House of the Dragon S2 will debut on HBO June 16th.

INTERVIEW VIOLETA NICOLA

Some individuals possess a unique ability to breathe life into characters, transporting audiences into worlds both real and imagined. Bethany Antonia possesses this talent, weaving her way through diverse narratives with grace and passion. From her breakout role as Margot in the hit Netflix series Get Even to her portrayal of Poppy alongside Helena Bonham Carter in Nolly, and her recent venture into the iconic world of House of the Dragon, the prequel to the global phenomenon Game of Thrones, Bethany's versatility as an actress knows no bounds. With each role she undertakes, she immerses herself in the intricacies of her characters, infusing them with layers of depth, nuance, and relatability.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Bethany is a staunch advocate for equality and LGBTQ+ rights, lending her voice to champion important causes on and off the screen. Her passion extends beyond the entertainment business, reflecting a commitment to fostering inclusivity and social progress. As her star continues to ascend, Bethany Antonia reveals the transformative power of storytelling, inspiring audiences and fellow creatives alike to embrace empathy and the relentless pursuit of their passions.

Violeta Nicola __ Throughout your career, you have had the opportunity to tell some interesting stories. How did you become involved with the acting world?

Bethany Antonia __ I began my journey in acting at the age of 14 through a television workshop in my hometown of Birmingham, England. This workshop served as a launching pad for young actors, offering opportunities for improv, short films, plays, and poetry. Local casting calls frequently visited the workshop, providing a platform for aspiring talents. It was during one of these sessions that I landed a role in a short film, an experience that ignited my passion for acting. I vividly recall loving it so much and deciding that I wanted to pursue acting as a career. From there, I got an agent and started working. That was over a decade ago. Acting resonated with me instantly, and I knew from the outset that it was my calling.

VN __ You recently starred alongside Helena Bonham Carter in Nolly as Poppy, a character introduced by the screenwriters into a real-life narrative. How did you navigate the blend of fiction and reality?

BA __ Although my character was fictional, it's worth noting that during the era of Crossroads, there was a groundbreaking introduction of the first Black character in British soap operas. So, while Poppy was a creation of the screenwriters, her inclusion in the narrative was inspired by factual events. Delving into discussions with the screenwriters about the historical context made me understand how significant this event was at the time. Crossroads held immense cultural importance, akin to today's Coronation Street, and the introduction of a Black character was a monumental moment in television history. By incorporating this aspect into Poppy's character, I aimed to convey to viewers the importance of this milestone in television representation.

VN __ How did your parents react when they saw you in this role considering they must have watched the soap back in the day?

BA __ My mom absolutely loved it. It's such a unique opportunity to be part of a retelling of something my parents actually witnessed in their youth. It was incredibly special for them to relive that experience through my role.

VN __ Fans will see more of you playing Baela Targaryen in the second season of House of the Dragon. Can you disclose anything about your character?

BA __ If they were eagle eyed, they might have noticed in the trailer that this season I got to do some dragon riding scenes. They'll get to meet Moondancer, my character's dragon companion, since it was a hatchling. I know fans are eagerly anticipating the introduction of the new dragon, so that's going to be really cool. Actually, "riding" the dragon was perhaps the most exciting experience I've ever had on set. Picture this: you're on a massive stage, suspended in the air on a floating saddle, learning how to maneuver obviously without the actual presence of the dragon. However, the production team provided detailed visualizations of the scene, so I could clearly understand my character's direction and interactions. I'm incredibly grateful to have worked with such a talented stunt team who taught me how to “move with the dragon.”

VN __ Can we expect any differences from the book in regards to your character this season?

BA __ While the overall storyline remains largely consistent, the showrunners have executed a brilliant adaptation by involving the children of the dance much earlier. For example, my character doesn't get involved in the Dance of the Dragons until later in the books. In the books, Baela [Targaryen] is kind of hiding out at Dragonstone and things are happening around her. In the show, however, the screenwriters had the children involved from the start, with the onset of war prompting the children to prepare for battle right from the beginning. This early involvement allows for new narrative avenues, enabling the incorporation of the characters into scenarios not found in the original books. It's an exciting development that expands our characters' roles beyond the material in the books.

VN __ Which element of the show do you think doesn't receive as much recognition but significantly aids you in getting into character?

BA __ For me, it's always the costumes and the set that truly immerse me into character. The level of detail in the House of the Dragon sets is astounding. What viewers see on screen is just a fraction of the intricate world created behind the scenes. Each set is perfectly constructed, with every room built at a complete 360-degree angle because no one knows what the director will choose to do on the day. Thus, the entire environment needs to be ready to accommodate any changes to the script. It's awe-inspiring to witness how these sets form complete universes for the characters to inhabit. In one scene this season set in the library, I got to go through shelves filled with Targaryen and Valyrian books. The magnitude of detail left me speechless. I remember thinking: “This is unbelievable. These people are incredible!”

VN __ Being involved in a project of this magnitude must be an extraordinary experience. Could you share with us some of your fondest memories from the set during this season?

BA __ Honestly, I have so many, so I’ll try to give the highlights. One standout moment was when we traveled to Snowdonia to film on location. Because we spent most of the year in the studio, venturing out felt like a holiday for the entire crew. One day, Phoebe, who portrays Raina, Harry, who plays Jace, and I hiked up this huge mountain and saw the whole of Snowdonia. At that moment, it dawned on me how we were creating something truly magical. Being with them, just as friends, outside of our characters, made me realize how fortunate we are to be part of this journey. Then there was a moment on set when I was presented with my character's weapon, the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. It was a thrilling experience and stands out as one of the coolest days I've had on set.

VN __ Since you've mentioned the incredible experience of filming on location, what would be your dream filming locations for a movie or a show?

BA __ I am dying to work in South Africa. The landscapes there are simply breathtaking, and I can imagine it would be an incredible experience to explore them with my castmates on our days off. Additionally, Australia and New Zealand are on my list. These locations feel like a world away from England, both in distance and from the gloomy. And then there's Jamaica, which is where my family and I are from. Working there would be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my roots and immerse myself in the rich culture and beauty of the island.

VN __ You’ve been in a range of different projects over the years. What draws you to a project when you read a script?

BA __ I'm always eager to portray characters who are as far away from myself as possible, ones that stretch my boundaries and challenge my perceptions. The more outrageous and character-driven the role, the better. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to play such diverse characters throughout my career, and I hope that I keep doing that as time goes on.

VN __ Seeing there are so many book-to-series adaptations, is there a book you’d like to be brought up on screen and be a part of?

BA __ That's a great question. Recently, I read an incredible book titled While I Was Sleeping by Danny Atkins. It follows the journey of a woman who falls into a coma, only to awaken and find her life has moved forward without her. I would love to portray the lead character in a film adaptation of the story. Hopefully, in the future, I'll be able to look back on this interview and see that I've manifested that dream into reality.

VN__ Let’s send it out to the Universe and let it do its thing. Continuing with messages to the Universe, are there any specific artists or fellow creatives you would love to work with?

BA __ I'd love to work with the talented director Amara Sante, who is the first Black British woman to get a second feature film made in the UK. Working with her would be a dream come true. She's definitely at the top of my list of directors I aspire to work with.

VN __ Looking ahead, what personal goals have you set for yourself?

BA __ I'd like to immerse myself in the world of theater. Despite enjoying a fulfilling journey on screen, I’d love the opportunity to make my bones acting in one or more plays. Whether it's in the UK or the US, what matters most to me is the quality of the story.

VN __ Are there any particular causes that hold a special place in your heart, ones you aspire to raise more awareness for in the future?

BA __ I'm proud to serve as a patron for both the Vegan Society and the Blue Cross charity. As a passionate animal advocate, supporting these organizations aligns perfectly with my values. Additionally, I'm grateful for the invaluable support I've received from Diva magazine, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ publications. They have served as a huge source of help for me over the years, so I would love to give them a big shout-out.

Photography David Reiss, Styling Kayleigh Swan, Makeup Francesca Brazzo (The Wall Group), Hair Lorraine Dublin (7even Management), Interview Violeta Nicola, Production David Gargiulo, Talent Bethany Antonia (AM PR Group)