House of the Dragon’s major Jace change from the book explained | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Viewers of House of the Dragon were confronted with several enormous twists in the Season 3 opener. Season 3 of the epic HBO fantasy drama has returned following a two-year absence – and the premiere of the new series certainly delivered. Alongside one particularly stomach-churning moment involving Aemond Targaryen (portrayed by Ewan Mitchell), the cinematic grandeur of the Battle of the Gullet had audiences applauding the drama’s comeback after a lacklustre Season 2, reports the Mirror.

However, heartbreaking tragedy struck in the new series as multiple characters met their demise, including Jason Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) and Shakaro Lohar (Abigail Thorn). Meanwhile, Corlys Velaryon’s (Steve Toussaint) prospects weren’t looking promising, but it was the demise of Jacaerys ‘Jace’ Velaryon (Harry Collett) that proved particularly devastating.

WARNING: This article contains major spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 1

In the television adaptation, Jace met his end after Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) attempted and failed to aid the Blacks when she brought the wild dragon Sheepstealer into combat.

Instead, she created havoc as the dragon refused to comply, nearly striking down Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia).

Rhaena and Sheepstealer’s arrival in the battle also forced Jace and his dragon Vermax to descend, ultimately resulting in the magnificent creature being pierced with an arrow attached to an anchor fired by Shakaro Lohar (Abigail Thorn). As Vermax and Jace plummeted rapidly downwards, both dragon and rider plunged into the sea.

Vermax met a tragic end, while Jace managed to break free, only to surface and be fatally struck by a volley of arrows fired by the Triarchy.

Yet in Fire and Blood, upon which House of the Dragon is based, Jace’s death unfolded under rather different circumstances — though the manner of his end remained broadly similar to the source material.

Jace had ventured to the Gullet in pursuit of his younger brothers Aegon and Viserys, who had been sailing to Pentos when their vessel was unexpectedly caught up in the conflict after encountering the Triarchy.

Jace had therefore ridden out to rescue his younger siblings, rather than seeking to prove his worth in battle, as the television series implied.

Furthermore, while Jace did indeed perish at the Battle of the Gullet, Rhaena played no part in his death in the original text.

Vermax flew too close to the fighting and was struck by what is believed to have been either a grapnel or a crossbow bolt, sending him crashing into the wreckage of a stricken vessel. Jace managed to break free, only to be cut down by arrows.

Both in the book and on screen, Jace’s death only strengthens Rhaenyra Targaryen’s (Emma D’Arcy) resolve to seize the Iron Throne.

Speaking to Esquire, actor Harry Collett reflected on his character’s fate: “There’s no way Jace couldn’t have died. He had to for the future of the realm. It changes Rhaenyra’s mindset, so it’s all a great sacrifice.”

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