'House of the Dragon' star Steve Toussaint responds after backlash from critics on his casting
Steve Toussaint is addressing critics who have commented about his casting in the new "House of the Dragon" series.
In an interview with Men's Health, Toussaint, who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon in the show, shut down critics who have suggested his casting doesn't match what is portrayed in author George R. R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" novel, which is what "House of the Dragon" is adapted from.
"So many people are basing their idea of the history of this country on a few films and stuff that were made in the '50s, '60s and '70s, which don't bear any resemblance to the truth," Toussaint said. "Historically, people of my hue and your hue, we didn't just turn up here in the '70s or the '60s. There was a point when the ruler of his country, 'the Caesar,' was an African man."
"There are street names that tell you there were people who looked like us in this country even then, but for some reason, it seems to be very hard for people to swallow," Toussaint added. "They are happy with a dragon flying. They're happy with white hair and violet-colored eyes, but a rich Black guy? That's beyond the pale."
Toussaint's character, Lord Corlys Velaryon, is portrayed as the head of House Velaryon and the richest man in Westeros, Toussaint explained in the interview. Toussaint said that in the show, his character is "trying to elevate his family, elevate his name" and that "ambition is his driving force for most of the season."
"House of the Dragon" premiered over the weekend and marked the largest series premiere in HBO history with nearly 10 million viewers, according to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Despite the criticism that Toussaint faced about his casting in the series, he said it's been "great" to know that there are people excited about the show.
"What has been wonderful is for every toxic person that has somehow found their way into my timeline, there have been so many others who have been so supportive and been like, 'Oh my God, I can't wait, this is going to be great!'" he said. "Even when we were doing certain scenes, there would be supporting artists who would come up and go, 'It's great to have this representation.'"
