged that Helaena’s story differs from Fire & Blood, saying the book was most useful when she was initially developing the character.